Fisheye for photographing

After Sigma Fisheye 4 / 8mm (image circle to fit long side, distinct color edges that need to be counted out) I wanted a better or else Fisheye. The choice was between the improved Sigma Fisheye 3.5 / 8mm Fisheye and the universal Canon 4 / 8-15mm. But I decided to try once the Walimex fisheye.

I had noticed Walimex images at the post on the Internet, that in the corners no compression can be seen. First test photos of Walimex Fish Eyes on the Canon EOS 550D were in the corners a flattening of only 5: 6 (at the usual Equisolid Fisheyes it is 1: 2). There are two reasons: First, the opening angle with roughly estimated 166 ° (crop factor 1.6) is lower. But that's not important. The second reason is the advantageous mapping function between equidistant and conformal. Also, the color error are quantitatively much lower, than with the old Sigma 4/8. These characteristics make it possible to take the images as they are. The Walimex is a fisheye photograph and not to Convert (Converting was consistently practiced at Sigma 4 / 8mm).

The Walimex has no electrical connections. My EOS 550D interprets this as Aperture 1.0. The measuring system uses a correction that would vote at a real 1.0 aperture, but results in the real aperture of 3.5 ... 22 to incorrect exposure. Exposure compensation is default to -1, and set the program setting on Av. When switching to a different lens to correct the program setting is to remove and possibly. To change. When replacing the Walimex must be submitted again to -1 and Av. The EOS 550D exposed in the setting Av through time and ISO control. One should check the image and reshoot if necessary with a different setting (aperture / correction factor). Here I have to gain experience.

Furthermore, the distance must be set manually, the camera in this objective the achievement of sharpness not signaled. Due to the high depth of focus, it is sufficient to adjust the estimated distance. So you have all previously must always take pictures. By closing the aperture and the viewfinder will be darker. A series of tests with the Aperture 3.5, 8 and 22 resulted in Aperture 3.5 dark border areas and at f 22 a darker image.

In video mode is warned that any appearance is scheduled. After pressing the record button opens the mirror and after a second operation will start recording - you have to press once more.

Summary:

The Walimex-Fisheye delivers good pictures without Quetscheffekte. On the optics everything is set manually. The automatic exposure works with slight variations.
The Walimex like me and I'll keep it (the other Fisheyes can wait).

One month later:

Amazon says "- not suitable for full format cameras". On the back of the optical lens system is always behind the bayonet edge and can be easily recognized even at full frame cameras. I test the Walimex Fisheye on my discarded EOS 30 (35 mm film = fullscreen). I see in the viewfinder a rectangular area of ​​about 80% of the viewfinder image height. Over and above I see the inside of the visor (not removable). When using a full frame camera, the image would have to be circumcised, so that about 60% of the image or megapixels remain. The diagonal field of view within the usable range is about 180 °. The already small flattening is in the corners not stronger, than before the EOS 550D - they seem to remain constant from the half deflection.

I have an idea: The EOS 1D Mark IV is with a crop factor of 1.3 between full-frame and APS-C format widespread. Thus, the image field of the lens and the camera sensor would best fit each other. Can the test times someone?

Two and a half months later and a holiday:

Exposure compensation is camera and aperture and exposure mode dependent. The discarded EOS 30 requires at least 2 stages overexposure (only to +2 adjustable). The EOS 550D needs in live and video mode (folded-up mirror, measurement via image sensor) no correction. But in standard measurement (mirror folded down, measurement via built-Metering System) is the setting Av necessary (P leads to incorrect exposures) and requires exposure compensation - at f 3.5 ... 8 to -1 (one step underexposure) at f 16 -0.5, at aperture 22 no correction. I have often photographed with the aperture 5.6 and 8. Sometimes when changing lenses to switch the setting has been forgotten. You have damned careful.

Three years later (June 2014):

For three years I was the Walimex Fish eye accompanied faithfully and I have therefore made 1800 pictures. If I had no desire to manual operation, I have again resorted to the previously managed Sigma Fisheye 4 / 8mm and despite the Walimex Fish eye made even 400 pictures, with an upward trend from year to year. It's pleasant, if you do not always have to intervene individually correcting. Sometime I was ready and got the Canon Fisheye 4 / 8-15mm bought and no longer use the other fisheye.
Those who do not want to spend so much money, not too many fisheye images makes and likes to play with the art will be well served with the Walimex Fish eye.