Fisheye Adapter??

[alexecho]

Has anyone ever used a fisheye adapter on a lens? I very occasionally think a fisheye lens would be useful but have no real desire to spend several hundred on acquiring something I'd use once a year, maybe. Especially as I only have an entry level D-SLR and expect that the results from even a high quality lens would be limited. I've spent a bit of time googling, but can't see a site which is comparing the results of the real thing with an adapter. I don't want/need really high quality, but then at the same time, I'd want to know what I was getting, so I wasn't disappointed. Any info/pointers to info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.

 

[swiftparkour94]

If you don't mind vignetting with a short focal length then go for it but I recommend looking for off brand ones and reading the reviews. If vignetting is an issue, then have you ever considered a wide angle converter? Most of them vignette a bit but I found one online on eBay that I can not find anywhere else that doesn't vignette at 18mm and fits 58mm thread sizes. I forgot the name but to find it you have to type it word for word, I think it ships from Hong Kong. I saw a video review of it and the results are absolutely outstanding! If 58mm isn't the right thread size for you then maybe use a step-up ring. Oh, and I'm just throwing this out there...buy a GoPro if you want simple fisheye shots. I have one that I mainly do first-person parkour videos with or swim with, it's fun for around $300 depending on which one you get

 

[panblue]

You get what you pay for. F/E adaptors are generally rubbish IQ. I've had several and they were all crap. Often labelled 'Super Pro HD' on the barrel Unless you spot one cheap cheap! I wouldn't bother!

 

[panblue]

Fun to use for a few days, not much else IMV.
You could rent a decent F/E once in a while and do a lot better.

 

[Light Guru]

Since your not planning on using it more then once or twice a year I would say just rent a proper fish eye lens.

 

[panblue]

Incidentally, if you want to try some DIY ultrawides, you can stitch
a few together. Google: microsoft ice, for the download link.

 

[Derrel]

I used a screw-on fisheye adapter years ago....it gave a very wide, round view....Utter crap,optically, but MAN, did it ever cram in a wide,wide,wide angle of view...

 

[MLeeK]

They aren't great quality, but they can be a lot of fun! For the $30 or so bucks? It's worth buying for a little fun. You'd blow more on going to the movies-and you can't use that more than once!

 

[alexecho]

Thanks for the answers. I'll certainly look at Microsoft Ice - it could be a much more efficient end result for how rare I want it. Then again, as MLeaK says, could be good for a bit of fun...