Fisheye Lens Definition

Circular Fisheye

• Circular-fisheye photoImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jelene Morris
  
  A photo shot with a circular fisheye lens results in a complete picture circle surrounded by black on all sides. Editing software can be used to crop the image into a more traditional format.
  
  

Full-frame Fisheye

• Full-frame fisheye photoImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ville Miettinen
  
  Full-frame fisheyes capture an image that is larger than the camera's sensor. Photos shot with this type of fisheye lens have the more-conventional rectangular appearance.
  
  

Depth of Field

• Extreme depth of fieldImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ville Miettinen
  
  Fisheye lenses have a very short focal length. Combined use with a small f-stop (f22, for example) will yield incredible depth of field, so everything in the photo will be in sharp focus.
  
  

Distortion

• Maximum distortionImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ferm¨ªn R.F.
  
  The closer you place your camera to the horizon, the less distortion will occur. If distortion is your goal, then hold your camera above your head or shoot from a very low position looking up.
  
  

Use Sparingly

• Not for everyday useImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Dooley
  
  According to photographer and author Scott Kelby, a fisheye is a "special-effects lens that you will want to use sparingly, because the fisheye look can get old fast if you use it too much."
  
  

Have Fun

• A distinctive photoImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Aitor Escauriaza
  
  A fisheye lens will allow you to shoot distinctive photos. Let your imagination run wild.