A fisheye lens
A fisheye lens with its extreme wide angle can capture a 180-degree horizon, resulting in a photo with a unique view. There are two types of fisheye lenses--circular and full-frame.
Circular Fisheye
Circular-fisheye photo
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 photo
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 field
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 distortion
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 use
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 photo
A fisheye lens will allow you to shoot distinctive photos. Let your imagination run wild.
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