Just Upgraded

[fullmoontexas.com]

Hi,

I run a website called www.VirtualBigBend.com. I have been using a Canon G2 and just upgraded to a Digital Rebel. So far, I love it! I was just wondering if anyone out there has any experience with immersive imaging, like what is on my site, with the Digital Rebel. I've had to modify my panorama head and although I'm still using my Raynox Fisheye Adapter, I am thinking of getting rid of that and using the 15mm fisheye from Canon or Sigma. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions about these two lenses?

Thanks a bunch!

David
owner/creator of www.VirtualBigBend.com

[James01]

Cool site :)

Oh sorry no idea on the lens tho...

[arthurb]

The thing to keep in mind is the 1.6 multipler on the Digital Rebel.

That would make the 15mm lens seem like a 24mm lens.

If you purchased the DR with the kit lens, it is an 18 mm lens, so all that you would gain with the 15mm is 4 mm.

I don't think that you will notice much difference.

I like your site, great photos!

[defordphoto]

Cool site David. Very impressive. You might have to look into an 8mm or something along those lines.

[PaulB]

arthurb,
Not sure that the 15mm will behave like a 24mm as it is a fisheye with 180 degree angle of view.
Also you might like to check your maths regarding the 18mm Vs 15mm difference!

[GenEOS]

Seems I have heard some rumblings of using a fish eye adapter and wide angle adapters (like those used on the G series canons) on a 50mm fixed canon lens.

Don't know if it would work or not, but I can't see why it wouldn't.

[fullmoontexas.com]

Thanks for the info (and kudos)....It looks like I will have to go with an 8mm fisheye, either from canon, sigma or the Peleng....anyone have any comments or experience with these? I'm kinda torn about which to get.

One thing is certain...adapters are out of the question. Even my really good Raynox that I used with my G2 is awful. ;-p

thanks again,
david

[Andy_T]

Dave,

have fun with your new DRebel! I'm a great fan of your site and am eager to see what's coming up now.

Now ... be sure to take a look at the Russian 16 mm f/2.8 mf Zenitar fish-eye lens if 24 mm is enough for you!

It's supposed to be a great lens and sells for about US$ 150 new.

There are many threads about the lens on the forum - check it out!

Regards,
Andy

[arthurb]

PaulB wrote:
arthurb,
Not sure that the 15mm will behave like a 24mm as it is a fisheye with 180 degree angle of view.
Also you might like to check your maths regarding the 18mm Vs 15mm difference!


Good point about the fisheye, I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not.

Here is my math, 15 x 1.6 = 24 mm 18 x 1.6 = 28.8 actually almost a 5 mm difference, 4.8 not 18-15=3 which some people have claimed.

[daaaveman]

Totally cool panoramas. Great work. Can't wait to see more. I have you bookmarked. Good luck with the lens selection. Please let us know how it goes.

[fullmoontexas.com]

Ok, so here is what i have come up with, just as an FYI:

I need to have an 8mm "circular" fisheye which, with the digital cameras is roughly 8x1.6 making it a full frame 12mm fisheye. This is the minimum focal length I need. Unfortunately, anything less than an 8mm is WAY out of my price range. So, there are basically three options:

1. Canon 8mm fisheye AF lens, about $900 bucks
2. Sigma Lens 8mm fisheye AF lens, about $450 bucks
3. Peleng (Russian) 8mm fisheye lens about $200 bucks

The canon is just too much money and I'm not convinced the optics are any better than the other two.

I have had a Sigma lens before and although I didn't particularly like the quality of the construction, the optics looked good and from what I've gathered on the net, the lens has received some very favorable reviews.

The peleng, russian made lens, has had lots of kudos from people at half the cost of the Sigma, but without auto focus, which isn't that big of a deal anyway. So, I almost purchased one of those. However, upon further consideration, I decided to get the Sigma, which should be arriving in a couple of days. Really the only reason I am getting the Sigma lens is just because I have experience with them and not the russian lenses, although I gather they are pretty good.

So, I will do some tests when I get the lens in the next few days and post what I have found when I'm done. I am very anxious!

thanks again for the input everyone....

[fullmoontexas.com]

Hello,

My new Sigma 8mm Fisheye came in a few days ago and here are the results of my test:

www.VirtualTexasParks.com

lemme know what you think!

thanks,
david

[defordphoto]

Excellent!

[daaaveman]

Dave,

Way too cool. New lense looks great. Sharp pics with good contrast. I showed this to the folks at work and they are amazed. Have you done indoor panoramas? May I also ask how you got into this and how I go about doing it. What software are you using to stich the photos and convert to a quicktime movie? I'm a novice so bear with me. I live in Missouri and we have some beautiful rivers too. I'd love to give this a shot.

[fullmoontexas.com]

Have you done indoor panoramas?

yes, I do this for a living. Real estate, interior decorators, home builders, etc.

What software are you using to stich the photos and convert to a quicktime movie?

I use panotools by helmut gersch. If you want to research this technology. Try going to my site, www.VirtualBigBend.com and click on any of the virtual tour links on the front page. That will give you an idea of what it involves. There are several ways to do it. Some better than others. Just remember this, expensive gear and software does NOT mean better results!

good luck!

Thanks,
David