8mm Fisheye Questions

I'm considering getting a fisheye, as we're getting a puppy, and I think I can have fun with the combination. As this is something that would see very limited usage, Sigma/Canon brand lenses are out due to budget. Just have a couple of questions before I pick one.

In the "SamyangBoweRokinOptek​a" labeled lenses, is there any difference at all? I've read that Opteka is now making the lens themselves (in China, not Korea), but supposedly have not changed anything (but they call it 6.5mm??).

Is it worth the extra bucks to get the new version that has the removable hood? I'm using crops (50D & 20D), and don't foresee moving to FF anytime in the future.

I know they are fully manual (no problems there), but I do like a focus confirm, as I don't always trust my eyes anymore. Would getting the Nikon version, and adding on the Nikon>EOS AF confirm adapter work?

Also, regarding the non-Canon mount versions, from what I've read, the Canon version provides a 167° AOV, whereas the other mounts (Nikon, Pentax, etc) have a 180° AOV. See this link for where that info comes from.

And lastly, how is the Peleng compared to the above?

Can't answer your question but you'll be able to get some cool dog shots with a fisheye!

As far as I know:

- Optical formula is identical in all rebranded versions of the Samyang lens. It is a fisheye, so doesn't really have a well defined focal length. From my measurements, FL is actually close to 8.5 mm at the very center, and then progressively becomes smaller as you move to the edge. Which allows the vendors to choose their "official FL" almost randomly.

- If the price difference is substantial, just get the older version of the lens. If you ever get a FF camera, you can always try a DIY hack (cutting off the hood) - that's what I'll probably do once I upgrade to FF.

- Focus confirm is totally useless with this lens, given how huge DoF is. I read that you'll get a better focus accuracy (compared to a focus confirm chip) by simply eyeballing the distance to the object, and then setting it on the lens' distance scale. Important note - distance scale is uncalibrated, you'll have to do it yourself. Usually I simply set the distance scale to hyperfocal distance at apertures f8-f11 (you can find that distance experimentally), an never touch it again - everything will be pixel-sharp between ~0.7m and infinity.

- Canon gives smaller FOV with this lens because its sensor is smaller than that of Nikon (1.6 vs 1.5 crop factor). No mechanical adapter can change that.

pulsar123 wrote in post #16581788
As far as I know:

- Focus confirm is totally useless with this lens, given how huge DoF is. I read that you'll get a better focus accuracy (compared to a focus confirm chip) by simply eyeballing the distance to the object, and then setting it on the lens' distance scale. Important note - distance scale is uncalibrated, you'll have to do it yourself. Usually I simply set the distance scale to hyperfocal distance at apertures f8-f11 (you can find that distance experimentally), an never touch it again - everything will be pixel-sharp between ~0.7m and infinity.

Yes, my experience, too. Set it once and basically leave it alone. I have yet to have an out of focus photo with this lens, it is really a very sharp lens. All manual everything adjustment-wise on Canons.

jack880 wrote in post #16581549
Can't answer your question but you'll be able to get some cool dog shots with a fisheye!

That's what I'm thinking. Like the South Park episode of cute puppies in hats!

pulsar123 wrote in post #16581788
As far as I know:

- Optical formula is identical in all rebranded versions of the Samyang lens. It is a fisheye, so doesn't really have a well defined focal length. From my measurements, FL is actually close to 8.5 mm at the very center, and then progressively becomes smaller as you move to the edge. Which allows the vendors to choose their "official FL" almost randomly.

- If the price difference is substantial, just get the older version of the lens. If you ever get a FF camera, you can always try a DIY hack (cutting off the hood) - that's what I'll probably do once I upgrade to FF.

- Focus confirm is totally useless with this lens, given how huge DoF is. I read that you'll get a better focus accuracy (compared to a focus confirm chip) by simply eyeballing the distance to the object, and then setting it on the lens' distance scale. Important note - distance scale is uncalibrated, you'll have to do it yourself. Usually I simply set the distance scale to hyperfocal distance at apertures f8-f11 (you can find that distance experimentally), an never touch it again - everything will be pixel-sharp between ~0.7m and infinity.

- Canon gives smaller FOV with this lens because its sensor is smaller than that of Nikon (1.6 vs 1.5 crop factor). No mechanical adapter can change that.

Great info pulsar123! Took care of everything I was wondering about. Thanks!

This is the Rokinon version

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/jimrob714/11635​350794/

I have both the rokinon and the peleng. Although the peleng is wider, it flares something horrible. The rokinon is a very forgiving lens. Set it at f8 and a hair off of infinity, and things are sharp and in focus.
Rokinon is also forgiving because it fell off my bike at 25mph on concrete(cheap slr mount from amazon....stupid stupid) onto its face. Snapped part of the hood and rolled. I Glued the hood back on and it works perfectly! I love this lens. Then i wont touch it for months, then i will bring it on vacation and love it again.
Buy the rokinon used. If you hate it, sell it for + or - 7 dollars of what you paid.

jimrob714 wrote in post #16583322
This is the Rokinon version

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/jimrob714/11635​350794/
boofisheye-2 by jimrob714, on Flickr

Damn, the vignetting was worse than I'd heard!

Seriously though, what was the light mod on this shot?

vengence wrote in post #16583842
Damn, the vignetting was worse than I'd heard!

Seriously though, what was the light mod on this shot?

I don't think that's vignetting per se; I think he used the pop-up flash, which will never cover the 180° coverage of the lens. I personally think it's a neat effect that can be done with the fisheyes.

Dawicka2 wrote in post #16583826
Buy the rokinon used. If you hate it, sell it for + or - 7 dollars of what you paid.

It's very rare that I buy new. Depreciation is against my religion.

Haha, you know what...I'm kinda new to this and I was playing with the radial tool in lightroom so that's what you're seeing. Kirk is right though, the flash does give a kind of spotlight effect.

KirkS518 wrote in post #16583871
I don't think that's vignetting per se; I think he used the pop-up flash, which will never cover the 180° coverage of the lens. I personally think it's a neat effect that can be done with the fisheyes.

The vignetting comment was a joke....

jimrob714 wrote in post #16583895
Haha, you know what...I'm kinda new to this and I was playing with the radial tool in lightroom so that's what you're seeing. Kirk is right though, the flash does give a kind of spotlight effect.

Ahh, that makes sense. I was trying to figure out what you could have used to give that perfectly round effect.

Picked up a used Rokinon 8mm over on FM.

Nice.

FYI, I got my Made in China New Version (Removable Hood) Opteka for just $210 on Amazon last week. Excellent build quality.I did some quick shots at a concert last weekend and am very impressed! I was amazed, it's going to get some good use. I'd never touched a Fisheye.

http://www.flickr.com …788236605/in/ph​otostream/