New lens for some fun?

(Previously mis-posted in the General forum...)

Hi folks
I have a strange question...I generally shoot wildlife with long lenses and am currently suffering from bilateral tendonitis in my arms/elbows. I am looking for a new toy that is not too heavy. I shoot with a 5D mlll and was thinking of a fisheye? (I love shooting insects and have the 100 f2.8 ISL. ) Would a fisheye be a fairly light lens to have fun with or is it too specific? I do enjoy close up work with a wide-angle but have never tried fisheye. Maybe just a 17-40? Or the Lensbaby?

Any other suggestions? Going nuts not being able to hold my 400!

thanks
NJ

Heya,

Fisheye is very specialized. Very distorted. Fun for creative stuff.

Personally I dislike it. But I do like ultrawide angle (just not fisheye level distortion).

How can you not deal with your 400mm? A monopod takes all the weight off. You just keep it pointed where you want. Simple solution.

Very best,

Here is a review for you
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …-Fisheye-Lens-Review.aspx
Personally I like it a lot.

Sorry to hear of your injury, hope you heal soon. Have you tried a monopod, or tripod, to hold the weight of your camera and 400mm lens? I don't know that it would help, but it may give you some ability to do what you love. I can no longer hike into the backwoods to shoot, but I've adapted by shooting what, and where, I can manage.

Before going to a fisheye, you might try a ultra wide angel lens, like the Sigma 10-20, or Tokina 11-16. UWA lenses have a wide range of use, usually light weight, and have fewer shooting restrictions than a fisheye. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks all. Of course I use both a monopod and tripod. It is not a simple solution. You still have to lift that up and carry it, and I can't...not if I want to heal this tear. I can get away with it using it from the car on a clamp. That's it. I will still use the tripod with whatever lightweight lens I mount. @Aliengin-I read that...that's what started me thinking! But I appreciate your comment Malveaux that is might be too specialized. @StillCazy-I did have a 10-22 for my old 7D but didn't use much before getting the 5D. I will check your suggestions. I agree-may be more versatile and lighter. Like you, I am trying to adapt and find new creative subjects. Tks all.

njwiggit wrote in post #16629697
@StillCazy-I did have a 10-22 for my old 7D but didn't use much before getting the 5D. I will check your suggestions. I agree-may be more versatile and lighter. Like you, I am trying to adapt and find new creative subjects. Tks all.

Oops, the Sig 10-20, and Tokina 11-16 both are for crop sensors. I didn't know you were using FF. Good luck.

For something a little different, try laying your camera on a bean bag or something similar and shooting upwards at trees, flowers, buildings. It can offer a new experience with no cash outlay.

I'm not a fan of fisheye but each to their own
Out of my lenses, I'd recommend the Sigma 35 art, the minimum focal distance is very close too, almost a macro. Check out the sample thread, great IQ and sharp too, I love this lens.

Thanks James. I do all that now actually-and yes, it's always a new perspective. Damian...I am not familiar with that lens. I will definitely take a look. Has great reviews on B&H. I will check the weight... Thanks for the suggestion.

I'd recommend the rokinon 8mm that can be had for 200$ before tossing down the cash for the canon 8-15 to see if you like fisheyes to begin with. Alternatively, you might consider a 40mm pancake, possibly pared with a SL1. It's an absurdly light combo that's reasonably fast on a FF and makes a great walk around. And it's cheap.

Samyang 14mm has been very well liked by users here, and creative on full frame. I must be kept level, but is interesting.