tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90881226738651984992024-02-19T08:08:16.959-08:00Sony NEX userFredrik Gløcknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523430148487818493noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088122673865198499.post-65460961300635719722017-02-22T14:17:00.000-08:002017-02-27T14:49:54.933-08:00Meike 6.5mm f/2 circular fisheye reviewFisheye lenses are ultrawide, and have a significant barrel distortion. There are two basic types: Full frame and circular.<br />
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Full frame fisheye lenses fill the whole sensor area, and often have a 180° field of view along the diagonal. Circular fisheye lenses, though, only fill a circle in the middle of the sensor, and often have a 180° field of view.<br />
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This is illustrated below with the two fisheye types being used to photograph the same subject:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGFCHh5R4u0Ki-PeXAw2d0nHKJjm9UD8psRAfQzszAO1RgOH26JahwPRGXGgPmlnmf4dbENFpqXKVIfpVUDQyRFWNmY8J_kZGG2hwCfMZ6uOM-pLO6PjnbO50oBCt2WBlKgm-yTAVzVA/s1600/DSC00142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGFCHh5R4u0Ki-PeXAw2d0nHKJjm9UD8psRAfQzszAO1RgOH26JahwPRGXGgPmlnmf4dbENFpqXKVIfpVUDQyRFWNmY8J_kZGG2hwCfMZ6uOM-pLO6PjnbO50oBCt2WBlKgm-yTAVzVA/s320/DSC00142.JPG" width="320" /></i></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOi1JmsheD-zdt4sW7Rhl2hDd4CZpaMalHwG9BhqFDC10V8ccG2Nm4sP-n7d5ot7NXHuajRDR6MgxLaP1M4M6GdlA1lyDSqcZko_NBTbDUJD_pe8DhtVDHWmi7dlC6k5JxoxvhOKlziQ/s1600/DSC00144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOi1JmsheD-zdt4sW7Rhl2hDd4CZpaMalHwG9BhqFDC10V8ccG2Nm4sP-n7d5ot7NXHuajRDR6MgxLaP1M4M6GdlA1lyDSqcZko_NBTbDUJD_pe8DhtVDHWmi7dlC6k5JxoxvhOKlziQ/s320/DSC00144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AC99S8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B009AC99S8&linkId=0739da94afff380fe6c37ca423ec371c" target="_blank">Samyang 8mm f/3.5</a> (Full frame fisheye)</i></td><td><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank">Meike 6.5mm f/2</a> (Circular fisheye)</i></td></tr>
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Recently, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank">Meike 6.5mm f/2 circular fisheye lens</a> was released, with a reasonable price level of around USD150. So, how does it perform?<br />
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See it compared with other circular fisheye lenses below, all designed for APS-C sensor size:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lvbjtHdFEGkQBL61PDQxQgoNTmw__K8kFZoA6KjYZQkLllAhqbeEZnANw02tLvHtGZZKX61onxgS5rPinJ69cP2YjxP94tFWFFIFlW2TfHDOyMIqgk8BHfI_6b_yOcSnSmdeOIBV_Rs/s1600/IMG_4079.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lvbjtHdFEGkQBL61PDQxQgoNTmw__K8kFZoA6KjYZQkLllAhqbeEZnANw02tLvHtGZZKX61onxgS5rPinJ69cP2YjxP94tFWFFIFlW2TfHDOyMIqgk8BHfI_6b_yOcSnSmdeOIBV_Rs/s320/IMG_4079.JPG.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<i>From left to right: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank">Meike 6.5mm f/2 (for Sony E)</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CSIOQ84/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00CSIOQ84&linkId=0ebdf727cdeb14b2cdb863b8dcf6c07d" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180, 7.3mm f/4 (for Sony E)</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD4SX12/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00JD4SX12&linkId=6ac08e142d9ace89bb9fdcf2d6d2ab82" target="_blank">Lensbaby 5.8mm f/3.5 (for Nikon F)</a>.</i><br />
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<h4>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank">Meike 6.5mm f/2</a></h4>
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This lens has a quite impressive maximum aperture of f/2, and the field of view is a whopping 190°, meaning that the lens even sees slightly behind you.<br />
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<h4>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CSIOQ84/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00CSIOQ84&linkId=0ebdf727cdeb14b2cdb863b8dcf6c07d" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180, 7.3mm f/4</a></h4>
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The lens is very compact, comes in a cool box with Japanese symbols on it, and has a nice metal design. The focus ring is quite loose, not well dampened, so you need to check it now and then, to see that it hasn't rotated off from where you set it. It only comes with a Sony E mount.<br />
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<a href="http://sonynexuser.blogspot.com/2013/06/yasuhara-madoka-180-73mm-f4-circular.html" target="_blank">See my review.</a><br />
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<h4>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD4SX12/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00JD4SX12&linkId=6ac08e142d9ace89bb9fdcf2d6d2ab82" target="_blank">Lensbaby 5.8mm f/3.5</a></h4>
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Designed for SLR cameras, this is a rather large lens. The longer <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.no/2010/04/register-distance.html" target="_blank">register distance</a> of SLRs compared with mirrorless, mean that this lens needs a bigger retrofocal design. <br />
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It covers 185°, however, the image quality is rather poor. Also, the build quality does not impress anyone, with a plastic lens barrel and plastic bayonet mount. Finally, it is overpriced, in my opinion. I would <i>not</i> recommend this lens.<br />
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To see the size disadvantage of designing a circular fisheye lens for SLR, rather than mirrorless, consider this comparison of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank">Meike 6.5mm f/2</a> mounted on the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MHPAFAG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00MHPAFAG&linkId=e9d5d7ee0d5596ae190ec36d4ebd6873" target="_blank">Sony A5100</a> (left), and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD4SX12/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00JD4SX12&linkId=6ac08e142d9ace89bb9fdcf2d6d2ab82" target="_blank">Lensbaby 5.8mm f/3.5</a> on the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U2W45WA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00U2W45WA&linkId=88c4d09df9cef2cfce745b297df7594c" target="_blank">Nikon D7200</a> (right):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5yAYi0DYJkMLKuXYjAKW2TSRkxtU-D-L_9FFjQW3EBUiOwVlI0O8wXRy_g1MSWTYSRBCnu8gL_CSK6xAHv3_TylD9G6IZOUI5H5s9UlFeFjfAmrNhlbuIbjP_t9fcYp_6S_fc-DnwDA/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5yAYi0DYJkMLKuXYjAKW2TSRkxtU-D-L_9FFjQW3EBUiOwVlI0O8wXRy_g1MSWTYSRBCnu8gL_CSK6xAHv3_TylD9G6IZOUI5H5s9UlFeFjfAmrNhlbuIbjP_t9fcYp_6S_fc-DnwDA/s320/IMG_4165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Both cameras have pretty much the same 24MP sensor at APS-C size.<br />
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<a href="http://sonynexuser.blogspot.com/2015/01/there-is-new-expotic-and-reasonanbly.html" target="_blank">See my review.</a><br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank">Meike 6.5mm f/2</a></h3>
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Back to the subject for this review, the Meike 6.5mm circular fisheye lens. Physically, it seems well designed, with a metal lens barrel, nicely dampened, ribbed and rubberized focus ring:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tQZpZ4pauryKDi1e9ZvZ_7XrDMNhdDc8D6aZwdQqMCVR38UWC2_WSavniwhpS9wyxshiMZ_s5ZIUDyEloUZnhoEqs2n36NwhBAjoDy2Vrd9Yt8bn7sgegtD6u-30IB153Q_zuLkbfD8/s1600/IMG_4080.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tQZpZ4pauryKDi1e9ZvZ_7XrDMNhdDc8D6aZwdQqMCVR38UWC2_WSavniwhpS9wyxshiMZ_s5ZIUDyEloUZnhoEqs2n36NwhBAjoDy2Vrd9Yt8bn7sgegtD6u-30IB153Q_zuLkbfD8/s320/IMG_4080.JPG.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The focus ring appears to be slightly misaligned, in the sense that I must set it somewhat beyond infinity to focus on distant objects. This is quite common with this type of lenses. They are typically not calibrated individually, that would have been much too expensive.<br />
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The focus scale still works quite well in practice. Mostly you'll set the aperture to f/4-5.6, in which case you can just guess the distance and set it according to the scale, even if it is slightly misaligned. So don't worry about it.<br />
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The aperture ring is smooth, with no click stops at all. It is also well dampened, and feels good in use. The aperture scale has markings only for every second stop. However, it is easy to set it between f/2 and f/4 for f/2.8, and so on.<br />
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From the rear, notice the metal bayonet mount. The rear exit pupil looks small, but this is quite common for circular fisheye lenses. Keep in mind that the lens only covers a circle in the centre of the frame, far from the corners of the sensor area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5xgZaWqF4oFzJaWeshxpKFnp9tpPorkZFVBxcW2hg_m1sw3QonP9a2SXttCsAGdE0jI531b6W4g88x9cibPDuupMf4qk43vhSLweT8AqzWMLdPlZtfTL3NzpEqvTu_rzDICPfgUQpFM/s1600/IMG_4081.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5xgZaWqF4oFzJaWeshxpKFnp9tpPorkZFVBxcW2hg_m1sw3QonP9a2SXttCsAGdE0jI531b6W4g88x9cibPDuupMf4qk43vhSLweT8AqzWMLdPlZtfTL3NzpEqvTu_rzDICPfgUQpFM/s320/IMG_4081.JPG.jpg" width="299" /></a><br />
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The lens comes with a metal lens hood, which is kept in place by friction. Again, it works well, and feels like a high quality item.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiel6LK0b7l4U5vo_vnmfeCQ5VOaVptoEBeCPQywYiqYleaEdcGICD1WZdaLp-GbBXvjZeW2gNRuYrPX1CoOM4bLDYTMQMHtm0mI0-x0kQ0FJ91xkexqJFZPaIFbrt8AxE8z6sIKdBPg/s1600/IMG_4082.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiel6LK0b7l4U5vo_vnmfeCQ5VOaVptoEBeCPQywYiqYleaEdcGICD1WZdaLp-GbBXvjZeW2gNRuYrPX1CoOM4bLDYTMQMHtm0mI0-x0kQ0FJ91xkexqJFZPaIFbrt8AxE8z6sIKdBPg/s320/IMG_4082.JPG.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<h3>
Image quality</h3>
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I have compared the image quality with the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CSIOQ84/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00CSIOQ84&linkId=0ebdf727cdeb14b2cdb863b8dcf6c07d" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180</a> by photographing the same subject at different apertures:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPFUKnKLBSmvL8ubbMYXhupw6ft0fCBjJEqF0yTpooEJAR_LvlglHsQEpXU-bQ_OByZU84nK_VhMoGvns33xT4lIHeXZixKFSU55KnElOFRL22E6Mw2C7Kff23SWsSshtea4mwfuLhAw/s1600/DSC00144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPFUKnKLBSmvL8ubbMYXhupw6ft0fCBjJEqF0yTpooEJAR_LvlglHsQEpXU-bQ_OByZU84nK_VhMoGvns33xT4lIHeXZixKFSU55KnElOFRL22E6Mw2C7Kff23SWsSshtea4mwfuLhAw/s320/DSC00144.JPG" width="320" /></i></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6Gm1W8jQqndJnwM7Wk_5zOL8VzmB9uRHtdrcJmnAzgzJtV5l8EO7gMRsCert45yMjOo0bRqsbgWTgfvwwHM7puwihPL-nryFC7GLogJrlQjVwCUvWv5FTTGUWM2GYg2fsymX5bd3FTc/s1600/DSC00148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6Gm1W8jQqndJnwM7Wk_5zOL8VzmB9uRHtdrcJmnAzgzJtV5l8EO7gMRsCert45yMjOo0bRqsbgWTgfvwwHM7puwihPL-nryFC7GLogJrlQjVwCUvWv5FTTGUWM2GYg2fsymX5bd3FTc/s320/DSC00148.JPG" width="320" /></i></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank"><i>Meike 6.5mm f/2</i></a></div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CSIOQ84/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00CSIOQ84&linkId=0ebdf727cdeb14b2cdb863b8dcf6c07d" target="_blank"><i>Yasuhara Madoka 180, 7.3mm f/4</i></a></div>
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From the centre of the image:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsZGnkUQzc-UJyqNShYx5J3VuwIWQAO2NZCKxr7SSvoLnsCU-54lG5N0tU7qAKzm197F7kgaDGO0Bd-f_XAoGPptCSTCSD9STXGnNYdzggbNs_Mjaqy2rGAe6gSsZTVpbD-N8Fle4Qaw/s1600/meike+6.5mm+vs+yasuhara+madoka+180+centre+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsZGnkUQzc-UJyqNShYx5J3VuwIWQAO2NZCKxr7SSvoLnsCU-54lG5N0tU7qAKzm197F7kgaDGO0Bd-f_XAoGPptCSTCSD9STXGnNYdzggbNs_Mjaqy2rGAe6gSsZTVpbD-N8Fle4Qaw/s640/meike+6.5mm+vs+yasuhara+madoka+180+centre+frame.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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And from the left edge:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo-OteR86jaFFTjr18vrxoTpAe0I8QruFtlxndpKiCozxX-Zi5j-fJLM7iSgvw-LL0V6BfmNGNdN5O4HcxlqTrKRjAoNhkGiT2PTfTtavLsmSGYtWPC9oYPkjnGD1w5FiSZcfFPHGS8o/s1600/meike+6.5mm+vs+yasuhara+madoka+180+edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo-OteR86jaFFTjr18vrxoTpAe0I8QruFtlxndpKiCozxX-Zi5j-fJLM7iSgvw-LL0V6BfmNGNdN5O4HcxlqTrKRjAoNhkGiT2PTfTtavLsmSGYtWPC9oYPkjnGD1w5FiSZcfFPHGS8o/s640/meike+6.5mm+vs+yasuhara+madoka+180+edge.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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In the centre of the image, both lenses appear to be more than sharp enough even wide open. In the edge, though, I think the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank">Meike 6.5mm f/2</a> is the better lens.<br />
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<h3>
Flare</h3>
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As it is hard to avoid having the sun in the field of view with a circular fisheye lens, the flare resistance of the lens is very important. Let's see how they compare. Here, I have a dark night landscape, with a strong light source, a street light. Both images are taken at f/5.6, ISO 100. Click to enlarge them:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQAheZet971wO60R4wsUjidt9TAML7HmUKWatqE9PlHPG3kt8vXzFr2ZgPnLJ0k_eiXjy6e0vP5JvhNEQFqzKXEGcmkUQ8vpfZPltGwb946dk-BCIrxKjvYgrgqARorNl5P_Z0VCnuE4/s1600/DSC00321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQAheZet971wO60R4wsUjidt9TAML7HmUKWatqE9PlHPG3kt8vXzFr2ZgPnLJ0k_eiXjy6e0vP5JvhNEQFqzKXEGcmkUQ8vpfZPltGwb946dk-BCIrxKjvYgrgqARorNl5P_Z0VCnuE4/s320/DSC00321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDoZ7sAawoO-TH0dPLnLH8atM079Ds6b8QPrphSNBkjnoLGTcxaTEDIYUbt0Vs5U2LfK_zhk1YUJC2TTEeQehbZCUHHCLlreGYBtXrAaa0tsFDxiRdZ8qRmjt6gL34f9t3HNnQ6Db7Sc/s1600/DSC00322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDoZ7sAawoO-TH0dPLnLH8atM079Ds6b8QPrphSNBkjnoLGTcxaTEDIYUbt0Vs5U2LfK_zhk1YUJC2TTEeQehbZCUHHCLlreGYBtXrAaa0tsFDxiRdZ8qRmjt6gL34f9t3HNnQ6Db7Sc/s320/DSC00322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank"><i>Meike 6.5mm f/2</i></a></div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CSIOQ84/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00CSIOQ84&linkId=0ebdf727cdeb14b2cdb863b8dcf6c07d" target="_blank"><i>Yasuhara Madoka 180, 7.3mm f/4</i></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As you see, the Yasuhara Madoka to the right has much more ghosting and other flare artefacts. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank">Meike lens</a>, though, is rather impressive in this respect, as it handles the flare really well.<br />
<br />
You can also see that the Meike lens has a wider field of view compared with the Yasuhara Madoka.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
<br />
The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank">Meike 6.5mm f/2 circular fisheye</a> is a fantastic lens considering the price. It is well made, gives very good image quality, and is compact.<br />
<br />
From the images, you will see that the image circle is slightly cropped on the top of the image frame. One might think that the lens is misaligned. However, as both lenses tested feature this offset, and rotating the lens in the mount does not change the image circle, my conclusion is that this is due to the image sensor being slightly offset. I have seen the same on other images posted online as well, supporting this conclusion.<br />
<br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><td></td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKM9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=b954a25b57038fb97df31936cb18ad53" target="_blank"><i>Meike 6.5mm f/2</i></a></div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CSIOQ84/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00CSIOQ84&linkId=0ebdf727cdeb14b2cdb863b8dcf6c07d" target="_blank"><i>Yasuhara Madoka 180, 7.3mm f/4</i></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>File of view</b></td><td>190°</td><td>180°</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Length</b></td><td>51.5mm</td><td>43mm</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Diameter</b></td><td>61mm</td><td>61mm</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Weight</b></td><td>300g</td><td>200g</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Lens elements/groups</b></td><td>6/5</td><td>7/6</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Pros</b></td><td>Very good optical properties. Inexpensive</td><td>Very compact</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Cons</b></td><td>No click stops on the aperture ring might be a disadvantage for some</td><td>Some CA effects in the edges, does not handle flare well. Focus ring is very loose</td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=micr43rdsphot-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01N3XKM9S&asins=B01N3XKM9S&linkId=ca70167e4bc7dfbb76260722da2f6f77&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
</iframe></div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=micr43rdsphot-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B008K8485W&asins=B008K8485W&linkId=85171cf818e634ea01760e5efc7b605b&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
</iframe></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Example images</h3>
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These images are straight out of the camera, unprocessed. Click for larger versions:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpxXjLlOPR7sDIPuE2H79njqSLO7KnBmoIyasCyRKk964tlTTbQW3Z3yk1ahOulJJMPUKBlFY2BFVMj9k1th7bmDUxcpdxxNURlrFQ6RVbF2Hv9tow9nsEigQD0Un1FdlzyfCsWq9eJ8/s1600/DSC00309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpxXjLlOPR7sDIPuE2H79njqSLO7KnBmoIyasCyRKk964tlTTbQW3Z3yk1ahOulJJMPUKBlFY2BFVMj9k1th7bmDUxcpdxxNURlrFQ6RVbF2Hv9tow9nsEigQD0Un1FdlzyfCsWq9eJ8/s640/DSC00309.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExKo24PM3o-5-hsZsfrw6C0xh4rIi8GbnP6IsPRQv3fw_L3wfjzbkPgju-ZmalLp-yy8l8qgAxjd0tC8mpdaJEZff9XoX844TFCAAUvuzXmF_k0omDV0FMl3BSDPzmurKFmvbF6GewJg/s1600/DSC00186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExKo24PM3o-5-hsZsfrw6C0xh4rIi8GbnP6IsPRQv3fw_L3wfjzbkPgju-ZmalLp-yy8l8qgAxjd0tC8mpdaJEZff9XoX844TFCAAUvuzXmF_k0omDV0FMl3BSDPzmurKFmvbF6GewJg/s640/DSC00186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RwqIcs0W2aOoUNoNgn9Ezna4A5VnJtPmmyWx6heFCeIiDoUcVeT6fF4o0yyYM25ZGkqjo-nGL74HD1dk8jPfaGBG53MctkPPB7nOJ-nLenmgyitVXoe5V7Arn7w8qlcqummLTfKTA_4/s1600/DSC00009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RwqIcs0W2aOoUNoNgn9Ezna4A5VnJtPmmyWx6heFCeIiDoUcVeT6fF4o0yyYM25ZGkqjo-nGL74HD1dk8jPfaGBG53MctkPPB7nOJ-nLenmgyitVXoe5V7Arn7w8qlcqummLTfKTA_4/s640/DSC00009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Yh74euwpPaJ9NQd8yyBz2WMVICZBLedxaCDHnt9NZsixrJI1JB_BZvPga3bAHvUw4nICTQEeogkkuBMeALCRar-jjCI_RuzSOJLLSskhgAT3hSGS73hCfHLOHmf0yCutt5IfqZ3KtUU/s1600/DSC00022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Yh74euwpPaJ9NQd8yyBz2WMVICZBLedxaCDHnt9NZsixrJI1JB_BZvPga3bAHvUw4nICTQEeogkkuBMeALCRar-jjCI_RuzSOJLLSskhgAT3hSGS73hCfHLOHmf0yCutt5IfqZ3KtUU/s640/DSC00022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Example video</h3>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3wPuxPEH6T8" width="640"></iframe>Fredrik Gløcknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523430148487818493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088122673865198499.post-69975019859975136352015-01-02T11:53:00.001-08:002015-01-04T13:50:24.139-08:00Lensbaby 5.8mm f/3.5 circular fisheye reviewThere is a new, expotic, and reasonanbly priced lens available, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD4SX12/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JD4SX12&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=VF3S5HTLXGORWFXP" target="_blank">Lensbaby 5.8mm f/3.5 circular fisheye</a>. It was announced in April for DSLR mounts like Nikon F and Canon EF. In November, it was further announced in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OS9SIBM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OS9SIBM&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=XRKZIQ74UJAYWCDY" target="_blank">Micro Four Thirds mount</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OS9OM76/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OS9OM76&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=GE3ZDFYO5AHDVTS3" target="_blank">Sony E mount</a>.<br />
<br />
So, should you buy this lens, and if so, in what mount? That's what I will be trying to answer in this article.<br />
<br />
To help the review of the lens, I will be comparing it with a similar lens for Sony E mount, the <a href="http://sonynexuser.blogspot.com/2013/06/yasuhara-madoka-180-73mm-f4-circular.html" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180 7.3mm f/4 (my review)</a>. Both lenses are shown below:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VuBkR2FeE0vb3TxKvs-WPe4etjwbcqVecANApJZdMBe9CaIgNDeyEmxd3SYryTnfjbZr9ohxU-eUlMSIlz0av4G7O3zbf_zE1RDyRmDJ3tPdanNXjsAoNFyO-c_bXMLcsVCHzteqJsc/s1600/mirrorless+small+wide+angle+prime+lenses+yasuhara+madoka+180+7.3mm+lensbaby+5.8mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VuBkR2FeE0vb3TxKvs-WPe4etjwbcqVecANApJZdMBe9CaIgNDeyEmxd3SYryTnfjbZr9ohxU-eUlMSIlz0av4G7O3zbf_zE1RDyRmDJ3tPdanNXjsAoNFyO-c_bXMLcsVCHzteqJsc/s1600/mirrorless+small+wide+angle+prime+lenses+yasuhara+madoka+180+7.3mm+lensbaby+5.8mm.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Left: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008K8485W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008K8485W&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=3FXU2XHD6N3ERX5C" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180 7.3mm f/4 circular fisheye lens</a>. On the right, is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD4SX12/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JD4SX12&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=R2HQCS7ZDNJH5SQB" target="_blank">Lensbaby 5.8mm f/3.5</a> with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003X1FSCS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003X1FSCS&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=NMUNN4CAM2OB76BN" target="_blank">an adapter for Sony E-mount</a>.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
The reason why the left lens is so much smaller, is that it is designed for mirrorless from the ground up. The shorter <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2010/04/register-distance.html" target="_blank">register distance</a> of mirrorless means that wide angle lenses can be constructed simpler. With a long <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2010/04/register-distance.html" target="_blank">register distance</a>, typically for a DSLR camera, you need a complicated retrofocal optical design to make wide angle lenses. With a shorter distance, the lens design becomes simpler, and you can make smaller, lighter, and less expensive wide angle lenses.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Image circle and sensor size</h3>
<br />
The Lensbaby fisheye lens is available in a number of different mounts. I would recommend to buy it in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD4SX12/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JD4SX12&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=VF3S5HTLXGORWFXP" target="_blank">Nikon F mount.</a><br />
<br />
By using a cheap adapter, you can then use it on virtually any system camera, for the ultimate flexibility. There are adapters for, e.g., <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G4QXLE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001G4QXLE&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=PRLWLEAN6N6HX35U" target="_blank">Canon EF</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003G49V70/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003G49V70&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=V7OV6DY7S5JFEZI3" target="_blank">Micro Four Thirds</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2KF5K2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B2KF5K2&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=KVBSRPM3H5TUGK3Y" target="_blank">Leica M</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003X1FSCS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003X1FSCS&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=QWGEEAVUEVNZKAAN" target="_blank">Sony E</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YPED8O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007YPED8O&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=QMLM7FB5CGOMTZ3G" target="_blank">Fujifilm X</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NPYUDO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006NPYUDO&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=LFY2VW4LCD76U5FD" target="_blank">Nikon 1</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IPRAJ8S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IPRAJ8S&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=BG6KHL5UH6CWEZJK" target="_blank">Samsung NX</a>, and many more.<br />
<br />
You can also buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OS9SIBM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OS9SIBM&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=GBHYWENB2XRHMY2L" target="_blank">the lens with a Micro Four Thirds mount</a>, but then you are limited to using it on only M4/3 cameras in the future. So I would rather buy it in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD4SX12/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JD4SX12&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=VF3S5HTLXGORWFXP" target="_blank">Nikon F mount</a> and use an adapter.<br />
<br />
But is the lens useful on Micro Four Thirds? That would depend on the size of the image circle. Here is a summary of the image circle diameter for some circular fisheye lenses:<br />
<br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>Lens</b></td><td><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YYL0NI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000YYL0NI&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8</a></b></td><td><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008K8485W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008K8485W&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180</a></b></td><td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD4SX12/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JD4SX12&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=VF3S5HTLXGORWFXP" target="_blank"><b>Lensbaby 5.8mm f/3.5 circular fisheye</b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Focal length</td><td>4.5mm</td><td>7.3mm</td><td>5.8mm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maximum-minimum aperture</td><td>f/2.8-f/22</td><td>f/4-f/22</td><td>f/3.5-f/22</td></tr>
<tr><td>Field of view</td><td>180°</td><td>180°</td><td>185°</td></tr>
<tr><td><b><span style="color: red;">Image circle diameter</span></b></td><td><b><span style="color: red;">12.7mm</span></b></td><td><b><span style="color: red;">15.1mm</span></b></td><td><b><span style="color: red;">14.6mm</span></b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b><span style="color: red;">Suitable for APS-C sensor size</span></b></td><td><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Yes</span></b></td><td><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Yes</span></b></td><td><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Yes</span></b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b><span style="color: red;">Suitable for Four Thirds sensor size</span></b></td><td><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Yes</span></b></td><td><b><span style="color: red;">No</span></b></td><td><b><span style="color: red;">No</span></b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Lens elements/groups</td><td>13/9</td><td>7/6</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>Weight</td><td>470g</td><td>200g</td><td>298g</td></tr>
<tr><td>Diameter</td><td>76mm</td><td>61mm</td><td>76mm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Length</td><td>76mm</td><td>43mm</td><td>70mm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Number of diaphragm blades</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=micr43rdsphot-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000YYDEQ4&asins=B000YYDEQ4&linkId=LEDCVBS6VI7RPOND&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe></td><td><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=micr43rdsphot-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00CSIOQ84&asins=B00CSIOQ84&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&linkId=XOXWVGHCRVOGUTJN" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe></td><td><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=micr43rdsphot-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00JD4SX12&asins=B00JD4SX12&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&linkId=UQLXGYKDX33DALTZ" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As you can see, the Lensbaby fisheye lens has an image circle diameter of 14.6mm, larger than the heigth of the Four Thirds sensor size, 13mm. Hence, if you use the lens on a Micro Four Thirds camera, you will end up with an incomplete image circle. Which defies the point of using a circular fisheye lens. You may still enjoy using it, but it is not a true circular fisheye on a Micro Four Thirds camera. Let's get back to example images later.<br />
<br />
Here is an illustration of the image circle, compared with the common sensor sizes:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrMvOpUc6U5bt0LZjmPPWx_-jZzYLe2VD0ySuX3azTHe1XvjbFnwwXl45YuL0yOIFaBNK1EKM_rd4CbihvcxiA3igEK0sHV-xHE2pClR5tBdp77jqy4cbg3HnQRGfZkyDeBV6cHz6S_gn/s1600/Lensbaby+5.8mm+fisheye+sensor+sizes+comparison.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrMvOpUc6U5bt0LZjmPPWx_-jZzYLe2VD0ySuX3azTHe1XvjbFnwwXl45YuL0yOIFaBNK1EKM_rd4CbihvcxiA3igEK0sHV-xHE2pClR5tBdp77jqy4cbg3HnQRGfZkyDeBV6cHz6S_gn/s1600/Lensbaby+5.8mm+fisheye+sensor+sizes+comparison.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When used on a full frame image sensor, e.g., the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=sony%20a7&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=A5BSSTDMH5NSNZYK" target="_blank">Sony A7</a>, you would only use 20% of the image sensor. On an APS-C sensor size camer, e.g., the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I8BICB2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I8BICB2&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=LIR3NKZTSG6AGXMY" target="_blank">Sony A6000</a>, the Lensbaby fisheye uses about 45% of the image sensor.<br />
<br />
To make it a bit more complicated, here is also the image sensor use in video mode:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOeSveL0gNZqKVIaEyp0TijmVVVOPJaLdX_MN7qGlQmwwHOk8enaos7ZyZzzgkLrJMfKdQkwQZ2QzJkcHecjuVxjhZ8m_J3JTrQUFGa7ZbJKK5bDtq4kZkLZQUzU4vT1Nr2_zG9e9_e_F/s1600/Lensbaby+5.8mm+fisheye+sensor+sizes+comparison+video+modes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOeSveL0gNZqKVIaEyp0TijmVVVOPJaLdX_MN7qGlQmwwHOk8enaos7ZyZzzgkLrJMfKdQkwQZ2QzJkcHecjuVxjhZ8m_J3JTrQUFGa7ZbJKK5bDtq4kZkLZQUzU4vT1Nr2_zG9e9_e_F/s1600/Lensbaby+5.8mm+fisheye+sensor+sizes+comparison+video+modes.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Based on this illustration, you'll see that in 16:9 video mode, the image circle does not cover the entire sensor area even with an APS-C sensor. And with smaller sensors, even more of the image circle is cropped. Using a Nikon 1 camera, the lens covers almost the entire video recording area, and becomes like a <i>full frame fisheye lens</i>.<br />
<br />
Also note that if you use the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I9GYG8O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I9GYG8O&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=RMSQ6T6AM5GHJAHZ" target="_blank">Lumix GH4</a> in 4k video mode, you will <i>almost</i> fill the entire sensor area. You will get some dark corners, though, see examples below.<br />
<br />
<h3>
On APS-C sensor size</h3>
<br />
Here, I have mounted the lens to a Sony NEX-3N, but any Sony E-mount camera can be used, of course. I used a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003X1FSCS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003X1FSCS&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=QWGEEAVUEVNZKAAN" target="_blank">cheap adaptor for mounting Nikon F lenses to Sony E-mount:</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46wFxvI4rB8AeLTQEOXCtFtLSNcCin-mdjo9-PnAKYKw7yJQ6NZ3HaHV-zB2WpuYHSnoZ4OnRDO4z4xkZfLNuVgQqpdR020IpQeyb04hsfDOUUh_WverrJQkwdcfeW5YrqMkZs0tf2hDy/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+on+sony+nex-3n+e+mount+alpha+adapter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46wFxvI4rB8AeLTQEOXCtFtLSNcCin-mdjo9-PnAKYKw7yJQ6NZ3HaHV-zB2WpuYHSnoZ4OnRDO4z4xkZfLNuVgQqpdR020IpQeyb04hsfDOUUh_WverrJQkwdcfeW5YrqMkZs0tf2hDy/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+on+sony+nex-3n+e+mount+alpha+adapter.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is an example image, click to see it larger. It shows that the lens image circle is covered by the sensor area:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8Gyw5IbFGeNKNEzyvsPnfzVLgOcCm7UUsbznDJQ660Le9EysNeY4UhCOmc3Tt6NNmHcVZewCt22TJ0pdL4h0RfB6pSj2JhW7qHZPk6I35-SGWXsC-d_hLvrxRIBt2EQZlxqR38axJVEW/s1600/DSC00884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8Gyw5IbFGeNKNEzyvsPnfzVLgOcCm7UUsbznDJQ660Le9EysNeY4UhCOmc3Tt6NNmHcVZewCt22TJ0pdL4h0RfB6pSj2JhW7qHZPk6I35-SGWXsC-d_hLvrxRIBt2EQZlxqR38axJVEW/s1600/DSC00884.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>f/8, 1/60s, ISO 250.</i><br />
<br />
Here is an example video, recorded at 1080p, 30FPS, f/3.5:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Ah7cmA472Ao" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
As you see, in the 16:9 video crop, the top and bottom of the image circle are cropped, which is a bit sad. It would have been better if the full circular image had been included.<br />
<br />
<h3>
On Four Thirds sensor size</h3>
<br />
Below, the lens is mounted to a <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2013/04/panasonic-gh3-review.html" target="_blank">Lumix GH3 (my review)</a> using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003G49V70/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003G49V70&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=V7OV6DY7S5JFEZI3" target="_blank">an inexpensive mount adapter.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRuXSkwtQtnqo1eQoYOc-PaRiaNLUYSD_0cg3YNuBc2Y2ME-WDxNbguze7-5B3ALXYpV_o6JRISYVvmMS4dZo_LrSwPGj-o48pk4AtIONkdSYEgE8IdyjLbWHWnwaoi71McEr-GkFuQe_/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+on+lumix+gh3+adapter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRuXSkwtQtnqo1eQoYOc-PaRiaNLUYSD_0cg3YNuBc2Y2ME-WDxNbguze7-5B3ALXYpV_o6JRISYVvmMS4dZo_LrSwPGj-o48pk4AtIONkdSYEgE8IdyjLbWHWnwaoi71McEr-GkFuQe_/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+on+lumix+gh3+adapter.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This example image shows that the 4/3 image sensor is not tall enough to cover the entire image circle. Hence, the images are not as pleasing as one could have hoped for:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IBV_eENzYrfbCx7zpbJyuJsPdbt1KYw3XU_JKxYTo2LK2l7VhRxgAS0S_Jnmcp0HyZOk3ndntak2o06-EE7VIPFVxfpthVcgBJJN2J6ZdX3N6HcDTUkELiIBfxm7nGsJ-XcgpaGnMl-V/s1600/P1150775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IBV_eENzYrfbCx7zpbJyuJsPdbt1KYw3XU_JKxYTo2LK2l7VhRxgAS0S_Jnmcp0HyZOk3ndntak2o06-EE7VIPFVxfpthVcgBJJN2J6ZdX3N6HcDTUkELiIBfxm7nGsJ-XcgpaGnMl-V/s1600/P1150775.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>f/8, 1/8s, ISO 800.</i><br />
<br />
This example video was recorded using the <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2014/06/lumix-gh4.html" target="_blank">Lumix GH4 (my review)</a> in 4k video mode, at 30FPS, f/5.6:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mbPiirRX3vE" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
As you see, there are dark corners with the 4k video crop, as you would expect by looking at the image circle illustration above.<br />
<br />
<h3>
On one inch sensor size</h3>
<br />
I used the original <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005TMSN4E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005TMSN4E&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=L42IVKH3KVVPTUUA" target="_blank">FT-1 adapter</a> to mount the fisheye lens to a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IYP9MQ6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IYP9MQ6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=YGP7OKYDCTGZTXJS" target="_blank">Nikon 1 V3 camera,</a> but you could also use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NPYUDO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006NPYUDO&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=LFY2VW4LCD76U5FD" target="_blank">an inexpensive third party item.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv9NYp_DI3I-j7tQnHSrDZ_O6vthgunLlqct9ZpbnmQvIkv5HMPHAOJuCv71p1wZSU7eXpQMQ58tRV0XiLFo-jxuip2LP5UkUENzJe-xi5yPp3UxSYoz_hBrymdfm_yLbIAhSlhEEflSv/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+on+nikon+1+v3+adapter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv9NYp_DI3I-j7tQnHSrDZ_O6vthgunLlqct9ZpbnmQvIkv5HMPHAOJuCv71p1wZSU7eXpQMQ58tRV0XiLFo-jxuip2LP5UkUENzJe-xi5yPp3UxSYoz_hBrymdfm_yLbIAhSlhEEflSv/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+on+nikon+1+v3+adapter.jpg" height="308" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This image was taken to illustrate that the lens image circle diagonal is slightly smaller than that of the one inch sensor sitting in Nikon 1 cameras. With a bit of cropping, you would end up with a <i>full frame fisheye</i> image, which is not too bad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFIHCgl-PSR6CXEO0MZToeibf6Wdm6FCHC9YeiGWJATn34TQIGCV0xM76AUG8YKQkAMo_M3KgmiVHWGvX_h063XvsOmSRAcD-zXCwK4Z2MTyXA1fCM_N01Fw-8oh8kv06aezcDayiWWVC/s1600/DSC20703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFIHCgl-PSR6CXEO0MZToeibf6Wdm6FCHC9YeiGWJATn34TQIGCV0xM76AUG8YKQkAMo_M3KgmiVHWGvX_h063XvsOmSRAcD-zXCwK4Z2MTyXA1fCM_N01Fw-8oh8kv06aezcDayiWWVC/s1600/DSC20703.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>f/5.6, 1/30s, ISO 800.</i><br />
<br />
With the 16:9 video crop of the Nikon 1, the corners are still dark from being outside of the fisheye image circle. Video recorded at 1080p at 60FPS:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OyXPkSosI10" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<h3>
In the box</h3>
<br />
The lens comes in a thin, flimsy cardboard box. There is an inner "chassis" of white cardboard to stiffen the box a bit. Also, you'll find a small booklet, a sticker, a cloth bag, and the lens itself: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvTqIgdmUtf-pCEffB19pDBsCOj6P0dRmNJuVvx558JXX3Di395yMG8W5s1LGRv4hktLLjJ7d0oEZlrOCQnMVkz3Xf015h6UvkyrAcmV47L7fPnRiYLFXt0DEcTvyIBO85OJTz7BTdatx/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+box+contents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvTqIgdmUtf-pCEffB19pDBsCOj6P0dRmNJuVvx558JXX3Di395yMG8W5s1LGRv4hktLLjJ7d0oEZlrOCQnMVkz3Xf015h6UvkyrAcmV47L7fPnRiYLFXt0DEcTvyIBO85OJTz7BTdatx/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+box+contents.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The lens comes with front and rear lens caps attached. The rear lens cap will of course depend on the mount you choose, while the front lens cap is fairly large and flexible plastic, strengthened with ridges on the inside, which wraps around the front end of the lens:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGcjv8FvOc9mlxhlOpNUrW6Cq9h2JeJo5k_wWSsUXGOoBCXTFYRlZ4FDfP8rxrfH6SqIaOI9wWDkl5AzBTRTmOwbf3txDpZ9Kl5eKink8JqHOum7DgEkEjjeLQg7RCaUWq6bHzKqjS60I/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+lens+front+and+rear+lens+caps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGcjv8FvOc9mlxhlOpNUrW6Cq9h2JeJo5k_wWSsUXGOoBCXTFYRlZ4FDfP8rxrfH6SqIaOI9wWDkl5AzBTRTmOwbf3txDpZ9Kl5eKink8JqHOum7DgEkEjjeLQg7RCaUWq6bHzKqjS60I/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+lens+front+and+rear+lens+caps.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
The lens</h3>
<br />
The lens body is an all plastic construction, from the lens bayonet mount and through to the front end. Click for larger images:<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIstl0Xl1wi_ZHBOKxjkThyphenhyphentMoMm2y84nb8FFQpItyHZ_Dn54qXfQagRktqhCYDbSq2DAmrzHWECQvJw8Ote-An3P3wqiimv1NynyeNRtvVPOKO47CxhIVE4E8p1OjoJIRtadCWNPtA3Qc/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+top+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIstl0Xl1wi_ZHBOKxjkThyphenhyphentMoMm2y84nb8FFQpItyHZ_Dn54qXfQagRktqhCYDbSq2DAmrzHWECQvJw8Ote-An3P3wqiimv1NynyeNRtvVPOKO47CxhIVE4E8p1OjoJIRtadCWNPtA3Qc/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+top+view.jpg" height="320" width="298" /></a></div>
</td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1LYckMuuk-pUD3YkCFpcuhLLPLarf1xC9nzNzYleI7JjtwPFWVj7B8c4rZ-FRYkJsO4Qlrq018MLFiPkT0eFX_RNB9GYsgozTczGnhuf902t3Wnj7JUcIigakXp70igpUC0gjIpJBq_v/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+side+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1LYckMuuk-pUD3YkCFpcuhLLPLarf1xC9nzNzYleI7JjtwPFWVj7B8c4rZ-FRYkJsO4Qlrq018MLFiPkT0eFX_RNB9GYsgozTczGnhuf902t3Wnj7JUcIigakXp70igpUC0gjIpJBq_v/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+side+view.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The aperture ring is made from a glossy, slippery plastic material. It is quite difficult to get a good grip on, but it is not a big issue. There are click stops at each full aperture, i.e., f/4, f/5.6, f/8, ..., f/22. The click stops are not very strong, so you can easily set the aperture between them.<br />
<br />
From the rear end of the lens, we see that the area around the exit pupil is made from a somewhat glossy material, which is unusual. This would normally be a matte material, to avoid reflections.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UpJc3zt_UG7xYA2fNFOHlilkrYNr7Nnclx0wMdYHBDTnIj8hhdC1UFemmiIEGe7rjyUNxhCCYn9YZ2XWtrO1rbO_LY0524sizx3az_nOcmK2XEN_V_OmTnlEBmOrfaxo7SzPu2IJdxhV/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+rear+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UpJc3zt_UG7xYA2fNFOHlilkrYNr7Nnclx0wMdYHBDTnIj8hhdC1UFemmiIEGe7rjyUNxhCCYn9YZ2XWtrO1rbO_LY0524sizx3az_nOcmK2XEN_V_OmTnlEBmOrfaxo7SzPu2IJdxhV/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+circular+fisheye+rear+view.jpg" height="400" width="363" /></a></div>
<br />
Also, even if this is the Nikon F version of the lens, there is no AIS index notch here at all. So the lens does not support any form of auto aperture handling, you must manually open up the aperture for focusing, and then close it down again when you make your shot.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Focus</h3>
<br />
The focus is manual only, of course. The focus ring is made from a slightly rubberized material, and is nice to handle. Operating the focus ring feels nice. It is well dampened, and the travel of the focus ring is just incredible, almost reaching 270° around the lens barrel. <br />
<br />
On the other hand, the whole focus ring and front of the lens assembly appears to be a bit loose, which doesn't feel very good.<br />
<br />
When operating the focus, the whole assembly of lens elements move back and forth. That is the traditional way of designing the focus mechanism. Most mirrorless lenses are internal focus designs, where the front and rear elements remain fixed.<br />
<br />
The markings on the focus ring appear to be quite accurate, and go all the way down to 1/4'', or 0.01m, meaning that you can focus on objects that are so close that they almost touch the front lens element.<br />
<br />
Here is an example photo taken at the minimum focus distance, f/8 (click for a larger image):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGz3LKhO4SBF_xH-DqqKOWIQjb9RJ9cNZ_bRATrhHVNepVBhogOngVO-svyJPEDAdxDMd7r4cU_PS1JZmyrqa4wdUtCapq-6a0d9os9V55_ARGjqQQ0G1Hj4fR7UX-n1DPXPsDoNXPNah/s1600/DSC00927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGz3LKhO4SBF_xH-DqqKOWIQjb9RJ9cNZ_bRATrhHVNepVBhogOngVO-svyJPEDAdxDMd7r4cU_PS1JZmyrqa4wdUtCapq-6a0d9os9V55_ARGjqQQ0G1Hj4fR7UX-n1DPXPsDoNXPNah/s1600/DSC00927.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Image quality</h3>
<br />
To examine the image quality, I have photographed the same subject using both the Yasuhara Madoka 180 and the Lensbaby 5.8mm:<br />
<br />
<table border="1" style="text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoIIdBFKv6nOvLyihzfU3VqcW3e5IwKdLiM4gzSpRP-ZvoD5dE4xiLZNUAWhoedNxT98-CMXxSKQzxS1nh9a_dMCArMFR_u2J4Ca-n5baNx4WYlJzZh9nB-gmM6Ddwrt6finht9J3BfGJ/s1600/DSC00914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoIIdBFKv6nOvLyihzfU3VqcW3e5IwKdLiM4gzSpRP-ZvoD5dE4xiLZNUAWhoedNxT98-CMXxSKQzxS1nh9a_dMCArMFR_u2J4Ca-n5baNx4WYlJzZh9nB-gmM6Ddwrt6finht9J3BfGJ/s1600/DSC00914.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
</td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SwwgyB3OyjlUq_1x99zoy1TDhxR8uaD2LADUn4V-OknUJPsKdBaGhtyjWhcOYXZ2kImsdTmFjD-zsJ1ePG2oWHrPYszHvcjeVw2IMLXkSJ0oELuWzXr7XmbprLWaArK2JCmoOCaVYNPe/s1600/DSC00917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SwwgyB3OyjlUq_1x99zoy1TDhxR8uaD2LADUn4V-OknUJPsKdBaGhtyjWhcOYXZ2kImsdTmFjD-zsJ1ePG2oWHrPYszHvcjeVw2IMLXkSJ0oELuWzXr7XmbprLWaArK2JCmoOCaVYNPe/s1600/DSC00917.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008K8485W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008K8485W&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=3FXU2XHD6N3ERX5C" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180</a>, f/4</td><td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD4SX12/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JD4SX12&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=VF3S5HTLXGORWFXP" target="_blank">Lensbaby 5.8mm</a>, f/3.5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here are 100% crops from the centre of the images (click for a larger version):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKGDQzHFnMUwGGqgi_FeI_LexDJHD_krfGweJzxLwq43l3GkaBTHMhhcVlVkYJkGR2KmY8whVD0CbVoQ2v3KcMg93RV-XBwqLEJXCBUIwCQcimviR8ikocnZjX9FO1-23Dxqy_LpqfbDx/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+Madoka+180+circular+fisheye+crops+sharpness+centre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKGDQzHFnMUwGGqgi_FeI_LexDJHD_krfGweJzxLwq43l3GkaBTHMhhcVlVkYJkGR2KmY8whVD0CbVoQ2v3KcMg93RV-XBwqLEJXCBUIwCQcimviR8ikocnZjX9FO1-23Dxqy_LpqfbDx/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+Madoka+180+circular+fisheye+crops+sharpness+centre.jpg" height="640" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And from the right edge of the image circle:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIh_4fM2NmGwXIlevngrPeLjhLWW7j0sPTSnhC3CHDavJK1fAuwg3Wbd1lE9ZoNMQnOcZg1aqau3aaiUuunMjMXE49b2k9ou_PyrzH4mc7oE2GycaJss6Bcp2ntkApsa4FUGXlxPMLJk_/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+Madoka+180+circular+fisheye+crops+sharpness+right+edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIh_4fM2NmGwXIlevngrPeLjhLWW7j0sPTSnhC3CHDavJK1fAuwg3Wbd1lE9ZoNMQnOcZg1aqau3aaiUuunMjMXE49b2k9ou_PyrzH4mc7oE2GycaJss6Bcp2ntkApsa4FUGXlxPMLJk_/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+Madoka+180+circular+fisheye+crops+sharpness+right+edge.jpg" height="640" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the centre of the image, both lenses are good. No major issues here. In the corner crops, we see that the Lensbaby does have a wider field of view, as advertized (185° vs 180°). However, is this extra wideness really useful when the sharpness is so poor? The <a href="http://sonynexuser.blogspot.com/2013/06/yasuhara-madoka-180-73mm-f4-circular.html" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180</a> is way better.<br />
<br />
Also, according to the advertisement, the Lensbaby version has a glossy inner barrel, to create "cool" reflections outside of the image circle. And it does work: You get more reflections outside of the image circle.<br />
<br />
However, this glossy inside may reduce the contrast of the image when you have strong light sources, which is of course not a good thing. Serious manufacturers create lenses with matte surfaces on the inside.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Geometric distortion</h3>
<br />
All fisheye lenses have serious barrel distortions, of course. That is the whole point of fisheyes. Generally, all straight lines passing through the centre of the image, will remain linear also in the image. The further from the centre they pass, the more bent they will be.<br />
<br />
However, fisheye lenses can still have different projections, and a different amount of distortions along the edges.<br />
<br />
Here is an illustration showing the difference in projections. As you see from the image, the Yasuhara lens packs more details in the edge of the image circle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOQqJQdKOyU8QJZ603CPCrdXIid1oKKjMg5AVmnK9oXiZbzdj74Om7pGWLyc_dmlvVd-0OhHPbFCZWEWIG3E5ImlPSpxEdn0ApWZCZFQgrR0Onl73HEvrU933gSvI0zqUiF231cZnEhfo/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+Madoka+180+circular+fisheye+comparison+distortion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOQqJQdKOyU8QJZ603CPCrdXIid1oKKjMg5AVmnK9oXiZbzdj74Om7pGWLyc_dmlvVd-0OhHPbFCZWEWIG3E5ImlPSpxEdn0ApWZCZFQgrR0Onl73HEvrU933gSvI0zqUiF231cZnEhfo/s1600/lensbaby+5.8mm+f3.5+Madoka+180+circular+fisheye+comparison+distortion.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is not a good thing, it means that you get less details in the edges, and isn't that the whole point of a wide angle lens, to be able to get details from the edges of the image?<br />
<br />
I'm guessing this difference of projections is due to the longer focal length of the Yasuhara lens: It is 7.3mm, while the Lensbaby has a 5.8mm focal length. The shorter focal length means relatively less barrel distortion.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
<br />
While the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD4SX12/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JD4SX12&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=VF3S5HTLXGORWFXP" target="_blank">Lensbaby 5.8mm f/3.5 circular fisheye</a> looks interesting on paper, the performance is rather poor. It works well in the centre, but the corners are still fairly bad when stopping down to f/8.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008K8485W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008K8485W&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20&linkId=3FXU2XHD6N3ERX5C" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180 7.3mm f/4</a> is true to the mirrorless concept: Very compact and well performing, however, it sadly only exists for the Sony E mount so far.<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=micr43rdsphot-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00CSIOQ84&asins=B00CSIOQ84&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&linkId=XOXWVGHCRVOGUTJN" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe></td><td><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=micr43rdsphot-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00JD4SX12&asins=B00JD4SX12&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&linkId=UQLXGYKDX33DALTZ" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fredrik Gløcknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523430148487818493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088122673865198499.post-52759669652567774042013-08-11T13:28:00.001-07:002015-01-04T13:50:48.462-08:00Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ reviewI bought the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ</a> as part of a kit with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF9MUBM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BF9MUBM&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">NEX-3N</a>. Since I already have the <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2012/09/lumix-x-pz-14-42mm-f35-56.html">Lumix X PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6</a> for Micro Four Thirds, it makes sense to compare them. Both are shown below:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2tQQz9KJeUOTVrqrd6O-YuyYe4kl7gRETYpw1RaaZ_Gpjf6JSQ2Mk9604O0y9olfBrP8xMIF4C_6u6fT_I0sdMsM0IVIY7tXLy1lJBrnXY2IioOBNsZ9Yj2vkvpcFB9Vs2xUjo6F9Zr_/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2tQQz9KJeUOTVrqrd6O-YuyYe4kl7gRETYpw1RaaZ_Gpjf6JSQ2Mk9604O0y9olfBrP8xMIF4C_6u6fT_I0sdMsM0IVIY7tXLy1lJBrnXY2IioOBNsZ9Yj2vkvpcFB9Vs2xUjo6F9Zr_/s400/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50.jpg" height="242" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Note that in the picture, I have modified their appearance slightly by adding "lens hoods". On the Lumix lens, to the left, I added a <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2010/06/home-made-stand-off-ring.html">37mm stand off ring</a> to the front lens thread.<br />
<br />
On the Sony lens, to the right, I screwed a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008SOB9KA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008SOB9KA&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="">40.5mm to 52mm step up ring</a> into the front lens hood. For the Sony lens, I also need a new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0082JPIIK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0082JPIIK&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">52mm front lens cap</a>.<br />
<br />
While I don't think these small rings do a significant job as lens shades, I think they keep the front lens element better protected against objects touching it accidentally, and that gives me more peace of mind.<br />
<br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><td>Lens</td><td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J5TZVG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005J5TZVG&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Lumix X PZ 14-42mm</a></td><td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">NEX 16-50mm PZ</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Announced</td><td>Aug 26, 2011</td><td>Sep 12, 2012</td></tr>
<tr><td>Image stabilization</td><td>Yes, optical</td><td>Yes, optical</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lens elements/groups</td><td>9/8</td><td>9/8</td></tr>
<tr><td>Weight</td><td>95g</td><td>116g</td></tr>
<tr><td>Diameter</td><td>61mm</td><td>65mm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Length</td><td>27mm</td><td>30mm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Filter thread</td><td>37mm</td><td>40.5mm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Physical</h3>
<br />
The lenses look and feel quite similar. They are both remarkably small, considering that they are functionally similar to the much bigger basic kit lenses. Also, both have a metal lens mount, and black eloxated, glossy metal exterior surface. The front lens element is also equally small in both lenses, a remarkable feat.<br />
<br />
When powering on the camera, the front of the lens extends. The lenses then look like this:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIaPp_0YmES_GXRu4dpTUAnhR05aQRq32cT2FDsmIMtqKZGDYvj33wp6rW8kQ5bXb-harliSObtJCjtUrSJsIaTocms88fn6lGZO1M0t548pu_6lG5ccIxLJskdx4syt1lHiohfu3ahmI/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+extended.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIaPp_0YmES_GXRu4dpTUAnhR05aQRq32cT2FDsmIMtqKZGDYvj33wp6rW8kQ5bXb-harliSObtJCjtUrSJsIaTocms88fn6lGZO1M0t548pu_6lG5ccIxLJskdx4syt1lHiohfu3ahmI/s400/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+extended.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The exterior of the extending barrels appears to be a glossy plastic material. And here is a difference between the lenses: When extended, the front section of the Lumix lens is rock solid. The Sony lens, on the other hand, wobbles a bit. I'm sure this is no problem, but it is a bit annoying.<br />
<br />
<h3>
In use</h3>
<br />
When powering on the camera, the lens needs to extend before being usable. The Lumix lens is significantly faster here: It takes 1.1s to extend, while the Sony lens needs 1.8s. Here is a demonstration of the power on process. The video also compares the AF speed during video recording, and the video quality:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ruHQ-YR9b2k?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
Neither lenses can be zoomed manually. On the Lumix lens, there is a zoom lever, which you can use to zoom through the focal range. The zooming can be done at two different speeds, by pushing the lever lightly or hard. This works very well during video recording. For still photo use, I would still have preferred to have a zoom ring for better precision.<br />
<br />
The Sony lens can be zoomed in two different ways. First, you can use the zoom lever, which, sadly, only zooms in one single speed. This makes it less usable, since small adjustments are difficult to make. On the positive side, though, the zoom lever spans a larger portion of the lens diameter, making it more useful in both landscape and portrait orientation.<br />
<br />
Second, it can also be zoomed by turning the focus ring (except when in manual focus mode). This is a clever solution. There is no mechanical contact between the ring and the zoom mechanism, of course, the control is "by wire". Still, it works well, especially with still image photography.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Autofocus</h3>
<br />
The video above demonstrates autofocus during video recording, where the Lumix lens does much better, even when used on an older camera.<br />
<br />
For still image use, it is also my experience that the autofocus is significantly slower with the Sony lens. Mostly, this is no problem, the focus speed is still adequate. In the long end of the zoom range, though, the focus appears to be the slowest, and I have missed some shots due to slow autofocus here using the Sony NEX lens.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Aperture range</h3>
<br />
Both lenses have the same maximum aperture range, f/3.5-5.6. However, since they both have rather small front lens elements, they both share the same aperture profile, where it quickly goes up to f/5.6 as you zoom in, as illustrated below. The normal zoom lenses, with bigger lens elements, tend to be more linear in this respect.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfaDx9VS4CSjQ_GDaTEx-_BdFeRpiMzgaBjubkFfGJ-3_8FBsLShmniV4rjjOaZAeRQ8TWVqtRA1jSxlO4n2HbGks30Rz9X3z00jNMl0AQu78eateYSifkwgGvxTDwz3F9YEqRwq8P9B0/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+aperture+range.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfaDx9VS4CSjQ_GDaTEx-_BdFeRpiMzgaBjubkFfGJ-3_8FBsLShmniV4rjjOaZAeRQ8TWVqtRA1jSxlO4n2HbGks30Rz9X3z00jNMl0AQu78eateYSifkwgGvxTDwz3F9YEqRwq8P9B0/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+aperture+range.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<h3>
Image quality</h3>
<br />
To investigate the image quality differences between the lenses, I have taken similar images at similar field of view. The Lumix image were taken with the <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2013/04/panasonic-gh3-review.html">Panasonic GH3</a>, and the Sony images with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF9MUBM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BF9MUBM&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony NEX-3N</a>. All the images were taken at base ISO (200), on a tripod, and with a fast shutter speed:<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcWUaAYlQ_NNMXcxZ16X1zC5UQj5uEAP4OOhzIXZu2UVulRp21HRZxF5Of2dBSXES6FTxU3pfFX6JBFw745fgvOOn1zPXgaRLe9Ym_M0wSEMBjA1cO3NPliXkPeX-JUWlSBWRo8Nr9KTV/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+lumix+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcWUaAYlQ_NNMXcxZ16X1zC5UQj5uEAP4OOhzIXZu2UVulRp21HRZxF5Of2dBSXES6FTxU3pfFX6JBFw745fgvOOn1zPXgaRLe9Ym_M0wSEMBjA1cO3NPliXkPeX-JUWlSBWRo8Nr9KTV/s320/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+lumix+wide.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjbeer-XnmDKtzcpsDhFGwhFkpF33Rz0xOruFVUZyM6su239HRCR6gUbM4Vxv17SHdu49MaowAnqB7GqfLZuTxNtSk6sXKCgmzUYRGDT14RJkWwf8fBgNQkWB2wfsYNsasTN8JZZkoynG/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+sony+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjbeer-XnmDKtzcpsDhFGwhFkpF33Rz0xOruFVUZyM6su239HRCR6gUbM4Vxv17SHdu49MaowAnqB7GqfLZuTxNtSk6sXKCgmzUYRGDT14RJkWwf8fBgNQkWB2wfsYNsasTN8JZZkoynG/s320/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+sony+wide.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J5TZVG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005J5TZVG&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Lumix X PZ 14-42mm</a> @ 14mm f/3.5</i></td><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">NEX 16-50mm PZ</a> @ 21mm f/4</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
To better see the differences, here are crops from the centre:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8i5imAi-7HNPoHmdVImsOM79tIZre3AmMC32PJc-sBvMFjSizPuZPR76m0Cm33qUf4HviVandSTdE9ei6IEGi9DU5HlIy74wzluJmlOKrVvH8wwrHIPplvjy0mL4oFV1Wrjk3EoVHUwB5/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+wide+centre+crops.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8i5imAi-7HNPoHmdVImsOM79tIZre3AmMC32PJc-sBvMFjSizPuZPR76m0Cm33qUf4HviVandSTdE9ei6IEGi9DU5HlIy74wzluJmlOKrVvH8wwrHIPplvjy0mL4oFV1Wrjk3EoVHUwB5/s640/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+wide+centre+crops.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And from the top left corner:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUK4OpB6p5N-1wfme1WVjVqjKsTxf4QzQ8iQzLJxzJVpgVaye_rRrUZd0D-yyl9q8WbW5OedaW44a8jq0TdryK-cFD8KESGOPLhbPKsf07L8gse1OjK-K33r6JCNS0QVoBdnIouS14ByK/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+wide+top+left+corner+crops.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUK4OpB6p5N-1wfme1WVjVqjKsTxf4QzQ8iQzLJxzJVpgVaye_rRrUZd0D-yyl9q8WbW5OedaW44a8jq0TdryK-cFD8KESGOPLhbPKsf07L8gse1OjK-K33r6JCNS0QVoBdnIouS14ByK/s640/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+wide+top+left+corner+crops.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
From these pictures, I think that the Lumix lens has the best resolution in the centre. However, in the corner, it exhibits more <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.no/2011/02/chromatic-aberration-and-lens.html">CA artefacts</a>, making the image look worse.<br />
<br />
Here is also a similar test in the long end of the zoom ranges:<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7j_9Sj1xsBSVkHyO0_guGQ8e08JKp0iZFEL7IdWv5weD2xVUBY2KgIEmTcGNVIuq85-tJxrDcIFflnkeT6jjJhGgG785tX-IuM2SfERHdsoN1fTyWJS5P3pMBgoY-4zmv1CSZzFeP6P-9/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+lumix+tele.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7j_9Sj1xsBSVkHyO0_guGQ8e08JKp0iZFEL7IdWv5weD2xVUBY2KgIEmTcGNVIuq85-tJxrDcIFflnkeT6jjJhGgG785tX-IuM2SfERHdsoN1fTyWJS5P3pMBgoY-4zmv1CSZzFeP6P-9/s320/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+lumix+tele.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQI7petNi1oa8jK9PBZ-p87LbHQHgCBdFsRvj5UkFiN5siyQIyE_cAbyOwGep_eH0z1EpRjw-YFw8UKym29eOXInaYZlhZ1Ag-DUuurlc1IX6QurblHPCVFzvnz4CRP3xVu0UKcTu2Lo4/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+sony+tele.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQI7petNi1oa8jK9PBZ-p87LbHQHgCBdFsRvj5UkFiN5siyQIyE_cAbyOwGep_eH0z1EpRjw-YFw8UKym29eOXInaYZlhZ1Ag-DUuurlc1IX6QurblHPCVFzvnz4CRP3xVu0UKcTu2Lo4/s320/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+sony+tele.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J5TZVG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005J5TZVG&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Lumix X PZ 14-42mm</a> @ 33mm f/5.6</i></td><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">NEX 16-50mm PZ</a> @ 50mm f/5.6</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Crops from the centre makes it more easy to compare them:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2kIzP_QmkkfBbzFuoRYUwOIiEbAefaVW9564nFwWl5LIbC7COhb87eqvzCLhDCQO20EOfvFUg-zy6-5fwaTBtRM-VwzIdqqyN7rLg3i_IyfzpWeoVLqZwXPjlBWtObMGnKfbgh4eUbpk/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+tele+centre+crops.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2kIzP_QmkkfBbzFuoRYUwOIiEbAefaVW9564nFwWl5LIbC7COhb87eqvzCLhDCQO20EOfvFUg-zy6-5fwaTBtRM-VwzIdqqyN7rLg3i_IyfzpWeoVLqZwXPjlBWtObMGnKfbgh4eUbpk/s640/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+tele+centre+crops.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And from the top right hand corner:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwBpLZqNmmEdqTVPmikUcWgfjslSnhxZvEoshZEjG4xWHGCYRpctbQIz_00fQyp3DwcZI-wTRc_AiIwzSGxzBxZKxnSsCl1ns0lIAymjLHRQgydLt9Mz2s-JS0jbk01ceW8xh33yHe7e2/s1600/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+tele+top+right+crops.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwBpLZqNmmEdqTVPmikUcWgfjslSnhxZvEoshZEjG4xWHGCYRpctbQIz_00fQyp3DwcZI-wTRc_AiIwzSGxzBxZKxnSsCl1ns0lIAymjLHRQgydLt9Mz2s-JS0jbk01ceW8xh33yHe7e2/s640/lumix+x+pz+14-42+vs+nex+pz+16-50+tele+top+right+crops.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
In the centre, there are some <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.no/2011/02/chromatic-aberration-and-lens.html">CA artefacts</a> in the centre from the Sony lens at f/5.6. On the other hand, the Sony lens renders the corners with less CA artefacts. Beyond the CA artefacts, though, I think the Lumix lens generally does better.<br />
<br />
In terms of image quality, I think that neither lens is perfect. However, the Sony lens probably has a slight upper hand, according to my tests. One could comment that I did not test the Sony lens in the very widest setting, since it doesn't overlap with the Lumix lens here. And the Sony lens is rumoured to perform poorly in the very widest setting.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
<br />
The Sony lens has a bad reputation, but according to my findings here <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2012/09/lumix-x-pz-14-42mm-f35-56.html">(and previously as well)</a>, the Lumix lens is not a top performer either in terms of image quality. The lenses have slightly different solutions when it comes to zooming, and the twin zoom speeds available with the Lumix lens is quite useful. On the other hand, the Sony lens offers zoom by wire with the focus ring, which works well for still image use.<br />
<br />
I think that these lenses are for people who want a compact system, and can live with some minor image quality issues. And as such, they work well. Both lenses come at a fairly high price point, with the Lumix lens being the most expensive.<br />
<br />
However, I guess most people don't buy these lenses stand alone. Rather, they are bought as part of camera kits. And Sony is currently selling the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF9MUBM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BF9MUBM&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">NEX-3N with 16-50mm</a> at a very attractive price point. This makes it very interesting as a compact large sensor APS-C sensor system, you could pocket the camera and lens, at least in a jacket pocket.<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><iframe class="rdpllocnyozjmxkmbazz" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=micr43rdsphot-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B005J5TZVG&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></td><td><iframe class="rdpllocnyozjmxkmbazz" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=micr43rdsphot-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00BPBHX30&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></td><td><iframe class="rdpllocnyozjmxkmbazz" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=micr43rdsphot-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00BF9MUBM&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
Fredrik Gløcknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523430148487818493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088122673865198499.post-77126396731556242742013-08-08T14:25:00.002-07:002015-01-04T13:51:04.835-08:00Meike/Skyblue macro rings: Highly recommendedI have <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2012/09/using-10-macro-lens.html">previously tested a number of low cost solutions to macro photography on Micro Four Thirds, however, the concepts are the same for the Sony NEX system</a>. Mostly, they are quite hard to use, for example because they don't support changing the aperture or focusing. I think I had the most impressive results with a <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2012/02/reverser-ring-for-macro.html">reverser ring</a>, however, the working distance becomes very short, and there is no aperture control or focus possibility.<br />
<br />
Now, however, macro extension rings with electronic contacts are available at a low price. They are marketed as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BXZ9ALQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BXZ9ALQ&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Meike, Skyblue, Neewer, and probably more names</a>, and one pack includes two rings: One 10mm thick, and one 16mm thick. My rings look like this:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN9SivH4L2arazzAuvjwCTt1yJO3IxxemqDogUW8XszXnlmE-YQRVzQ7cV3uyVIMtr2ym_QsHvrUpapH-D0Gau2bu2u6XLDXWVILgBM8PdK9r18zw-pczTJlJDM8NPJii9D8vgv9GGco/s1600/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN9SivH4L2arazzAuvjwCTt1yJO3IxxemqDogUW8XszXnlmE-YQRVzQ7cV3uyVIMtr2ym_QsHvrUpapH-D0Gau2bu2u6XLDXWVILgBM8PdK9r18zw-pczTJlJDM8NPJii9D8vgv9GGco/s400/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
They appear to be a cheaper copy of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007RDAV02/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007RDAV02&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Kenko macro rings which work in the same way</a>.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
The Sony NEX E-mount version of the macro rings is labelled "MK-S-AF3B". When separated, they look like this:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9vkK1SUIUau_jVPs8qbuR1oWHlY_459yAd7X2FjHkboAgQFNl8mJvHMICVuGeju3hYLrK5mq5J-khfRKJIGUGebZvDqbaRxzBiIuxRosn20EMk5BejlmO2s0R2ljR2MdMHoHd_Ez-f8/s1600/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+10mm+16mm.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9vkK1SUIUau_jVPs8qbuR1oWHlY_459yAd7X2FjHkboAgQFNl8mJvHMICVuGeju3hYLrK5mq5J-khfRKJIGUGebZvDqbaRxzBiIuxRosn20EMk5BejlmO2s0R2ljR2MdMHoHd_Ez-f8/s400/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+10mm+16mm.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The first impression is that the macro rings look a bit cheap. The mounts appear to be some black nylon-like plastic, and the tubes are unexpectedly light. When mounting them on the camera, they fit somewhat looser than most lenses do. However, they still appear sturdy enough, and I am not worried using them with a large lens.<br />
<br />
Since the rings transfer the electronic signals between the camera and lens, the camera can control the lens as usual. This means the focus, the aperture, power zoom, optical image stabilization (OSS), and so on.<br />
<br />
<h3>
In use</h3>
<br />
The rings go between the camera and the lens. They mount on the camera just like any lens, and you can decide yourself if you want to use only one of the rings, or both, with extensions of 10mm, 16mm and 26mm possible. As a general rule, you need more extension for longer lenses. So, if you use a wide angle lens, use the smallest extension, 10mm. For a tele lens, use 26mm. <br />
<br />
While these rings will fit any lens, they don't make sense for the widest lenses. For example, if you put the 10mm extension ring between the camera and the <a href="http://sonynexuser.blogspot.com/2013/06/yasuhara-madoka-180-73mm-f4-circular.html">Yasuhara Madoka 180 circular fisheye lens</a>, you will find that pretty nothing is in focus. But the extension ring is hardly needed for that lens. It can focus down to objects nearly touching the front lens element.<br />
<br />
How to best use these rings depend on what you want to photograph. But generally speaking, if you want a large working distance, the distance between the subject and the front lens element, then go for a long lens. You can use a tele zoom lens in the longest position, for example. This can be good for photographing insects which are shy and tend to scram if you put a lens in their face.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, if you photograph static items at a close range, then you can use a normal kit zoom or a short prime lens, but with a shorter extension.<br />
<br />
In theory, you get the most magnification by combining a short lens with a long extension. However, the focus distance becomes short as well, in many cases too short to be usable. <br />
<br />
In the following video, I demonstrate how to mount the rings between the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF9MUBM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BF9MUBM&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony NEX-3N camera</a> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony NEX 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom lens</a>. There is also a demonstration of how the autofocus works:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/h0XSGnWhWhw?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
From the video, you may notice that I have put a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008SOB9KA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008SOB9KA&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">40.5mm to 52mm step up ring</a> on the front of the lens. This is to act as a small lens hood, to protect the front lens element against objects touching it accidentally. If you want to use this solution, then you also need a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0082JPIIK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0082JPIIK&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">52mm front lens cap</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Magnification and working distance</h3>
<br />
By combining various lenses with the macro rings, you can achieve various magnifications and focus distances. Here's a table that sums up some of the possibilities:<br />
<br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr> <td><b>Lens</b></td><td><b>Focal length</b></td><td><b>Extension</b></td><td><b>Working distance</b></td><td><b>Magnification</b></td> </tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony NEX 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6</a></td><td>50mm</td><td>None</td><td>0.21m-∞</td><td>Max 1:3.8</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony NEX 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6</a></td><td>50mm</td><td>16mm</td><td>0.10m-0.20m</td><td>1:1.6-1:3.3</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony NEX 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6</a></td><td>50mm</td><td>26mm</td><td>0.08m-0.13m</td><td>1:1.1-1:2.0</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
How to read this table: Take the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony NEX 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6</a> at 50mm with 26mm extension as an example. Using this combination, you can <i>only</i> focus from 0.08m-0.13m (measured from the tip of the lens to the subject), which is a quite narrow range. Within this range, you can use autofocus.<br />
<br />
Still using the same lens and extension combination, you can achieve the largest magnification (at the closest focus distance) of 1:1.1. This corresponds to photographing an object 1.1 times the size of the sensor, i.e., 26mm x 17mm.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Example images</h3>
<br />
All these images were taken on freehand, without the support of a tripod. I used the centre area AF mode, to avoid having the camera focus on the background.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony NEX 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6</a> at 50mm, f/16, 1/60s, ISO 800, and 26mm macro extension:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpaYqd4nCXekOzvVdy1ZKG1vhfaQ1MXhGyNbideU9MCe80rYcP-GJX5_V02ealzYYUj53_qkRcNN3DCBRpw9QtmirNHyed8z3L34roX9Yz2AcJZNBfv2a1iOVjJFueTq1w0lqeZhTy5o/s1600/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+26mm+extension+bee.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpaYqd4nCXekOzvVdy1ZKG1vhfaQ1MXhGyNbideU9MCe80rYcP-GJX5_V02ealzYYUj53_qkRcNN3DCBRpw9QtmirNHyed8z3L34roX9Yz2AcJZNBfv2a1iOVjJFueTq1w0lqeZhTy5o/s400/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+26mm+extension+bee.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
and a 100% crop:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5xuO3jpr9Z28Zje9YV74QV29CM93urgzn33s_Q84ybAmTtTSlNEMdsEZeU_FuuLvMjPC8AbtDoRVe3vN_kXNMf-OIc0W_xkUpqs9uq4C3EgsKnn5MNtrTnf9MFZMtcV0XAWOLywZhwE/s1600/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+26mm+extension+bee+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5xuO3jpr9Z28Zje9YV74QV29CM93urgzn33s_Q84ybAmTtTSlNEMdsEZeU_FuuLvMjPC8AbtDoRVe3vN_kXNMf-OIc0W_xkUpqs9uq4C3EgsKnn5MNtrTnf9MFZMtcV0XAWOLywZhwE/s400/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+26mm+extension+bee+crop.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096W1PG6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0096W1PG6&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony NEX 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6</a> at 50mm, f/11, 1/160s, ISO 200, and 16mm macro extension:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWFHifx-56EMM8YTB3nqT1DdCbBwq0f2iiFWhPIgjJ_YsHCZZmYa84fu_BLgA5zIwaf0Mpy6sx2wnwbs8euEsiP4VXU0U-6J51g2NeTpmui3qF0cuBQK1nAA5xlij9JqaBF-ty7Z-Pr0/s1600/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+16mm+extension+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWFHifx-56EMM8YTB3nqT1DdCbBwq0f2iiFWhPIgjJ_YsHCZZmYa84fu_BLgA5zIwaf0Mpy6sx2wnwbs8euEsiP4VXU0U-6J51g2NeTpmui3qF0cuBQK1nAA5xlij9JqaBF-ty7Z-Pr0/s400/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+16mm+extension+butterfly.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
and a 100% crop:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC9hgYURx0rwi8QcbB-RSEMqX7ZWSTqLkV0RrqzbZEHRbCFnjCFPe1J-9rwcIL3XBycBmp-ykWl57-bKMy6eaxcUEPGSqbJRO7FoDOluPaA2usMM0YNzt7rvvFWKugsQR4H_PfTELtVg/s1600/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+16mm+extension+butterfly+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC9hgYURx0rwi8QcbB-RSEMqX7ZWSTqLkV0RrqzbZEHRbCFnjCFPe1J-9rwcIL3XBycBmp-ykWl57-bKMy6eaxcUEPGSqbJRO7FoDOluPaA2usMM0YNzt7rvvFWKugsQR4H_PfTELtVg/s400/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+16mm+extension+butterfly+crop.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
It is even possible to use the built in flash of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF9MUBM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BF9MUBM&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">the Sony NEX-3N camera</a> as illumination. The following two images were taken at 50mm, f/14, 1/60s, ISO 800, 26mm macro extension, and using the flash for illumination:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8-hAGsqD7SWajDZ2rg8fI5cJ19SSGBZogCuw4j__sXCqQZteJq5SjiLtGdeBlYksG8PQfNypsFP-7ebz9WzxX4S8Z5WVfkmrDyJVEU73CQOwIA245ytAJ3d3wUTFsekBwecfIDu5mqA/s1600/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+26mm+extension+built+in+flash+1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8-hAGsqD7SWajDZ2rg8fI5cJ19SSGBZogCuw4j__sXCqQZteJq5SjiLtGdeBlYksG8PQfNypsFP-7ebz9WzxX4S8Z5WVfkmrDyJVEU73CQOwIA245ytAJ3d3wUTFsekBwecfIDu5mqA/s400/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+26mm+extension+built+in+flash+1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbkBb8GmSsu07y6Oq1BbjzzRKP4vAoTrMNtPLOxweORUP9tL8U_3p288Aq1lXf2VVwvnq5QHofYuWuF8MxZouI4CHxoTuNU0ooSVqMkRyBDYIvyZw5XZFaUPQHXyfWX0hQdpdsXVqEvM/s1600/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+26mm+extension+built+in+flash+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbkBb8GmSsu07y6Oq1BbjzzRKP4vAoTrMNtPLOxweORUP9tL8U_3p288Aq1lXf2VVwvnq5QHofYuWuF8MxZouI4CHxoTuNU0ooSVqMkRyBDYIvyZw5XZFaUPQHXyfWX0hQdpdsXVqEvM/s400/sony+nex+automatic+electronic+contacts+macro+rings+mk-s-af3b+example+image+26mm+extension+built+in+flash+2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The built in flash is of course not ideal for macro use. You would prefer to have a bigger flash, with a diffuser, to spread the light out more evenly. But as an "emergency" light source, it is quite adequate.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
<br />
The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BXZ9ALQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BXZ9ALQ&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20">Meike/Skyblue/Neewer macro rings</a>, are cheap, light, and appear solidly made. They are easy to bring along, to have a macro option easily available. They can be combined with almost any lens, and enable autofocus, aperture operation, and EXIF information. Ideally, you can combine them with a tele zoom lens, for example the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IHAIKM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005IHAIKM&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sony NEX 55-210mm f4.5-5.6</a>, but even a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U8Q7TC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003U8Q7TC&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">basic kit zoom lens</a> will do, but preferably in the long end of the zoom range.<br />
<br />
The macro rings are a good addition to the equipment list for anyone who is curious about macro photography. For protection, you could add <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005N3TPJQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005N3TPJQ&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">a rear lens cap and a body cap,</a> which you can put on the macro rings when not in use.<br />
<br />
The rings are made of mostly plastic. I'm fine with that. If you prefer a metal alternative, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007RDAV02/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007RDAV02&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">there are more pricey alternatives available with metal mounts.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><iframe class="ywsuslgwtazxfmsnhgoh" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=micr43rdsphot-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00BXZ9ALQ&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br /></td><td><iframe class="ywsuslgwtazxfmsnhgoh" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=micr43rdsphot-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B007RDAV02&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fredrik Gløcknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523430148487818493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088122673865198499.post-46324926227061645162013-06-29T14:06:00.000-07:002015-01-04T13:51:23.264-08:00Yasuhara Madoka 180 7.3mm f/4 circular fisheyeThe <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008K8485W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008K8485W&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180 7.3mm f/4</a> is an unusual lens. It is one of the very few circular fisheye lenses, and the only one, that I know of at this time, for a mirrorless camera. A <i>circular fisheye</i> lens is one that projects a circular image on the centre of the imaging sensor, usually with 180° coverage. This is in contrast to <i>full frame fisheye</i> lenses, which fills the whole imaging sensor, and generally feature 180° coverage across the diagonal only, see the illustration below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvUubwMuCuPPNQVNi3114DMcgW0hWvtZW8thTZZhFsgag_NS7d3913cLFBc2xguh_YCvN2UpafQrJk_t7h0nYzukJ2KYPTfnxxK4e1UTlH44BoSI6UxVSAuUK4a3XAQjpwdAGKSHNUKM/s820/8mm+vs+9mm+fisheye+illustration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvUubwMuCuPPNQVNi3114DMcgW0hWvtZW8thTZZhFsgag_NS7d3913cLFBc2xguh_YCvN2UpafQrJk_t7h0nYzukJ2KYPTfnxxK4e1UTlH44BoSI6UxVSAuUK4a3XAQjpwdAGKSHNUKM/s400/8mm+vs+9mm+fisheye+illustration.png" height="192" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The specifications are given by the name of the lens: The lens projects an image circle of 180° field of view, and has a maximum aperture of f/4. The focal length is 7.3mm. This is pretty much all you need to know about a fisheye lens. I'll get back to the significance of the focal length later.<br />
<br />
To understand just how wide this lens is, I compare it with the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit zoom lens at 16mm, which is already quite wide. The images are taken on a tripod at exactly the same spot, using the Sony NEX-3N:<br />
<br />
<table><tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSb8Im38FFF6JG50MinMJKdHxM1VigpzCz0gJLqUXhUbZ_8qKsyQUtNHayvp2ENGPz-_OtEQ9pY6XPR0HYJYo4pLRKw-3VRwgZYy4_mUZTODjUSAG0AGF0ESD_bMEhxyim0GgqI1LxzUI/s1500/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+1+16mm+f8+comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSb8Im38FFF6JG50MinMJKdHxM1VigpzCz0gJLqUXhUbZ_8qKsyQUtNHayvp2ENGPz-_OtEQ9pY6XPR0HYJYo4pLRKw-3VRwgZYy4_mUZTODjUSAG0AGF0ESD_bMEhxyim0GgqI1LxzUI/s320/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+1+16mm+f8+comparison.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIfD7x_jXkHlHbV1hybu63NGLd5XdwBQCWMVs99t-5O2GPtLwl_Cipgtfi-mQhPQI-8oROGdgUwzFPdAzHKv2KR6luhoEtM9CSJeQW-740OidC7-Z8YgBhoLfqs-9Tr9J81eSAaP4Tt8/s1500/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+1+f8+fisheye.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIfD7x_jXkHlHbV1hybu63NGLd5XdwBQCWMVs99t-5O2GPtLwl_Cipgtfi-mQhPQI-8oROGdgUwzFPdAzHKv2KR6luhoEtM9CSJeQW-740OidC7-Z8YgBhoLfqs-9Tr9J81eSAaP4Tt8/s320/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+1+f8+fisheye.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><i>Sony E 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OSS @ 16mm f/8</i></td><td style="text-align: center;"><i>Yasuhara Madoka 180 @ f/8</i></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Physical appearance</h3>
<br />
The lens appears fairly solidly made, with a metal construction in a matte black finish. The supplied lens cover is plastic, and fits over the lens by means of friction, which works just fine:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Uk6nHLf_05zEP4NeAzacK4DazrY9cgmbmIoqYiIc8npCLPmYf8g1v8NSMDAYgAMAmEndbdUoFlUANF6cybkh-nZN70Vgfih4UBjBx3UEzKW4dVQY9Y2ue831fsSokv7dV1sig4G3ztg/s1250/sony+nex+yasuhara+madoka+180+7.3mm+f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Uk6nHLf_05zEP4NeAzacK4DazrY9cgmbmIoqYiIc8npCLPmYf8g1v8NSMDAYgAMAmEndbdUoFlUANF6cybkh-nZN70Vgfih4UBjBx3UEzKW4dVQY9Y2ue831fsSokv7dV1sig4G3ztg/s320/sony+nex+yasuhara+madoka+180+7.3mm+f4.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Looking at the rear end of the lens, we see that the exit pupil is unusually small. As the digital imaging sensors are generally quite sensitive to the angle of light hitting it, small exit pupils are usually a bad thing. It means that light hitting the corners of the sensor will come at a steep angle, causing vignetting. However, keep in mind that with this lens, there is no light hitting the corners, or even the edges, of the sensor. So the small exit pupil might not be any problem with this lens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqbFBKttz-xiKZy5eD4QgtFbRN94VmTnx0GrqwF2N7Dsi113lYGBlyoMAAwuAO1XdnGg1YgM8XRQwA9fh3EoTGu6ZNrdUCWaYSCBcDgpU2YmcLcRv8IrNkmifeGb6flCHM1sszsUpYFU/s1262/sony+nex+yasuhara+madoka+180+7.3mm+f4+rear+side+exit+pupil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqbFBKttz-xiKZy5eD4QgtFbRN94VmTnx0GrqwF2N7Dsi113lYGBlyoMAAwuAO1XdnGg1YgM8XRQwA9fh3EoTGu6ZNrdUCWaYSCBcDgpU2YmcLcRv8IrNkmifeGb6flCHM1sszsUpYFU/s320/sony+nex+yasuhara+madoka+180+7.3mm+f4+rear+side+exit+pupil.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The lens mount is made out of metal, however, the mount appear to be somewhat crudely finished, with unevenly extruded areas. Since this lens is completely manual, and has no electronic contacts, you must set the "Release Without lens" option to use it on the Sony NEX camera.<br />
<br />
The focus ring only rotates about 30°. In practice, the narrow angle of rotation is not a problem. It is quite easy to set the focus as you want it.<br />
<br />
What's more, it is not dampened. This means that the focus ring rotates very easily. This is unusual for manual focus lenses, since it means that it can easily be knocked out of place accidentally. So you must make a habit out of continuously checking that the focus is set where you want it. I found that the focus ring markings were quite accurate. <br />
<br />
When focusing, the whole lens array moves back and forth, but not by a lot. After all, this is a lens with a very short focal length, so only very little lens movement is needed for focus. The tip of the lens wobbles a little bit, but nothing unusual for a manual focus lens. The front of the lens does not rotate when focusing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrBF0WoY7tMx7LKzlwdBfT__rnRC8LPj2VoIegjxDxdTDykeAePMK0W7hb5-N6lqXqKDuF3ooMIYgH_AalJ0ZLxypmXoILOXuJUYTCEv3T2C0-1Vo_ZnRPflKXYB7uNmj2FUxCgBCmMs/s1200/sony+nex+yasuhara+madoka+180+7.3mm+f4+focus+scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrBF0WoY7tMx7LKzlwdBfT__rnRC8LPj2VoIegjxDxdTDykeAePMK0W7hb5-N6lqXqKDuF3ooMIYgH_AalJ0ZLxypmXoILOXuJUYTCEv3T2C0-1Vo_ZnRPflKXYB7uNmj2FUxCgBCmMs/s320/sony+nex+yasuhara+madoka+180+7.3mm+f4+focus+scale.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The aperture ring has stops at full apertures (f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11 and f/16). You can set the aperture in the middle between these as well, with a bit of dexterity, but setting it to any positions is a difficult. But you hardly need more aperture choices with this lens.<br />
<br />
When mounting and un-mounting the lens, it is annoying that there is nothing to hold on to. The only surfaces available are the aperture ring and the focus ring. And they both rotate, obviously. So I always end up moving the aperture all the way to f/22 when mounting it, and to f/4 when un-mounting.<br />
<br />
Here you see the lens used on the Sony NEX-3N camera:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jsnT1KQndO425qkaUW_UKoNVaWpzIr6NWsuEzSLYYD_7rHaYi3Dk_4fySkMvyYF6FLiRx_bU6emhUh-YFe-1gljpG0m1hgdoRvev9Tgt9GgZaXge_FLxtLiRUY4m2LKvesIQRxzwn-A/s1200/sony+nex-3n+with+yasuhara+madoka+180+7.3mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jsnT1KQndO425qkaUW_UKoNVaWpzIr6NWsuEzSLYYD_7rHaYi3Dk_4fySkMvyYF6FLiRx_bU6emhUh-YFe-1gljpG0m1hgdoRvev9Tgt9GgZaXge_FLxtLiRUY4m2LKvesIQRxzwn-A/s320/sony+nex-3n+with+yasuhara+madoka+180+7.3mm.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
In use</h3>
<br />
Don't be put off by the manual focus. For most uses of this lens, it is very easy to focus. Mostly, you set the focus quite close to infinity. For indoor use, I generally set f/4, the largest aperture. This makes the focus somewhat critical, especially for near objects. But mostly, I find that my images are well in focus, even at f/4. Using the <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2013/06/sony-nex-focus-peaking-demonstration.html">focus peaking function</a> is a good assistance when focusing manually, and it is also possible to bring up the magnifies focus assist function.<br />
<br />
Outdoor, I generally set the aperture to f/8. That gives a good depth of focus, and focusing is not very critical any more. Most of the time, setting it around infinity will be fine.<br />
<br />
Focusing is only critical when taking pictures of near objects. At distances of around 0.5m and closer, you may need to bring up the magnified focus assist mode. And at 0.1m distance, the closest possible with this lens, it may take a bit of experimenting to set a good focus distance.<br />
<br />
Since this lens only fills out a circle in the centre of the image frame, you don't need to worry about the orientation of the camera. You can use an image editing program later to rotate the image, with no loss of resolution.<br />
<br />
Here is an example image, taken at the Saint Paul’s Chapel next to the World Trade Center in New York City. It was taken at f/8, with the Sony NEX-3N, using the built in flash for a fill-in effect. As you see, the sun is in the image frame, and for that reason, there is a bit of flare. But not much. The lens appears to handle flare very well, which is a good sign for a wide lens:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT06wufLXOCAk80VuRIWMlXmtqlFEvhH3cchdEKA5VX5OPkoBtWzz3Bet5tfpiHCUT8OH-nOdJAWiKzIlr63J5hCqfmp8B92wgiUob5Y1f541OVGGJUFhCUNXDlkG0Fm5HRXgu4BRSNg/s1500/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+2+f8+fill+flash+church+ground+zero+new+york.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT06wufLXOCAk80VuRIWMlXmtqlFEvhH3cchdEKA5VX5OPkoBtWzz3Bet5tfpiHCUT8OH-nOdJAWiKzIlr63J5hCqfmp8B92wgiUob5Y1f541OVGGJUFhCUNXDlkG0Fm5HRXgu4BRSNg/s640/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+2+f8+fill+flash+church+ground+zero+new+york.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
On the Sony NEX-3N's 16 megapixel sensor, the image circle measures 3157 pixels in diameter. This makes up a total of 7.8 megapixels, calculated as π×(3.157/2)<sup>2</sup>. That is to say, only about 50% of the image sensor surface is used when mounting this lens.<br />
<br />
It is not possible to mount a filter to this lens, neither on the front, nor on the rear of the lens. Some fisheye lenses accept a filter outside the exit pupil, inside the lens mount, but not this lens.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Video use</h3>
<br />
When recording videos with a Sony NEX camera, it crops the top and bottom of the image circle. This is a bit unfortunate, but I guess there is a balance: Should the image circle be as large as possible within the APS-C sensor format, or smaller to fit the 16:9 video crop. Yasuhara have chosen the first of these, and hence, videos are not going to give you a full, round image circle.<br />
<br />
Here are some video clips recorded using the lens on a Sony NEX-3N camera. Generally, I used f/4 on the indoor clips, and f/8 outdoors. It is generally quite easy to focus when using video, since the resolution is smaller anyway.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FLdXXW5FZ_k?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<h3>
Sharpness</h3>
<br />
To evaluate the lens sharpness, I set the camera on a tripod, and photographed the same scene at f/4, f/5.6 and f/8. I used the Sony NEX-3N, and set the ISO to 200, the base value. The focus was set to infinity. Here are the full images:<br />
<br />
f/4:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViUVQAuzbpnf5-geAI5Pk3hkkDOfJr5nmrQnCMT1nZo-gToiWn2eQLLS_379sAEFQuxXjMQJn4uROosWpd38jPf1dGEBAUdj2Whyphenhyphen6LyqERWyYzaH9hXD5WWJLmTLNgYGS9FNMTyWz3HA/s1000/madoka+sharpness+f4+full.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViUVQAuzbpnf5-geAI5Pk3hkkDOfJr5nmrQnCMT1nZo-gToiWn2eQLLS_379sAEFQuxXjMQJn4uROosWpd38jPf1dGEBAUdj2Whyphenhyphen6LyqERWyYzaH9hXD5WWJLmTLNgYGS9FNMTyWz3HA/s320/madoka+sharpness+f4+full.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
f/5.6:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkBdw60bg0B7ckycMLUJvmJBL4qA1MhAl3B-C65YR2nIkCqy27jQZj0cDgA4gpvya8nYKc6Y4EjEa50q3j9e1GGUTGeObO3AaWVIAhiJODIe6KMwjJuHhbYjZn9L23PKIghUOqLYNhds/s1000/madoka+sharpness+f5.6+full.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkBdw60bg0B7ckycMLUJvmJBL4qA1MhAl3B-C65YR2nIkCqy27jQZj0cDgA4gpvya8nYKc6Y4EjEa50q3j9e1GGUTGeObO3AaWVIAhiJODIe6KMwjJuHhbYjZn9L23PKIghUOqLYNhds/s320/madoka+sharpness+f5.6+full.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
f/8:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTljeyUObRhMNW1GLhQiUNpsgc05lc5R6CM_RGOLB5qRYtFBpD42_RMYja8we6-mh4ZCkv4by5vHlIiUQIWuS9Acqrf5h83U754J-BYBLg7zwA8Ac12QgSVeCoJTeoW-5tj7BBS4PcJyI/s1000/madoka+sharpness+f8+full.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTljeyUObRhMNW1GLhQiUNpsgc05lc5R6CM_RGOLB5qRYtFBpD42_RMYja8we6-mh4ZCkv4by5vHlIiUQIWuS9Acqrf5h83U754J-BYBLg7zwA8Ac12QgSVeCoJTeoW-5tj7BBS4PcJyI/s320/madoka+sharpness+f8+full.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
To better evaluate the sharpness, I present some 100% crops from the outer part of the image circle:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhknnvJpe3-OmBfOZLogD1Z8AASCw52KSfFE1JnEivzjOCkbDxW7QpnkvRMCZP-RMu_MNM4XCqnVfcnbznHq2DDhc-nAdU4jVkpsb8rTwqm6bl-prkK8funs3cWZ2B3H49g1qJbOz89lk/s1208/madoka+sharpness+crops.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhknnvJpe3-OmBfOZLogD1Z8AASCw52KSfFE1JnEivzjOCkbDxW7QpnkvRMCZP-RMu_MNM4XCqnVfcnbznHq2DDhc-nAdU4jVkpsb8rTwqm6bl-prkK8funs3cWZ2B3H49g1qJbOz89lk/s640/madoka+sharpness+crops.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
We see that the sharpness is very good, even in the edge of the image circle, and at f/4. There appears to be negligible vignetting at f/4, which is very well done.<br />
<br />
When there is a high contrast, the lens tends to give a bit of <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.no/2011/02/chromatic-aberration-and-lens.html">Chromatic Aberration (CA)</a> artefacts outside of the centre. But not a lot. Here is a 100% crop from the image above from Saint Paul’s Chapel:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaEYiIRj-ulcRAJHCV8iHPWYS3VWaH-Op6poZkOkXhOXh4UmadUTcHf01FLZWflTImkmTe1p2UKHMq6EvHQKEhgcUrEdmSZNWQkP1avZI5HJMBXeKB1pGMebjUp8IUXskUDsKZJ1L-_8/s735/madoka+ca+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaEYiIRj-ulcRAJHCV8iHPWYS3VWaH-Op6poZkOkXhOXh4UmadUTcHf01FLZWflTImkmTe1p2UKHMq6EvHQKEhgcUrEdmSZNWQkP1avZI5HJMBXeKB1pGMebjUp8IUXskUDsKZJ1L-_8/s400/madoka+ca+crop.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
There appears to be around 1-2 pixels of purple fringing around high contrast areas in the very edge of the image circle, which is not bad at all.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Projection</h3>
<br />
For a circular fisheye lens on APS-C format, the Yasuhara Madoka 180 has a quite long focal length. For example, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YYL0NI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000YYL0NI&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sigma also makes a circular fisheye lens for APS-C</a>, and it has a focal length of 4.5mm. As promised, I get back to what that means in practice. <br />
<br />
It turns out that fisheye lenses don't all have the same projection. They all feature heavy barrel distortion, obviously, but the amount of distortion differs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2012/02/fisheye-lenses-different-projections.html">I previously compared the Lumix G 8mm and Samyang 7.5mm fisheye lenses on Micro Four Thirds, and found that the Samyang lens has the least distortion. This makes it easier to use.</a> By using an <a href="http://m43photo.blogspot.com/2013/06/using-micro-four-thirds-lenses-on-sony.html">adapter</a>, I can mount the Samyang 7.5mm f/3.5 fisheye lens on the Sony NEX-3N, and take the same image. Even if they don't cover the same image circles, their images can be scaled so that both cover the same area with 180° diagonal field of view. Here are the two images superimposed:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAsn7yDxEsHFqMlAyLlCOWqmrTuDmXuYlQJRGwujLf1XWvkZia2e1rA-Y5iDoYqRTzIUprkTZkmwQqARkMhUvLplaAF7faTOt8O5FZ_-pFrV-LKMZz2a2rRb_xYC0D1i4x2ciVzHzqhY/s1200/madoka+vs+samyang+projection+superimposed.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAsn7yDxEsHFqMlAyLlCOWqmrTuDmXuYlQJRGwujLf1XWvkZia2e1rA-Y5iDoYqRTzIUprkTZkmwQqARkMhUvLplaAF7faTOt8O5FZ_-pFrV-LKMZz2a2rRb_xYC0D1i4x2ciVzHzqhY/s400/madoka+vs+samyang+projection+superimposed.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
And to more easily see which lens makes which image, I have done edge detection, and coloured the Yasuhara image red, and the Samyang image blue.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRlIOEH58lrPqwwExJ0dg6Ytn7DBy88hKo4-l79VtuUOvCqth70g4p23keCPuGkfQ7CQiZUPQL_YAxCkqV6gkgvdnVtrAybAaaXw5XLyTSKyk13J9KhN5ID3o2Bu9yWk9Hha7jVNbndo/s1000/madoka+vs+samyang+projection+red+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRlIOEH58lrPqwwExJ0dg6Ytn7DBy88hKo4-l79VtuUOvCqth70g4p23keCPuGkfQ7CQiZUPQL_YAxCkqV6gkgvdnVtrAybAaaXw5XLyTSKyk13J9KhN5ID3o2Bu9yWk9Hha7jVNbndo/s400/madoka+vs+samyang+projection+red+blue.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
This shows us that the Samyang lens packs the image more evenly across the field, while the Yasuhara compresses the image more in the edges, relative to the centre. This makes the images come out more distorted, and de-fishing is going to be more difficult. I believe this is due to the relatively long focal length of the lens, for an APS-C circular fisheye. Ideally, I believe it should have had a focal length around that of the Sigma lens, i.e., around 4.5mm. That would have given more pleasing looking circular fisheye images.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, getting a shorter focal length involves using a larger retrofocal lens design, which is larger, heavier, and more expensive. So perhaps Yasuhara have struck a good balance here, making a small and affordable circular fisheye lens.<br />
<br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>Lens</b></td><td><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YYL0NI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000YYL0NI&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8</a></b></td><td><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008K8485W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008K8485W&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180</a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Focal length</td><td>4.5mm</td><td>7.3mm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Maximum/minimum aperture</td><td>f/2.8/f/22</td><td>f/4/f/22</td></tr>
<tr><td>Field of view</td><td>180°</td><td>180°</td></tr>
<tr><td>Image circle diameter</td><td>12.7mm</td><td>15.1mm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lens elements/groups</td><td>13/9</td><td>7/6</td></tr>
<tr><td>Weight</td><td>470g</td><td>200g</td></tr>
<tr><td>Diameter</td><td>76mm</td><td>61mm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Length</td><td>76mm</td><td>43mm</td></tr>
<tr><td>Number of diaphragm blades</td><td>6</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td></td><td><iframe class="fwkxwniidvwohtgvvizo mzlkdcljbzmhnlyixobh lzodkmtqjbeihxveagjp ocpybtpkybfxuxatbced lcypdczpbgpxmmuffzag" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=micr43rdsphot-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000YYL0NI&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></td><td><iframe class="fwkxwniidvwohtgvvizo mzlkdcljbzmhnlyixobh lzodkmtqjbeihxveagjp ocpybtpkybfxuxatbced lcypdczpbgpxmmuffzag" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=micr43rdsphot-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B008K8485W&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Example images</h3>
<br />
By pointing the lens upwards, you can capture the buildings around you in all directions (Times Square):<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXEKAXBaqSvsPk5-YAoCSRD8qOcGqLRsT-8E61yktOSpLWnLLMsk8PFq4KASqU0JhWQ5IvWbHMO2mr9OJh0JGNZ7wsnOk-gEWH_YsMtQnUtcp23y-bmBQEmWthQE4-168GacANy2BFKA/s1500/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+3+f8+times+square+statue+lighter.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXEKAXBaqSvsPk5-YAoCSRD8qOcGqLRsT-8E61yktOSpLWnLLMsk8PFq4KASqU0JhWQ5IvWbHMO2mr9OJh0JGNZ7wsnOk-gEWH_YsMtQnUtcp23y-bmBQEmWthQE4-168GacANy2BFKA/s400/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+3+f8+times+square+statue+lighter.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Combining near and far objects is easy with this lens:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaC-VqAyoV9bfrSgCG041Dn8uwsuyRdk8pn640dJNnouDxoeuu78WtA4Q57CpmDShSQmJJPdvM9uY0eMQPGj0l3HBKSQmMjQXjDAo0N71AkHydSCUHdohhRbdVhxeBkH98MOg_Z9NDRY/s1500/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+4+f11+bay+ridge+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaC-VqAyoV9bfrSgCG041Dn8uwsuyRdk8pn640dJNnouDxoeuu78WtA4Q57CpmDShSQmJJPdvM9uY0eMQPGj0l3HBKSQmMjQXjDAo0N71AkHydSCUHdohhRbdVhxeBkH98MOg_Z9NDRY/s400/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+4+f11+bay+ridge+fish.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The Apple Store in NYC:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-cYwDEP0EnKm69mPH9cmt5iHGnuj3DSTrjdpHeB98jAdXZ8n68lzFAs4rJHootT4okB0YFnUnWMOX3_NqEiewFTJHIyDS0ta_8CvBNRkI3AE3ljsVBOKGUIgkwS94e_Ymk4ib_bpyOU/s1500/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+5+f8+apple+store+new+york+off+central+park.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-cYwDEP0EnKm69mPH9cmt5iHGnuj3DSTrjdpHeB98jAdXZ8n68lzFAs4rJHootT4okB0YFnUnWMOX3_NqEiewFTJHIyDS0ta_8CvBNRkI3AE3ljsVBOKGUIgkwS94e_Ymk4ib_bpyOU/s400/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+5+f8+apple+store+new+york+off+central+park.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Photographing round objects can be more fun:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gCTA_0cm65skVnk9ZWsXxfjksGjJkAZ79BteJy_jj2ssNezJm71ez6dsLmMsdPkBiCeyS1w833rtlZ5VLsIxucZ5U14WkWIDbNcdMr-CErzpdA9vGGV1yuZSLSCq5OgbedonW5-sG1M/s1500/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+6+f8+new+york+union+square+park+circular+sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gCTA_0cm65skVnk9ZWsXxfjksGjJkAZ79BteJy_jj2ssNezJm71ez6dsLmMsdPkBiCeyS1w833rtlZ5VLsIxucZ5U14WkWIDbNcdMr-CErzpdA9vGGV1yuZSLSCq5OgbedonW5-sG1M/s400/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+6+f8+new+york+union+square+park+circular+sculpture.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The Flatiron building, with the sun inside the image frame:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZO7KjJqxoD4JPpo-NmbYDZa0YX4E88inYB2cm3_1olLUaKt0PRzBs_o2nDevqeGVcCkSKMlSAKSB_n6YVjJjbIVZbRzDl-8vbTG1Pop09cmAVizQuY6GOiI42Dkz2KxUOIZVJhHe2_8/s1500/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+6+f8+new+york+flatiron+building.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZO7KjJqxoD4JPpo-NmbYDZa0YX4E88inYB2cm3_1olLUaKt0PRzBs_o2nDevqeGVcCkSKMlSAKSB_n6YVjJjbIVZbRzDl-8vbTG1Pop09cmAVizQuY6GOiI42Dkz2KxUOIZVJhHe2_8/s400/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+6+f8+new+york+flatiron+building.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Can you capture both the New York Stock Exchange and the Trinity Church in one picture? With this lens, you can:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeSKTadbz_SW1X8PxmzkQCS5a8OARevnmJf_tPCfnzpbg5bhb_ns-I7G3xuhHS2tPXFo0pMZ16-b_uXvMkrplJPBNJEhEhnYBbu_7mwfCOz6EmpihRjV8nSRziHrCihbBuifTL4AE9E8/s1500/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+7+f8+new+york+stock+exchange+nyse+trinity+church.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeSKTadbz_SW1X8PxmzkQCS5a8OARevnmJf_tPCfnzpbg5bhb_ns-I7G3xuhHS2tPXFo0pMZ16-b_uXvMkrplJPBNJEhEhnYBbu_7mwfCOz6EmpihRjV8nSRziHrCihbBuifTL4AE9E8/s400/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+image+7+f8+new+york+stock+exchange+nyse+trinity+church.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The lens has a very short minimum focus distance. Here is an example image taken at the shortest focus distance, and f/11:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTPjJ28gA_A5L-2zP5c5YgAlgpPwIQuxWGrKq4Iq9McRLRraZ5n3M9dOpEXvif8wlVhGq-cm6ZzAYa8WYpU-PMuGpmkWqYlqy3iiy7OAoSZxawPRm5lMCBzwbqRlM_SGY614JjGbqDnA/s1600/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+macro+bee+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTPjJ28gA_A5L-2zP5c5YgAlgpPwIQuxWGrKq4Iq9McRLRraZ5n3M9dOpEXvif8wlVhGq-cm6ZzAYa8WYpU-PMuGpmkWqYlqy3iiy7OAoSZxawPRm5lMCBzwbqRlM_SGY614JjGbqDnA/s400/Yasuhara+Madoka+180+example+macro+bee+flower.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
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<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
<br />
The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008K8485W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008K8485W&linkCode=as2&tag=micr43rdsphot-20" target="_blank">Yasuhara Madoka 180</a> is a fun circular fisheye lens, with good image quality, and easy operation. The images are sharp, and it handles flare well, an important factor for a fisheye lens, since you are likely to capture the sun or an other bright object in the field.<br />
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On the negative side, it produces more distorted images than better, and more expensive, fisheye lenses do. But it still has its place due to the combination of a small lens and a relatively low price. It is also quite exclusive. My copy has a sub-200 serial number. How often do you see that?<br />
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The focus ring is not dampened, and rotates a bit too freely. This is not a big problem in real life use, but you must make a habit of checking the focus ring position now and then, to see that it has not been knocked out of place accidentally.<br />
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The image circle is a tad bit too large for video use, which is a bit sad.Fredrik Gløcknerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07523430148487818493noreply@blogger.com1