Candice LandauLast Updated on April 26, 2024 by Candice Landau
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This year, for my birthday, I asked my family to contribute money towards a purchase I’ve been wanting to make ever since getting my mirrorless camera. Yes, you likely guessed it—another lens. This time, a fisheye lens.
When I mentioned this to them, I could tell they were perplexed.
“Why do you want a fisheye lens?” It was a good question, after all, I do own a wide-angle lens and what is fisheye but that on steroids?
“Three reasons,” I replied. “Firstly, I want to take amazing split shots—half underwater, half above the surface. Two, I want to be able to capture slightly more charismatic images of underwater life (fisheye makes this possible). Finally, I want to be able to take photographs of the big things. Things like wrecks—in such a way that does it justice.”
They accepted the answer but I could tell they didn’t really understand, and at the time, outside of knowing it would help with these things, I didn’t really understand exactly why or how to explain it. So, I thought I’d do myself a favor and investigate how this works and what is actually going on. This way, if someone questions whether or not you actually need to spend another $1,000 on a piece of gear, you can give them the precise reasons why!
And in case you’re curious, here’s the lens I purchased for my Canon EOS R5. It’s worth noting you will need to buy an EF-EOS R adapter if you have the same camera as me as this lens is an EF lens.
Let’s dig into a few of the reasons that make a fisheye lens particularly useful for underwater photography:
1. Wide Field of View
Fisheye lenses have an extremely wide field of view, typically ranging from 100° to 180°. This allows photographers to capture expansive underwater landscapes and large subjects, such as shipwrecks or coral reefs, in a single frame. This wide perspective is perfect for those split shots I was excited about—capturing both the underwater magic and the beauty above the surface in one dramatic image. Sometimes the difference is stark and one can’t do the situation justice without that split shot. For example, diving in Egypt I was struck by the oasis-like vibrance of the reefs right alongside the desert. I only wish I’d owned a fisheye lens back then.
2. Close Focus Capability
These lenses can focus very closely to the subject, which is crucial underwater where clarity can be limited and you often need to be close to your subject. This ability ensures detailed, sharp images of creatures and underwater textures, giving life and charisma to the marine life I aim to photograph.
3. Creative Perspective
The distinctive distortion of a fisheye lens can be harnessed creatively to offer a unique, spherical perspective that exaggerates features and creates visually striking images. This effect can turn an ordinary underwater scene into a compelling, eye-catching image that stands out in a portfolio, or, well, on a webpage!
4. Enhanced Light Gathering
Thanks to typically wide apertures, fisheye lenses allow more light to enter the camera, a significant advantage in the often dimly lit underwater environment. This means better image quality and more flexibility in how and when I shoot.
5. Compact Size
Compared to other wide-angle lenses, fisheye lenses are generally more compact and lighter. This makes them easier to handle underwater where managing gear’s size and weight is essential for easy and enjoyable diving. My macro lens by comparison is hefty!
Of course, each piece of gear is an expense you’ll need to justify. For me it’s been a case of purchasing things slowly. Once I become more comfortable with a lens I’m ready to move on to the next thing. I’ll be sure to add my gallery of images here once I’ve got it.
What’s your favorite lens?!
