Published on August 16, 2024 – Views: 18,245
The fisheye lens, known for its exaggerated distortion and wide-angle views, may not be suitable for every photography enthusiast. However, in the realm of underwater photography, it plays a pivotal role. The lens’s ability to capture vast underwater landscapes makes it an indispensable tool for photographers aiming to recreate the vastness and awe of the ocean world. Recently, a seasoned local underwater photographer took Sigma’s newly released F1.4 fisheye lens for mirrorless cameras on a test run in the Philippines’ Cebu and Egypt’s Red Sea, capturing coral reefs and sunken ships, among other subjects.
Franke Yu, the head of a large local diving training center and an experienced underwater photographer, is well-versed in camera equipment. He points out that fisheye lenses are essential in underwater photography.
Why Are Fisheye Lenses So Important in Underwater Photography?
When light passes through the water’s surface, it refracts, causing objects underwater to appear closer to the observer than they actually are. This leads to a narrowed field of view. The wide field of the fisheye lens effectively counteracts this effect, providing a broader perspective.
Additionally, fisheye lenses typically offer a closer focusing distance, allowing photographers to reduce the distance between the lens and the subject. This minimizes the impact of suspended particles in the water and improves the effect of flash lighting.
A Practical Test in the Philippines and Egypt
Franke, who also operates a diving tourism business, frequently travels to overseas dive sites for various underwater activities. This summer, he visited Cebu in the Philippines and the Red Sea in Egypt, capturing a series of underwater works, including coral reefs and sunken ships.
Capturing Coral Reefs and Sunken Ships
Coral reefs provide essential habitats, food sources, and breeding grounds for marine life, helping to maintain the balance and diversity of marine ecosystems. Different regions’ coral reefs are influenced by factors such as nutrition, moisture, and salinity levels, resulting in varying colors.
Franke’s images showcase the diversity of coral reefs. For instance, the shallow water hard coral located at a depth of about 5-6 meters relies on sunlight penetrating the water surface for photosynthesis, enabling it to survive and grow.
Practical Tips for Underwater Photography
Franke shares some valuable insights for those interested in underwater photography. When shooting table coral, it’s crucial to avoid contact to prevent damage to the marine ecosystem. Additionally, understanding the behavior of marine life and the underwater environment is essential for capturing stunning images without causing harm.
The Sigma 15mm F1.4 DG DN DIAGONAL FISHEYE in Action
During his trips, Franke used the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DG DN DIAGONAL FISHEYE lens, mounted on a Sony A7R IV camera. The lens’s performance was impressive, offering sharp images and vibrant colors. The large aperture (F1.4) allowed for excellent low-light performance, which is crucial in the often dim underwater environment.
Conclusion
The fisheye lens’s utility in underwater photography is undeniable. It provides a unique perspective that allows photographers to capture the grandeur of underwater landscapes. Sigma’s 15mm F1.4 FISHEYE lens, tested in challenging conditions, proved to be a valuable addition to any underwater photographer’s gear. For those looking to explore the underwater world through photography, the fisheye lens is a must-try.
As Franke Yu’s experience demonstrates, the combination of the right equipment, technique, and respect for the marine environment can yield breathtaking results, bringing the beauty of the underwater world to the surface.
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