1. Product Overview
The Vivitar VIV-21-72W .21x Fisheye Lens is designed to provide an ultra-wide-angle perspective, capturing a 180-degree diagonal angle of view. This lens is compatible with cameras featuring a 72mm filter thread, transforming standard lenses into fisheye lenses. Its multi-coated glass construction helps to reduce flare and optical aberrations, ensuring clearer images.
Image 1: The Vivitar VIV-21-72W .21x Fisheye Lens. This image displays the front element and overall compact design of the lens.
2. Key Features
- 180-degree Diagonal Angle of View: Captures an expansive, distorted perspective characteristic of fisheye lenses.
- Multi-coated Glass: Reduces lens flare and ghosting, enhancing image contrast and color accuracy.
- 72mm Mount Thread: Designed to attach directly to camera lenses with a 72mm filter thread.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand regular use.
- Compact Design: Measures approximately 6.06 inches (154mm) in length and 5.20 inches (132mm) in diameter.
- Weight: Approximately 2.7 pounds (1.26 kg).
3. Installation Guide
This fisheye lens is designed to screw onto the front filter thread of your existing camera lens. Ensure your camera lens has a 72mm filter thread for proper attachment.
- Prepare Your Camera Lens: Ensure your camera lens is clean and free of dust or debris on its front element and filter threads.
- Align the Fisheye Lens: Carefully align the 72mm thread of the Vivitar fisheye lens with the filter thread on your camera lens.
- Attach the Lens: Gently rotate the fisheye lens clockwise until it is securely fastened. Do not overtighten, as this can make removal difficult or damage the threads.
- Verify Attachment: Once attached, ensure the fisheye lens is stable and does not wobble.
Note: If your camera lens has a different filter thread size, you may need an adapter ring (not included) to attach this 72mm fisheye lens.
4. Operating Instructions
Using the Vivitar .21x Fisheye Lens is straightforward once attached. The lens provides a fixed, ultra-wide perspective. Here are some general tips for optimal use:
- Composition: Experiment with different compositions to utilize the unique barrel distortion. Placing subjects near the edges of the frame will exaggerate the fisheye effect.
- Focus: Most fisheye lenses have a very deep depth of field. For best results, use a small aperture (higher f-number) to maximize sharpness across the entire scene.
- Exposure: The wide field of view can include large areas of sky or bright light sources, which might affect your camera's automatic exposure. Consider using manual exposure or exposure compensation if your images appear too bright or too dark.
- Vignetting: Depending on your camera's sensor size and the focal length of the primary lens it's attached to, some vignetting (darkening at the corners) may occur. This is a common characteristic of extreme wide-angle and fisheye lenses.
5. Care and Maintenance
Proper care will extend the life and maintain the performance of your Vivitar fisheye lens.
- Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth specifically designed for optics. For stubborn smudges, use a small amount of lens cleaning solution applied to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
- Dust Removal: Use a blower brush to remove loose dust particles from the lens surface before wiping. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
- Storage: When not in use, store the lens in a protective pouch or case to prevent dust accumulation and physical damage. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Handling: Always handle the lens by its barrel, avoiding touching the glass elements.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lens does not attach securely. | Incorrect filter thread size on camera lens; cross-threaded. | Ensure your camera lens has a 72mm filter thread. Re-align and gently re-thread the lens. Do not force. Consider a step-up/step-down ring if sizes differ. |
| Images appear blurry or out of focus. | Improper focus setting on camera; dirty lens elements. | Check your camera's focus settings. Clean the lens elements as described in the maintenance section. Use a smaller aperture for greater depth of field. |
| Dark corners (vignetting) in images. | Normal characteristic of fisheye lenses, especially on certain sensor sizes or primary lens focal lengths. | This is often an expected effect. You can crop the image in post-processing or adjust your composition to minimize its impact. |
| Excessive glare or reflections. | Strong light source hitting the front element; dirty lens. | Use a lens hood (if compatible and available) or shade the lens with your hand. Clean the lens thoroughly. |
7. Technical Specifications
- Model: VIV-21-72W
- Lens Type: Fisheye
- Magnification: 0.21x
- Mount Thread Size: 72mm
- Angle of View: 180-degree diagonal
- Optical Construction: Multi-coated glass
- Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 7.75 x 6.5 inches (approximate packaging dimensions)
- Item Weight: 2.7 pounds (1.26 kg)
- Manufacturer: Sakar International, Inc.
8. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Vivitar website. Warranty terms typically cover manufacturing defects for a specified period from the date of purchase.
If you encounter issues not covered in this manual, please contact Vivitar customer service for assistance.