This is going to be a reallyyyyy stupid question

[Jessieh04]

Hey guys,

Forgive me for the terribly retarded question, but its something I've just never thought about. Is a 16mm fisheye lens going to give me the same result as a 16mm prime or zoom with just a different perspective? Or will I be able to fit more in the frame on a fisheye?

[Frog]

As I understand it a 'fisheye' lens has deliberate distortion for the effect whereas a wide angle of the same m.m. will have as little as possible.
If I'm wrong, someone will correct me, I'm sure.

Not a stupid question, by the way. If you don't know something its better to ask than to lurk around waiting for someone to say something that will enlighten you.

[ksbryan0]

I agree with Frog's answer. You will find a pretty good description of each at http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html

[cameramonk]

yup...what frog said

[Jessieh04]

Sorry if I didn't phrase my question correctly. I know there is a deliberate distortion in fisheyes. I mean to ask, will the 16mm distortion allow more into the shot then a regular 16mm? Or will the distortion still only allow what the 14 mm non-fisheye in. Maybe if we speak in terms of angles? If my 14-23 mm at 16 gets 140 degrees in front of me, will a 16mm distorted fisheye get more or still 140?

Perhaps that is more clear?

[ksbryan0]

A Canon EF 14mm Super-Wide Angle lens has an angle of view of 114 degrees, whereas a Canon Fisheye EF 15mm lens has an angle of view of 180 degrees. I think that answers your question.