INON bug-eye lens produces cover image for DIVE Magazine

by Eric Cheng Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Photographer Douglas Seifert has landed what might possibly be the first cover image taken with the INON Underwater Micro Semi-Fisheye Relay Lens UFL-MR130 EFS60 (commonly known as the “insect-eye” or “bug-eye,” although Douglas always refers to it as the “WAM,” for wide-angle macro). DIVE Magazine’s November 2010 cover is a shot of a clownfish in an anemone, which was taken with the unusual lens.

When asked about the image, Douglas replied, “We should put in a disclaimer about it being a pain in the ass to work with and not for everybody.” It certainly isn’t for everybody, but in the right hands, the insect eye can pull of some incredible images!

Douglas has a history of using new and crazy gear to capture images destined for covers; he also secured the first digital DIVE cover back in the Canon D60 days.

Gosh, I thought it was a pretty cool photo. I'd buy the lens knowing that almost every lens has its shortcomings...just to add a few new perspectives to my portfolio.
Posted by Starbuck on 2010-10-26 15:01:47 I have seen this in the flesh now - and as an advert for the INON lens, it is poor one. Douglas's shot is spot on. The focus and composition are excellent. But at magazine resolution the lack of detail and sharpness in the reproduction is very poor. This is no-way the fault of the photographer, but it suggests that the ultimate quality of this lens is very lacking. The image quality is clearly poorer, than when covers were vertical crops from horizontal images from 6MP cameras. In other words, it is worth about 2 megapixels. Of course, from a photographer's perspective this does not matter if the image is used and the money is in the bank. And a lack of detail on close examination is not going to stop the mag selling in the shops. Whereas a cheeky clownfish should be a great seller! Anyway, I'd be interested to hear what other folks who have the magazine in front of them think. Of course the background is not going to be sharp - but the face (eyes) is perfectly in focus - yet the lack of detail is no advert for this lens.
Posted by Alex Mustard on 2010-10-25 05:44:57