This sounds interesting. In general how often do you think you will use this lens?
442571
The BCL-15mm f/8 is what I'd call a "fun" lens. It's got some interesting optical characteristics. It is reasonably sharp in the center, renders nice color, but gets a bit smeary along edges along with noticeable falloff. If you "get" the Lomography concept, you'll love the lens. I have two Pens and often keep this on one of them. It is a terrific lens cap and a nifty little lens. It's small profile allows my EPL-1 to fit in a jacket pocket. I plan on getting the 9mm fisheye when it becomes available.
442572
I guess outdoors all the time. This lens cap is good if I'm walking around, visiting places with family when sometimes I need my hands free or don't want to carry a case or bag for my camera and just put it in my pocket when not shooting. Indoors is hard to use because is too slow but if you can put in some place to keep it steady then you can shoot, though I think the picture will always be some how noisy.Now, for serious shooting I would use the 14-54mm or the kit lens if I had it, but really don't feel the need of having it. I guess they don't let you upload pictures here anymore, but i got two shots the other day that I liked a lot, they were sharp enough for me. I guess outdoors all the time. This lens cap is good if I'm walking around, visiting places with family when sometimes I need my hands free or don't want to carry a case or bag for my camera and just put it in my pocket when not shooting. Indoors is hard to use because is too slow but if you can put in some place to keep it steady then you can shoot, though I think the picture will always be some how noisy.Now, for serious shooting I would use the 14-54mm or the kit lens if I had it, but really don't feel the need of having it. I guess they don't let you upload pictures here anymore,... » Read More I guess outdoors all the time. This lens cap is good if I'm walking around, visiting places with family when sometimes I need my hands free or don't want to carry a case or bag for my camera and just put it in my pocket when not shooting. Indoors is hard to use because is too slow but if you can put in some place to keep it steady then you can shoot, though I think the picture will always be some how noisy.Now, for serious shooting I would use the 14-54mm or the kit lens if I had it, but really don't feel the need of having it. I guess they don't let you upload pictures here anymore, but i got two shots the other day that I liked a lot, they were sharp enough for me. « Show Less
442573
Hardly ever. However needed to buy a replacement body lens cap and for not much more money found this one. It's novel if nothing else. I have used it a few times for mediocre pictures but it's on my camera body a lot
442574
If the optical quality was better, I would use it often. The size is very compact, and having to manually focus is no bother because the depth of field is very large. Unfortunately the image quality matches the price.
1414088
I have used mine for astrophotography but it is on the slow end if what is possible. For occasional use it is fine, but if this will be its main use you may well get frustrated. How well does your camera handle noise at high ISO? I don't think 1/3 stop should make enough difference for you to change your mind if this is the lens you prefer. It is very light and the IQ on full frame is fantastic. I have since bought a 24 - 70 f2.8 and despite the longer focal length I use this at night for the extra speed. So for dedicated astrophotography lens consider something faster. For occasional use it will do the job.
606482
My shots are mostly very sharp, however, occasionally, this lens will just produce a clunker. However, I'm not sure its any worse than with some of the "L" series lenses that I've used, so I put it down to technology failure. I normally would attribute it to me, but there are times when I take a picture in noon daylight, standing still and its out of focus. That's almost impossible if you think about it.
2058088
It is a lovely lens, but I cannot see it (or any lens) doing really well with low light and fast action. I use it for landscape photography, where things kindly hold still.
75925
depends on your expectation. It is not a technically wonderful lens by any means. But i keep it on my old epl1 in the glove box or my coat pocket and use it when an opp presents itself. Its fun. Cheap. And as long as you don' mind the zone focus gets shots i otherwise would not get due to not having a kit with me. Love it these winter months when work kills all my light
1800884
I've had mine for approximately three years without any problems. It's a fantastic lens!
1015516
I have had this lens for about 4 years and it focuses very fast and very sharp. No problems.Mike Michedl
2058092
I am using this lens primarily for sports - synchronized swimming. So far only outdoors (wish you would ask it a few months out -the indoor meet is coming up then). It is a beautiful lens for landscaping or nature shots, but so far i cannot say i am 100% satisfied with it for sports. Based on what i see, i can imagine it might be problematic with low-light conditions and sports as even outdoors it still hunts that focus point. But off course reflections can be the cause, at least for me. It probably as good as we can go at this price point, but definitely do not expect flawless photos. As to comparing it against Tamron - sorry, no experience there. I am using this lens primarily for sports - synchronized swimming. So far only outdoors (wish you would ask it a few months out -the indoor meet is coming up then). It is a beautiful lens for landscaping or nature shots, but so far i cannot say i am 100% satisfied with it for sports. Based on what i see, i can imagine it might be problematic with low-light conditions and sports as even outdoors it still hunts that focus point. But off course reflections can be the cause, at least for me. It probably as good as we can go at this price point, but definitely do not expect flawless photos. As... » Read More I am using this lens primarily for sports - synchronized swimming. So far only outdoors (wish you would ask it a few months out -the indoor meet is coming up then). It is a beautiful lens for landscaping or nature shots, but so far i cannot say i am 100% satisfied with it for sports. Based on what i see, i can imagine it might be problematic with low-light conditions and sports as even outdoors it still hunts that focus point. But off course reflections can be the cause, at least for me. It probably as good as we can go at this price point, but definitely do not expect flawless photos. As to comparing it against Tamron - sorry, no experience there. « Show Less
328794
Thanks for the info. I don't think I'm quite ready to pay that kind of money for a lens for a camera that I paid $600.00 for. May as well upgrade the camera and keep the lens. I do appreciate the reply.
908417
Personally I like this lens a lot... so I think it will work for anything you're wanting to shoot with it. The only issues I've run into with it are images can be soft at times. Not sure if that's the lens or the photographer! :0)
1402682
It is a great lens. Focus can be touchy so i will switch to manual when photographing people so as to get exactly what I want crisp. The 1:4 gives gorgeous depth and beauty to the photos although with my profession ( newborn photography) I will try and shoot around a 2 to get a bit more in focus
876153
No problem :) Have a nice day, if you get the lens, enjoy it!! O love it :)
725618
I use mine mostly outdoors at Motocross races and sporting events, I love it for the price. If doing large groups then you will definitely need a back up lens for that. I have had mine for about a year now and its still working great!
1590731
Hello, That would be an impressive move with this lens! Considering it weighs about 40 pounds it would require some serious upper body strength! Thanks for the interest, UsedPhotoPro
719928
Not bad to me :-)I mostly use MF lenses adapter on it and the peak value is very useful!
2173991
I got this lens for my brother, and I really like it, we used a lot. Take a look of some pictures at www.mediawork.ws
1629774
I no longer use it because the lens was noisy even when not in immediate use. On the plus side you get 18-250, a very wide range for an all-purpose lens. It is not particularly fast so you might have problems in the evening, and at extreme settings it produces vignetting on the picture. I wouldn't recommend it, but if you use a Sony camera system that's what you're stuck with.