Hi Vince,

The Sigma 4.5mm is the wrong choice in my eyes. It is a full circular fisheye just like the FC-E8 and FC-E9 used on the Coolpix models. But it is not 180 degrees + so you will require 3 shots. 3 shots would obviously have enough overlap so that you used the sharpest part of the image. But it will not provide you with the best panoramas because you will waste so many pixels to black space. Don't get me wrong, the results would be far superior to anything produced with a FC-E8 or FC-E9 on a Coolpix or even a DSLR with a conversion kit. But there are better options....

OK, so if you go with the D5000 your best choice for lens will be the Nikkor 10.5mm for quality, maximum size and all round compatibility. But, this will require 6+2 shots (6+TB). Second to this will be the Tokina 10-17mm Zoom fisheye but again (6+TB), then the Sigma 10mm but also (6+TB).

Now, if you want 4 shots and a easy workflow you require a Sigma 8mm because when fitted to the small DX sensor camera you will get "Drum" images. You shoot 4 around 1 every 90 degrees and with a +5-to-7 degree tilt up to close the Zenith/Top/Ceiling hole. You then cap or clone the Nadir/Bottom/Floor or shoot a handheld Nadir shot.

The Sigma 8mm will maximize the available pixels vs the minimum shots required to cover the full 360x180.

So, forget the Sigma 4.5mm fisheye it is a waste of pixels and money.

Regards, Smooth

Quote: Originally posted by Vince on July-02-2009

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I'm looking at getting the new Sigma 10-20 f/3.5 to replace my older (and slightly abused!) Sigma 10-20 F/4.5-5.6, might this lens also work for 6+TB panos?

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Vince,

The 10-20mm Wide angle lens cannot cover a full 360x180 in 6+TB.

If you were to use this lens you have two shooting scenarios you could follow.

• Nadir Shot -90 degrees or hand held, 6 images at 60 degree click stops with -30 degrees tilt down, 6 images at 60 degree click stops with +30 degrees tilt up, Zenith Shot +90 degrees TOTAL 14 shots.
• Nadir Shot -90 degrees or hand held, 4 images at 90 degree click stops with -60 degrees tilt down, 8 images at 45 degrees at 0 degree pitch (level), 4 images at 90 degrees with +60 degrees tilt up, no Zenith shot is required because you have already captured it within the 4x +60 degree shots. TOTAL 17 shots.

If you were to go this way you would be best suited to a panohead with a rotator that allows you to quickly change the click stops "externally" like the Manfrotto 300N rotator, Agnos MrotatorT or NNRD-12/16.

Personally, I would be buying the Sigma 8mm (4 shots + Handheld Nadir = Job Done!)

Regards, Smooth

Quote: Originally posted by Vince on July-06-2009

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The upgrade may be on hold unless I can work out a issue with Photoshop. I use CS2, and I would need CS4 to work with the .nef files from the D5000.

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Quote: Originally posted by realtor jerry on July-07-2009

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The upgrade in photoshop from cs2 to cs4 is $199. Purchasing the D5000 over the D90 will save you that much.

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Quote: Originally posted by Vince on July-07-2009

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I tried the Adobe DNG converter and it was not working. I think I remember seeing somewhere that you need to import Nikon D5000 files a particular way (drag & drop?) for them to be fully compatible with non-Nikon software.
Vince

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