At 04:24 12/5/01, Steve Goss wrote:
Don't know why the 16 is cheaper than the 18, but they are totally different
lenses.
The 18 is rectilinear, meaning that straight lines stay straight.
The 16 is a full frame fisheye, which means that straight lines that don't go
through the middle of the picture curve around.
Don't quite know why that is either, but I suspect there are two reasons:
a. An 18/3.5 Zuiko in good condition is exceptionally rectilinear (read:
zero detectable distortion; straight lines *are* straight in the
images). It is very difficult to formulate a lens that short and eliminate
pincushion and/or barrel distortion. It's also reasonable sharp from
edge-to-edge; not nearly as soft as most other manufacturer's lenses are
near the edges (at this length); also a significant design achievement.
b. The 16/3.5 Zuiko Fisheye is a full-frame and not nearly as desirable
(or rare) as the full circle 8/2.8 Zuiko Fisheye.
-- John
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