Back in the days of film photography in the mid to late 1990s I bought a Nikon 16mm f2.8 fisheye lens and absolutely loved the results.

I remember first seeing a photo from a gig by AC/DC in the tour programme for the For Those About To Rock tour in October 1982 which was shot on a fisheye lens and being suitably impressed because it almost felt like you were on stage with the band.

Of course this was four years before I got into photography as an interest which later became a career. But, when I did start photographing gigs, I did want to get a shot using a fisheye lens and finally managed it in June 1997 when INXS performed at the arena in Newcastle just months before the unexpected death of lead singer Michael Hutchence in November of that year. It was bizarre because you put the filters behind the lens rather than placing a UV filter on the front to protect those elements.

Needless to say we got to photograph the first three songs and I did a few shots on my fisheye lens. I was quite surprised the next day when the Northern Echo, who helped me to get the photo pass to the gig, used one of the fisheye shots in the paper, with the review. Back in the day I had an arrangement with the chief photographer at the paper who would get me access to gigs outside of my work in my regular day job.

Review in the Northern Echo by Angela Upex on Thursday, June 12, 1997:

IN a year dogged by tabloid scandals, Aussie rocker Michael Hutchence got back to doing what he does best – performing to thousands of INXS fans.

Newcastle Arena played host to the only north-east gig of the band’s UK tour last night but concert organisers were disappointed at ticket sales.

Phil Clarkson from the Arena box office said only 60 per cent of the tickets had been sold.

“We expect just over 6000 fans here tonight, which is rather disappointing when you consider that a few years ago INXS were the hottest band around.”

But the six-man band, who have been together for more than 17 years, sold more than 20 million records, and have made ten albums, gave an energetic performance last night.

Although more column inches are devoted to Hutchence and his love life with Paula Yates, last night we were reminded of the band’s worldwide appeal which has bagged them countless awards.

And despite the less-than-capacity crowds, there was no disappointment on the faces of the die-hard fans.

As I recall I was mocked by some of my colleagues, for using what was considered a gimmick lens, but I quite liked the results which harked back to the original shot of AC/DC.

And, as can be seen in the above gallery, I also used a regular lens (probably the 70 to 200mm f.2.8) and I was pleased with the variety of the shots. And I was more than pleased that the Northern Echo agreed with my gut instinct to produce a different and distinctive shot.

As I recall if you pushed the film rating to 1600 ISO it would give you reasonable results with a setting of f2.8 and probably a shutter speed of around 1/250th of a second (thanks to my fellow photographers for that advice).

Having said that I did enquire at the Sony Centre about using independent lenses but I was reassured that they should be okay. But tonight I read online that a photographer friend was covering a gig and her lens did not ‘communicate’ with her camera and it had bizarre implications with the exposure settings. I am not sure what cameras she uses.

Needless to say I will read a few reviews and see what is the best one to go for but I feel it will be a useful addition to my camera bag. Unfortunately I won’t receive it in time for Monday’s Kula Shaker but expect a review of that gig next week.

Having said that I am also weighing up whether I need to buy a macro lens or opt for close up filters for copying photos (I am fairly sure the filters will be the cheaper option with my 50mm lens and the results will probably be just as good). I will keep you posted.