Thinking of capturing some 360-degree videos or photos for use in virtual reality? You’d probably need a 360-degree camera for that. There are of course quite a few in the market today, but if you’re looking to save some money and at the same time ensure the quality of capture, the Sphere Pro might be a lens you might enjoy.
Basically this is a lens designed for DSLRs. What it does is that it gives DSLR cameras 360-degree capture capabilities. This means that if you own a particularly high-end DSLR, you will be able to retain the same controls you’ve always had, and also to a certain extent ensure similar quality. Of course it won’t be the same as using your regular lens, but the image processing engine and your image sensor will help contribute to its quality as well.
At the moment the folks at Sphere Optics have designed the Sphere Pro to be compatible with the Nikon F mount, but if you were to get an adapter you should be able to retrofit it onto other brands of DSLRs as well as mirrorless cameras, although it might be a bit unwieldy as the lens itself is rather huge.
Unfortunately the Sphere Pro is not available for purchase just yet, but its creators are making it available for rent. We’re not sure if there are plans to put it into full production, so for now you’ll have to rent it if you want to try it via their website.