Sigma EX 8mm f/3,5 DG Fisheye Review
General information
This is a prime lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2006.
The lens belongs to the category
wide angle prime lenses, a wide angle lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Worth thinking about is that the lens has a Fisheye-character which give the images an extreme wide but curved 'barrel' look which may require some post processing in your image editing software. Though, the lens offers you as a photographer the widest of wide angle views..
Product description from Sigma
At launch 2006 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 8mm f/3,5 DG Fisheye:
"Sigma’s 8mm F3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye are a unique approach to creative photography. Images created by fisheyes are a circular, curved distorted view of reality. It allows photographers to shoot creative images by taking advantage of the acute perspectives that are invisible to the human eye. This Sigma fisheye produces a circular image with a 180º angle of view within a black surrounding frame. A minimum focusing distance of 5.3 inches and a magnification ratio of 1to 4.6 allows the photographer to have fun with placement of subjects extremely near to the camera with distorted backgrounds. For photographers looking for a creative venue this Sigma fisheye is a good choice.
Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. Produces striking images with exaggerated perspective of near subjects and extreme barrel distortion of the surrounding areas
Super Multi-Layer lens coating reduces flare & ghosting & assures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range
The minimum focusing distance of 5.3 inches & a magnification ratio of 1 to 4.6 allows subjects to be as close as ¾ of an inch from the lens’ front element.
Supplied with a gelatin filter holder at the rear for easy addition of color correction filters
A front cap adapter, front/rear lens cap and carrying case are included with the lens."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
Here it is the only Canon version of the lens that has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. The possibility to use autofocus (AF) is available for Nikon cameras but only if the camera itself has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. Some cheaper and budget camera models from Nikon lacks a built-in autofocus motor, and we at Lensora appreciate autofocus, so in the list of compatible cameras we have chosen to display only the cameras that you can get autofocus with.
The lens has a focal length of 8 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Sigma EX 8mm f/3,5 DG Fisheye
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
- Read more about the autofocus motor and the importance of this part
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5.
The lens is to considered fairly bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a built-in filter holder which means that you at the rear of the lens (towards the camera) can place a filter, but an opportunity to protect the front lens with a filter does not exist.
Unfortunately there is no lens hood included when buying the lens.
Pictures (product and sample images)
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- Works on all sensor types
- Light weight (400 gr)
- No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
- Might have a limited use
- No lens hood is included
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Sigma EX 8mm f/3,5 DG Fisheye.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
Best deals on Sigma EX 8mm f/3,5 DG Fisheye
Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.
Pictures (product and sample images)
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.
