Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras
- Price: $249.00
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # BO835SN
- Mfr# SLY358N
Product Highlights
- For Nikon APS-C Cameras
The Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Ultra-Wide Fisheye Lens with a 180° angle of view, allows the photographer to see his subjects in unique way. This ultra-wide delivers a rounded perspective, well-suited to landscapes and unusual portraiture. It has multi-coated elements and a fixed petal-type lens hood to reduce flare and ghosting. This lens must be used in manual focus and manual exposure modes. This lens must be operated in Manual mode only with Nikon cameras--functions controlled by the camera (such as autofocus, auto exposure, etc.) will not be operative.
- 180° diagonal angle of view on APS-C image format
- Creates outstanding, sharply defined images by using a hybrid aspherical lens
- Reduces flare and ghosting with super multi-layer coating
- Minimum focusing distance of 12-inches (304.8mm)
- Fixed petal-type lens hood
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 8 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon DX FX in DX Crop Mode |
| Angle of View | 180° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 12" (30.48 cm) |
| Magnification | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Groups/Elements | 7/10 |
| Diaphragm Blades | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | No |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | None |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.94 x 2.95" (7.47 x 7.49 cm) |
| Weight | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 60 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong construction (34)
- Consistent output (31)
- Durable (29)
- Easily interchangeable (22)
- Rugged (13)
Cons
- Heavy (11)
- Tough to attach (7)
- Poor in low light (5)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (45)
- Sports/action (20)
- Low light (14)
- Weddings (13)
- Night photography (7)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (27), Semi-pro photographer (14), Casual photographer (8), Photography student (5), Pro photographer (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (42), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Tiny metal particles from lens mount
First the good news: I love the lens for its creative capabilities. Get close and a new world of opportunities and possibilities opens. This affordable ultra-wide angle lens is a great next addition to...Read complete review
First the good news: I love the lens for its creative capabilities. Get close and a new world of opportunities and possibilities opens. This affordable ultra-wide angle lens is a great next addition to your camera-bag.
After using the Bower 8mm for a week of two in the field I noticed tiny metal particles on my DSLR's sensor. I found dust specs in my images when reviewing them on my screen.
In the begining this lens has a somewhat tight fit on the camera body and there is no "white dot" marker to line up with. I have used the lens on two DX bodies: Nikon D2x and D80 and a FM2a. The fit gets more worn in after a while and I think that is where the metal particles on the sensor come from.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Ok, for the price. But not for a FX!
On my Full Frame you only get a small pic. but on my nikon 3100 it works well. I think it is ok for the money. I recomend it if you just want a...Read complete review
On my Full Frame you only get a small pic. but on my nikon 3100 it works well. I think it is ok for the money. I recomend it if you just want a fish eye and dont want to spend so much.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 60 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
For the price this lens is the best on the market. The fisheye is really brought out in closeup photos, but when used for landscape photography the distortion of the fisheye isn't as apparent and the lens turns into more of just a wide angle lens. The only downside about this lens is that you have to really play with it for a while before you can use it to it's maximum ability.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
Once you get used to the manual focus this lens is amazing. I would recommend this lens to anyone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
I choosed it as an ideal step from basic 18-55 lens for my nikon. This lens is better then i expected for the price, thanks for other reviews.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
Great lens for the money. I have taken around 100 photos,with excellent results as to picture quality. Longer exposures are necessary for indoor shots than with my wide angle or 18-200 nikkor lens. Not a problem since I am using it for my interior design work and I bracket the shots. The only glitch is that the settings on the lens'aperture ring do not concide with the camera display.ie f22 on the ring reads as f4 on my Nikon D300. Other wise this is a fun lens and it has given me a new slant on my landscape shots and some crazy portraits
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
I bought this lens to take shots inside rooms/office spaces thus capturing as much of the contents as possible.
The lens was fitted to a Nikon D3100. It requires that you go into Manual (M) mode, as the camera will complain that no lens is attached. You will need to experiment a bit with the shutter speed and other setting (my first few shot were "blank" until I figured that the shutter speed was way too fast).
The lens itself is surprisingly a bit heavier that I thought it would be, but it's solid. There are two rings, one for focus and the other for setting the aperture.
You have to manually focus the lens, but this isn't too bad with practice.
Overall a great lens for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
THIS LENS IS DEFINITELY VERY USEFUL FOR ULTRA WIDE 18O DEGREE VIEW AND WITH IMAGINATION YOU CAN CREATE SOME FANTASTIC ASPECTS. YOU MUST FOCUS CAREFULLY FOR SHARP IMAGES.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
This is a great lens very clear is built excellent easy to use.
I am a skateboard photographer and this is every thing plus more,I would highly recommend this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
Once I set it up as a non-cpu lens on my D300 it was ready to go. I read a lot of reviews on this lens as well as looking at sample shots from it and decided to take the chance. Outdoors it works beautifully, but indoors it needs a lot of light (or really high ISO) to function decently.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
Cons
- Only manual mode
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
This is a very fun lens, though it needs to be used in the manual mode and the F-stop setting is kind of funky. Other than that the photos are nice and it takes some cool photos. Great lens for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Lucky3128
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- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Great price
Cons
- No AF big deal
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
I always wanted a fisheye lens for those unique wedding shots. This lens is fantastic for $. Stopping it down to 5.6 with the focus ring at 1.2 is perfect. You can spend money for the nikkor but for a few shots at an event i couldnt justify the cost. Well worth it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Good Indoors
- Great colors
- Strong Construction
- Very wide
Cons
- Sometimes Blurry Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Skateboarding
- Sports/Action
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
I am an aspiring photographer, mainly interested in skatebaording photography. Photos and videos using a fisheye lens are very important in skateboarding and typically used more often than those with long lenses. Being a high school student on a low budget I looked for the cheapest fisheye I could get with decent reviews. Despite the warnings against this lens becuase of its lack of Auto Focus, I decided to get it for my D5000.
I have been using this lens since last Christmas and I've been nothing but happy with it. Although the focus can be off when the subject is too close (closer than 1 ft.), if the aperature is set to f/5.6 or lower there is basically no depth of field.
This lens is very wide which is ideal for what i use it for and works great in small spaces or when much is needed to be in the shot.
The color rendering is fantastic. I've never been disappointed with the colors this lens has produced (try setting the colors to the "vivid" option in the shooting menu, they look great).
I highly recommend this lens to anyone interested in taking their photos to new levels or just looking for a different approach. I have no complaints.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Tristan S.
Star Trail
Images shared by Tristan S.
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Cost
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
Best for video of action sports. Works good. Fraction of the cost of a name brand lens. Can't be used in Auto setting. Manual focus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
It's little heavy to carry out, but it works amazing
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
For the price, this lens does everything that an expensive Fisheye does.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
I have only used this lens once, but it was great fun. Shot sunsets over the lake. Disconcerting at first because the angle is sooo wide. Once I learn to use the distortion, I'm sure I can make it work. I got down on the center line of a highway going into the village and I was amazed at the depth perception.
I thought I would miss the auto focus (this is a manual only lens) but the depth of field is so great I did not really notice having to move the focus ring much.
I would recommend this lens--I already have.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
This lens performs just like the more expensive lens that are all auto. This has the added benefit of being about 1/2 the cost of the fully auto lenses. It will test your abilities with your camera know-how, but the quality of image this lens produces is well worth it!
It is on the heavy side with all metal construction.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
Go this lens just in time for our family vacation and had a blast playing with it. sharp images, easy to focus and has a good feel to it. very pleased.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
Im new to photography. Received a Nikon D5100 for christmas. I was looking for a wide angle fisheye lens. Did some research and everything was out of my budget. I decided to buy this lens because of the reviews and it was within my budget. When I opened the box the first thing I noticed was its weight and built. Its heavier than the Nikon 18-55mm kit lens. Very solid with a metal mount. Putting it on the camera was a little tricky at first. I couldnt match the attachment to the body. You get used to it though. The lens is completly manual. So your settings need to be in manual mode. After taking it for a test drive I was very impressed with the results. It was sharp and the wide angle effect was really good. Very sharp at f/5.6 - f/11. I do recommend this lens. Its great for its price and a lot of fun. It came with a pouch, rear and front caps. Its a steal.
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
Use it on Nikon D90. Nice picture but works only on manual mode without metering measurement.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- cheap
- Durable
- Strong Construction
- Well built quality
Cons
- No filter thread
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Bower SLY 358N 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens For Nikon APS-C Cameras:
As for every fish eye and super wide angle lens, not your every day lens but it does what it's supposed to do well. Manual focus isn't an issue, ring focuses smoothly and barely any adjustments is needed to get clear pictures. Feels solid and well made. Definitly Recommended.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
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- Price: $11.99
Lens Mount Caps
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- Price: $1.99
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