One of the most distinct lens designs, the LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm f/3.5 from Panasonic is a 180° fisheye that produces unique and creative distortion for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. Pairing a modest maximum aperture and a sophisticated optical design, a compact and lightweight form factor is possible, and the optical design also features one extra-low dispersion element to maintain high clarity and color accuracy. Individual elements have also been multi-coated, and a built-in lens hood is featured, to suppress lens flare and ghosting for increased contrast and more accurate colors. Additionally, a stepping AF motor and an internal focus mechanism afford quick, quiet, and smooth focusing performance to suit both video and photo applications.
- Micro Four Thirds System
- 16mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/22
- One Extra-Low Dispersion Element
Panasonic Lumix G 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Overview
Panasonic Lumix G 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Specs
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Panasonic Lumix G 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Reviews
A Must Have For Travel In Tight Spaces
...especially in Europe or large walls that you need to drink in. Sometimes a classic wide-angle is so one-sided that you're only getting one view. With the fisheye you just need to get close and trust the lens to bring in all four corners and the ceiling. Outside it will have a similar effect and pull in the surrounding areas so everything fits in your photo. Think of this lens as a black hole sucking in more data whereas normally you wouldn't. At times you will also get a unique picture you'd otherwise miss completely. I think everyone should have one, but for the price tag and seldom use it's tough to justify. Since my travels I never leave without this lens for overseas vacations. My next trip is the new Disney cruise... so you can see where I'm going with this...
Super Light BUT subject to flare
I use a fisheye often, both for interesting image composition in crowds, and most often for spherical panorama image acquisition in a PTGUI workflow. For the sphericals the sun is often a composition component. But this lens is subject to FLARE if the sun is anywhere in the image. Also, the lens is fly by wire; you can adjust focus with a focus ring, but it is not marked. Aperture has to be done with a camera setting; there is no aperture ring. The image on an MFT camera is like a 16mm full-frame fisheye; that is 180 degrees corner to corner with sides at the edge of the frame. It is not a circular image. The lens hood is built in and can't be removed (without a hacksaw). Image quality away from the sun is okay. So, it is on balance okay, but for the price it should be better. The Sigma 15mm for Nikon FX is perfect and is cheaper. But, it is heavier, and a Nikon FX camera is way heavier than an MFT camera. If I was taking a hike, however, and wanted to get a super wide view this lens on an MFT camera is a no brainer.