SG-image MF 7.5mm F2.8 Fisheye

The SG-image MF 7.5mm F2.8 Fisheye is a manual focus fisheye lens for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras. SG-image offers it for Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Micro Four Thirds, Canon EF-M, Canon RF and Leica L. With a 168 degree angle of view it produces the curved, stylized look typical of fisheye optics, where straight lines near the edges bend. The manufacturer recommends it for creative projects, unusual architecture shots and playful experiments.

Optical design

According to SG-image the lens has 11 elements in 9 groups. The diaphragm has 7 blades and runs from F2.8 to F16 on a clicked aperture ring. The minimum focus distance is only 0.12 m, with a maximum magnification of 1:1.1 listed in the spec sheet. The front element is a bulbous fisheye element, so the lens has no filter thread and the spec sheet states that filters are not supported. SG-image does not name special glass types.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual. SG-image points out that the very deep depth of field of such a short focal length makes manual focusing easy, and that you can often set a distance and rely on hyperfocal focusing to keep most of the scene sharp. The aperture is set on a ring with click stops, so the lens works almost like a point-and-shoot tool once you have chosen a setting.

Build and size

The lens has an all-metal construction according to the manufacturer. It measures 63 mm in diameter and 54 mm in length and weighs about 326 g. These values come from a single spec sheet for all seven mounts. Without a filter thread, lens protection has to rely on the supplied cap and careful handling.

Where it fits

Fisheye lenses for these systems are plentiful in the database. The 7artisans 7.5mm F2.8 Fisheye is the closest comparable lens, offered for Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M, Micro Four Thirds and Sony E. Samyang offers the 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye II for Sony E, Fujifilm X and Canon EF-M, and for Micro Four Thirds there is the Samyang 7.5mm F3.5 UMC Fisheye MFT.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Strong 168 degree angle of view
• Very short minimum focus distance of 0.12 m
• F2.8 maximum aperture is fast for a fisheye
• Metal construction
• Offered for seven mounts

Cons

• Manual focus only
• No filter thread, filters are not supported
• At about 326 g it is heavy for a small fisheye
• Limited use outside of creative or special-effect work
• No weather sealing mentioned

Verdict

The SG-image MF 7.5mm F2.8 Fisheye is an inexpensive way to try fisheye photography on an APS-C or Micro Four Thirds camera. The very close focusing and deep depth of field make it easy to use, but the missing filter thread and the specialized look mean it works best as a second lens for creative projects.