Sigma 8mm F3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Sigma 8mm F3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye is a fascinating lens designed for the Nikon F (DX) mount that takes your photography into the world of creative distortion and unique perspectives. This lens is particularly popular among landscape photographers, architectural shooters, and those who are looking to experiment with unconventional compositions.

Design and Build Quality

The Sigma 8mm F3.5 features a sturdy build that emphasizes durability while remaining relatively lightweight. Its barrel is constructed from high-quality materials, giving it a professional feel and the resilience needed for regular use in various shooting conditions. The lens weighs around 0.81 lbs (365 g), making it a practical choice for those who wish to travel light without sacrificing quality. The front element is bulbous, characteristic of fisheye lenses, and has a protective coating that helps reduce flare and ghosting, which is particularly beneficial in high-contrast lighting environments.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Sigma 8mm F3.5 delivers impressive results. It has a maximum aperture of f/3.5, which is commendable for a lens of this type and provides a good depth of field. The lens produces a distinct circular fisheye image, yielding a 180-degree field of view. This allows for breathtaking compositions, where the foreground and background are exaggerated, providing a surreal effect that attracts attention.

Sharpness is quite good at the center, but users may notice some fall-off in sharpness towards the edges, which is common with fisheye lenses. Color rendition is rich and vibrant, providing a lively contrast that enhances even the simplest of scenes. Distortion is an expected trait of fisheye lenses, and this one embraces it rather than tries to minimize it, resulting in photographs that offer a unique visual experience.

Autofocus and Manual Controls

The autofocus performance of the Sigma 8mm F3.5 is generally reliable and quick, making it suitable for both still photography and video work. However, due to the lens's ultra-wide nature, achieving precise focus can require a bit of practice, particularly in close-up situations where the depth of field is shallow. Manual focus is smooth and precise, enabling photographers to fine-tune their compositions effortlessly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional 180-degree field of view.
• Good build quality and lightweight design.
• Impressive optical performance with vibrant color rendition.
• Smooth autofocus and manual focusing mechanisms.

Cons

• Some edge sharpness fall-off.
• Distortion is inherent (though expected) and may not appeal to all photographers.
• Limited versatility due to its unique perspective.

Verdict

The Sigma 8mm F3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye for Nikon F (DX) mount is an excellent choice for photographers seeking to explore the boundaries of perspective and composition. Its combination of build quality, optical performance, and creative potential makes it a strong contender in the fisheye category. While it does come with some inherent limitations like edge sharpness and distortion, these are often a part of the fisheye experience. If you're ready to embrace the unusual and push your creative boundaries, this lens could be a perfect addition to your gear.