NiSi 15mm f/4 Sunstar ASPH

Sony E

Review

The NiSi 15mm f/4 Sunstar ASPH is an intriguing wide-angle lens designed specifically for the Sony E mount. This lens stands out due to its unique sunstar effect, making it a popular choice for landscape and architectural photographers who want to add a creative touch to their images.

Let’s dive into the key features and performance aspects of this lens.

Build Quality and Design

The NiSi 15mm f/4 is crafted with a solid build, giving it a robust feel that can easily withstand the rigors of outdoor photography. It features a metal body with a weather-sealed design, making it a great companion for photographers who often shoot in challenging weather conditions. The focus ring operates smoothly, providing precise control over focusing, which is essential in landscape photography where depth of field is critical.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the lens showcases impressive sharpness, especially in the center of the frame. Corner sharpness holds up well, but it’s worth noting that there might be minor softness in the extreme corners at wide apertures, which is expected in wide-angle lenses. The lens is designed to produce beautiful sunstars when stopped down, adding a striking aesthetic quality to images captured in bright light.

The lens features low dispersion glass elements that help in minimizing chromatic aberrations and distortion. Overall, the optical design allows for excellent color rendition and contrast, with minimal flaring or ghosting, even in direct sunlight.

Usability

While the lens is designed for wide-angle photography, it’s also relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry during long shoots. However, the f/4 maximum aperture might be limiting for some users who prefer shooting in lower light conditions. Still, the lens proves to be highly versatile for outdoor use during golden hour or under clear daylight.

The minimum focusing distance is another highlight, allowing photographers to get closer to their subjects for unique perspectives. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to capture foreground elements in expansive landscapes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with weather sealing
• Impressive sharpness and color rendition
• Beautiful sunstar effect when stopped down
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Close minimum focusing distance for creative compositions

Cons

• Slight corner softness at wide apertures
• Maximum aperture of f/4 may limit low-light performance
• Lens hood is not included, which may be an extra cost for some users

Verdict

Overall, the NiSi 15mm f/4 Sunstar ASPH is a fantastic choice for photographers looking to expand their wide-angle lens collection, particularly for those who appreciate creative elements like sunstars in their images. While it has some limitations in low-light conditions and minor corner softness, its build quality, optical performance, and unique features make it a compelling option for Sony E mount users focused on landscape and architectural photography. If you're seeking a durable and visually striking wide-angle lens, the NiSi 15mm f/4 should definitely be on your radar.