Sigma AF 15mm f/2.8D Fisheye Review

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Introduction

The sigma 15mm, is one of two 35mm full-frame fisheye lenses on the market for the Nikon F mount. The other one being Nikons 16mm fisheye. Both lenses have 180 degrees diagonal view. Fisheye lenses have for years been a favorite lens for skateboard and snowboard photographers. With a fisheye lens you will find yourself dangerously close to the action when you do skateboard and snowboard photography. Since the Fov of a fisheye is so extreme, you have to be really close to your subject to fill the whole frame, something that has caused many injuries both to the photographer as well as their equipment.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 7 elements/6 groups.

Picture Angle: 180° diagonal ( 35mm), 120° with (DX)

Minimum Focusing Distance: 15cm

Filter Size: Rear (Gelatin filter)

Lens Hood: Built in

Included accessories: Lens cap, rear cap, lens bag.

Size and weight: 13.1oz / 73.5mm X 65mm 370g

Diaphragm: 7 Bladed

price from: $ Discontinued

Positives

• DOF/IR markings.
• Sharp. This lens is really sharp even wide open.
• Focus speed.
• Close focus is 15cm, a must on a lens this wide.
• Flare resistant, even when shooting directly into the sun.

Drawbacks

• Price, with the price increase of the DG version of this lens you might as well go for nikons gray market 16mm instead.
• Sigma's EX finish, I don't know why people like this, to me it makes the lens less valuable.
• On a FF/FX body there is allot light-falloff at f/2.8, by f/8 light-falloff is minimal.

Verdict

A solid performer, this is probably the best sigma lens I have used. I`ve never been a huge fan of Sigma`s lenses, but since they usually offer cheaper lenses then the other companies, this is often a starting point for the budget photographer. I find this lens less usable on a DX sized Dlsr, then on a FF camera like the F5. If you own a DX type Dslr then you will be better off getting a DX fisheye. If what you want is just a super wide-angle lens for a DX camera, i suggest the Tokina fisheye to super wide angle zoom lens (10-17mm) or Nikons 12-24mm, if you`r budget is more limited, I suggest the Sigma 10-20mm.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Sigma Fisheye 15mm f/2.8 EX DG. From: $749.00 USD

Nikon AF Fisheye Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D. From: $879.95 USD

Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye Price: $899.00 USD

DX fisheye lenses:

Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Price: $999.00 USD

Bower 8mm f/3.5 FISHEYE Price: $349.00 USD

Vivitar 7mm f/3.5 Series 1 Fisheye Price: $359.95 USD

Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye. From: $684.95 USD

Tokina Fisheye 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 AT-X 107 DX. From: $579.95 USD

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from July 30, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.

Nikon D2H, Sigma 15mm @ 1/1000 sec f/10. Rider: Kai-Ove Skaftnesmo.

Crop @ 100%

Nikon D2H, Sigma 15mm @ 1/250 sec f/2.8

Nikon F5, provia 100, Sigma 15mm fisheye

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