With the introduction of the AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens Nikon fulfills a promise of addressing photographers' needs for wider angle-of-view coverage in digital SLR cameras. These new lenses not only offer Nikon digital SLR photographers the broadest options for wide-angle coverage, but also significantly reduce the size of the lenses they have to carry - without any change in performance or angle-of-view. The AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED len offers 180 degree angle-of-view. At 180 degree diagonal angle-of-view, the AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED is not only Nikon's first fisheye lens designed for digital SLRs, but also the first to offer such a wide picture-angle for any digital camera. It features optimized optical performance with close range focusing up to a mere 5.5 inches for extreme close-ups. Innovative Close-Range Correction (CRC) technology ensures consistently crisp, sharp images. This palm-sized lens is small and lightweight, and its compact design is exemplary of the potential of DX-Nikkor to reduce lens size and offer added convenience to Nikon digital SLR users.
1 First Impression
As soon as I got the lens I went out to test it.
The scene was down the middle of my street. Shot it as a NEF Raw file with a Basic JPG with a auto setting and ISO 200 on a D70.
I opened the file in Nikon Capture and was disappointed in the sharpness and distortions. Contrasty objects at the edges showed aberrations (red and blue ghosting)and a over all softness
The Capture software allowed me to remove the pincushioning but soften the image more.
There is a small gel holder in the rear of the lens and you will need to trim a filter to fit.
This is my first fisheye and I don't have others to compare. I need to try other apertures and see if it improves.
2 Wonderful Lens
I bought this for my Nikon d70 and I barely take it off the body. I nkow it is a special application lens but it really versitile. Can be converted to standard wide angle with Nikon Capture software, this works well , but obviously you lose some of the image, not least the funky effect. I feel like i am zooming out a mile with this lens. Very very pleased. Expensive, but a lot of very nicely made glass and you will use it for years.
