Lens type: Fisheye (Circular (8mm) and Diagonal (15mm) on full frame)
Focus type: Manual or AF (ring-type USM motor)
Aperture range: f/4 – f/22
Filter size: cut gel filters in rear
Dimensions (with caps on): 108mm high, 90mm wide
Height (from camera front to lens front; caps off): 82mm
Weight (with caps on): 586g / 1 lb. 5 oz.
Weight (with caps off): 530g / 1 lb. 3 oz.
Other: removable plastic lens shade
Star Tests
2 min. single exposure at f/4, 8mm, ISO 1600, Canon EOS Ra, Bortle 3 sky. Open full-size image in new tab.Same image at f/4, 8mm with 200% zoomed-in crop boxes showing star performance. Great sharpness across field. Moderate coma and chromatic abberation away from center. Open full-size image in new tab.4 min. single exposure at f/4.5, 8mm, ISO 1600, Canon EOS Ra, Bortle 3 sky. Open full-size image in new tab.Same image at f/4.5, 8mm with 200% zoomed-in crop boxes showing star performance. Very similar to f/4. Open full-size image in new tab.4 min. single exposure at f/5.6, 8mm, ISO 1600, Canon EOS Ra, Bortle 3 sky. Open full-size image in new tab.Same image at f/5.6, 8mm, with 200% zoomed-in crop boxes showing star performance. Very similar to f/4. Open full-size image in new tab.2 min. single exposure at f/4, 15mm, ISO 1600, Canon EOS Ra, Bortle 3 sky. Open full-size image in new tab.Same image at f/4, 15mm with 200% zoomed-in crop boxes showing star performance. Great sharpness across field. Moderate coma and chromatic abberation away from center. Open full-size image in new tab.4 min. single exposure at f/4.5, 15mm, ISO 1600, Canon EOS Ra, Bortle 3 sky. Open full-size image in new tab.Same image at f/4.5, 15mm with 200% zoomed-in crop boxes showing star performance. Very similar to f/4. Open full-size image in new tab.4 min. single exposure at f/5.6, 15mm, ISO 1600, Canon EOS Ra, Bortle 3 sky. Open full-size image in new tab.Same image at f/5.6, 15mm, with 200% zoomed-in crop boxes showing star performance. Very similar to f/4. Open full-size image in new tab.
Commentary
This is the sharpest, punchiest (high contrast) fisheye lens I’ve tried, and is definitely fun to use. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot considering it’s a zoom, and an old design, but I did really enjoy using it. It is remarkably consistent across the zoom range and focal ratios. I don’t see any reason to stop down as it’s just as sharp at f/4 as it is at f/5.6. The downside to that consistency is the coma and chromatic abberation are also consistent and don’t really improve by stopping down the aperture. If this lens weren’t so expensive, I’d be more likely to recommend it.
Price
$1249 USD (December 2020)
Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM
Reader Rating0 Votes
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Pros
Circular and diagonal fisheye in one lens
Very sharp and high contrast at all focal lengths and ratios
Cons
Very expensive
Significant coma and chromatic abberation away from center
