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Nikon AF DX Fisheye-NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED review

The Nikon AF DX Fisheye-NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens is the new addition to the Nikon line-up specifically designed for APS-C DSLRs, as denoted by the DX labeling. While traditional fisheye lenses, designed for full frame cameras, provide a disappointing field of view on smaller sized sensors (usually 120 degrees), the NIKKOR 10.5mm gives a full diagonal 180mm field of view, making it a true fisheye.

This particular lens is quite small and feels really light (305 grams only), and comes with a built-in petal shaped hood. However, it doesn't feel cheap as the build quality is very good, which is why its price ranges around $650. It doesn't include an integrated autofocus motor, which means that the AF will be operated by the camera motor instead; on the few Nikon cameras without a motor the lens will still work, but it will only focus manually. The stated minimum focusing distance is 14cm, thus meaning that in real life performance it will focus as close as 3.2cm (due to the front element being 10.8 cm away from the image plane).

The aperture is quite bright at 2.8 and delivers a pleasing bokeh thanks to its 7 blades. The produced images are really sharp, especially at f/6.3 which we might consider its 'sweet spot'.

Of course, being a fisheye, the level of barrel distortion is extremely high; that characteristic is not a downside as in this case distortions are needed to produce particular and bizarre views and it has a lot of applications in sports or aerial photography. Chromatic aberrations are quite pronounced and the lens produces a notable amount of purple fringing as well. Those are the only downsides of the lens which is still a great performer.

It should also be noted that, like with any other fisheye, due to their really wide field of view, it's not possible to use mount a filter to the front end, as that would cause a pronounced edge shading.

In conclusion, the Nikon AF DX Fisheye-NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens is a well built lens with a great performance for its price range and it's a must have if you need the widest field of view and you own a DSLR with an APS-C sized sensor. If you're a fan of fisheye photography, you won't be disappointed as this lens is capable of producing bright, sharp and colorful images, all packed in a small size accessory that won't make your camera bag noticeably heavier.

Sting1
Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:05:27 +0000

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