Sigma 16mm Fisheye: 180° of fun

Looking for a f2.8 full frame fisheye and don't want to pay the usual EUR 600,- for it? This Sigma is what you are looking for. OK, its not a perfect lens. It does not have the most recent coatings so contrast is a little bit lower than that of a modern lens and it flares easier. Extreme corner sharpness is slightly superiour to modern AF fisheyes such as Sigma 15 mm F/2.8 EX DG or the recently discontinued Canon EF 15mm Fisheye once stopped down to F8 or F11. Performance wide open is not at the same level but still very usable in extreme situations. See 3rd sample pic @ 1/15 sec handheld! The modern Canon and Sigma 15mm's are better when it comes to colour, contrast and sharpness at larger apertures.

Since it is possible to get sharp images when handholding a fisheye at very slow shuttertimes , closing the aperture to 5.6 or smaller is usually no problem in normal conditions. Needless to say it does not have AF. For 80% of my shots I just keep this lens at the optimum focus point (slightly beyond 2m) and everything is in focus. Works much faster than autofocus! If you use this lens outside the the optimum focus (like 1.5m for example) you will get a less performing lens.