Canon 8-15mm L Series f4 Fisheye Lens

The 8-15mm L-series is an extreme wide-angle zoom lens. I would consider it an effects lens, i.e. a lens that you would use to get a particular effect, in this case extreme wide-angle distortion. It’s not a lens to use if you want to reproduce reality. On a full frame stills chip (eg: Canon 5D, Sony A7s) it creates a completely circular image at 8mm. On an s35mm chip (eg: Sony F5, Canon C300) its gives a very bendy fisheye look. At 15mm its a pretty wide angle with a bend. It’s worth bearing in mind that you won’t get the full width of this lens (ie: achieve a fully circular image) on a super 35mm size chip without using a speed booster. However for this particular effect this is a high-quality, sharp and clear lens.

You could think of it like a go-pro feel with much higher quality. I like to use this kind of lens for a rodent or fly eye view for example but you’ll often see them used in music videos and commercials for an extreme look. Also perfect for the point of view of a spy / peep hole in a door.

Circular or full frame Fisheye zoom lens

There’s no need to buy two specialist lenses when the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM offers, either full frame or circular fisheye images when used with cameras with a 24x36mm (full frame) sensor. For photographers shooting with DSLR’s with a smaller sensor, full frame fisheye images are possible. With a 180 diagonal field of view, capturing the whole scene in a single image has never been easier.

L-series quality

The L-series is Canon’s flagship professional lens range, representing the best in precision-designed EF optics. L-series lenses combine superior performance with superlative handling, and are highly resistant to dust and moisture.

Fast, quiet auto focus

A ring USM (Ultrasonic motor) uses ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive extremely rapid auto focus with near-silent operation. A high-speed CPU and optimised AF algorithms contribute further to AF speed. Full time electronic manual focus override is available without having to switch out of AF mode.

Enhanced image quality with SWC coating

Designed for use in digital photography, Canon’s patented Subwavelength structure coating helps minimise the ghosting and flare caused by internal reflections. By eliminating the cause, the coating reduces reflections and helps to deliver crisp, clear images.

Easier lens cleaning

The foremost and rearmost lens surfaces are treated with a Fluorine Coating which enables the easier cleaning of the lens surface compared to existing coatings.

Angle of view (horzntl, vertl, diagnl)

180º – 142º,

180º – 91º 46′ ,

180º – 175º 30′

Lens construction (elements/groups)

14/11

No. of diaphragm blades

7

Minimum aperture

22

Closest focusing distance (m)

0.15m

Maximum magnification (x)

0.34 (at 15mm)

Distance information

Provided

Image stabilizer

–

AF actuator

Ring USM¹

Dust/moisture resistance

Yes¹

Filter diameter (mm)

Filter Holder

Max. diameter x length (mm)

78.5 x 83

Weight (g)

540

Magnification – Extension Tube EF12 II

–

Magnification – Extension Tube EF25 II

–

Lens hood

EW-77 (15mm only)

Soft case

LP1219

Extenders

NC

Footnotes

AF actuator – ¹ Full time Manual focus

Dust/moisture resistance – ¹ Lenses with dust/moisture resistance are fitted with a rubber ring on the lens mount which may cause sligth abrasion of the camera mount. This in no way affects either the lens or camera performance.