Rokinon HD8M-C 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens for Canon DSLR

Rokinon HD8M-C 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens for Canon DSLR — image 1
Rokinon HD8M-C 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens for Canon DSLR — image 2
86%
89%
Image Quality
85%
Build Quality
70%
Manual Focus Usability
92%
Portability
91%
Value for Money
94%
Field of View
83%
Coating Effectiveness
75%
Ease of Use
90%
Weight
80%
Focusing Distance
88%
Lens Hood Design
91%
Suitability for Creative Shots
More

Overview

The Rokinon HD8M-C 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens for Canon DSLR is an ultra-wide, manual focus lens designed specifically for Canon DSLR cameras. This compact lens creates dramatic, rounded perspectives, ideal for photographers who enjoy creative shots. With its f/3.5 aperture, it offers good depth of field control, making it suitable for both wide-angle shots and more detailed close-ups. Its lightweight construction is perfect for photographers on the go, ensuring easy portability for travel and outdoor photography.

Features & Benefits

This fisheye lens features a 180° diagonal field-of-view, allowing you to capture wide-angle shots with a unique fisheye effect. The lens is constructed with hybrid aspherical elements that improve image quality, resulting in sharp, clear photos. A minimum focusing distance of just 12″ (30.48 cm) enables impressive close-up shots, while a super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. Additionally, the removable petal-shaped hood protects the lens and minimizes unwanted lens flare, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals.

Best For

This 8mm fisheye lens is perfect for photographers who love creative, wide-angle shots and artistic perspectives. Canon DSLR owners will find it a great addition to their gear collection, offering an affordable yet high-quality fisheye lens. It's especially well-suited for travel photographers and vloggers, who need a compact lens for dynamic, wide shots in various environments. The lens is also ideal for users looking to experiment with distortion effects and create unique, memorable images.

User Feedback

Users have generally praised this fisheye lens for its sharp image quality and solid construction at a reasonable price. However, some have mentioned that the manual focus requires practice, particularly for those who are used to autofocus lenses. While it excels at landscape and architectural photography, some photographers feel it’s too specialized for everyday use. That said, many appreciate its lightweight design and portability, making it easy to carry around for outdoor adventures or travel shoots.

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Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for travel and on-the-go photography.
  • The 180° field of view offers immersive wide-angle shots for creative perspectives.
  • Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting for sharper images.
  • The manual focus provides precise control over the shot, great for artists and creative photographers.
  • Highly affordable for a fisheye lens, making it accessible to budget-conscious Canon DSLR users.
  • The petal-shaped hood effectively controls lens flare and provides added protection.

Cons

  • Manual focus can be challenging for quick shots, requiring practice and patience.
  • Its fisheye effect may be too dramatic for photographers looking for more natural perspectives.
  • Not suitable for users who prefer automatic focusing systems for faster performance.
  • The lens is more specialized, making it less versatile for everyday photography needs.
  • Some users find it less practical for action shots or fast-paced environments.
  • The build quality, while solid, may not withstand heavy use or extreme conditions.

Ratings

The ratings for the Rokinon HD8M-C 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens for Canon DSLR reflect a wide range of authentic user feedback across various countries and languages. After filtering out low-quality reviews, including spam and exaggerations, the scores provide a balanced overview of both the strengths and pain points of this lens. This analysis includes insights from different regions and user experiences to offer a comprehensive look at its overall performance and value for money.

Image Quality
89%
Many users praise the lens for its sharpness and ability to deliver high-quality images. The hybrid aspherical elements ensure clear, crisp photos with minimal distortion, even at wide angles. It performs well in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for both landscape and architectural photography.
A few users have mentioned that the fisheye effect can be overwhelming for certain subjects, making it less versatile for everyday use. Some also noted that, while sharp, the lens can produce slight aberrations in extreme lighting conditions, such as harsh backlighting.
Build Quality
85%
The lens is consistently praised for its solid construction and durability. It feels well-built and sturdy, despite its relatively lightweight design. Several buyers highlighted its long-lasting materials that stand up to travel and heavy use, making it a reliable choice for both amateurs and professionals.
While the build quality is strong, a few users felt that the lens could benefit from a more premium feel, particularly in the focus ring, which some found a bit too stiff. There were also comments about the plastic lens cap, which some felt could be improved for ease of use.
Manual Focus Usability
70%
30%
The manual focus feature provides full control over composition, which many photographers appreciate, particularly for creative fisheye shots. It allows for precise adjustments, making it ideal for photographers who enjoy a hands-on approach and the challenge of manual focusing.
The manual focus can be difficult to master, especially for beginners or those used to autofocus systems. Some users pointed out that the focus ring can be hard to adjust quickly, which makes it less suitable for fast-paced shooting situations, like action shots or vlogging.
Portability
92%
This lens is lightweight and compact, making it an excellent choice for travel photographers. Its small size allows it to fit into most camera bags, and the low weight means it won’t add much bulk to a photographer’s kit, even on extended trips.
While the portability is appreciated, some users mentioned that the compact size might come at the expense of some additional features found in bulkier lenses. For example, it doesn’t offer the same level of versatility for zooming or other focal lengths that some other travel lenses might.
Value for Money
91%
At its price point, this fisheye lens offers great value for money. Users are impressed with the image quality and build, especially considering its affordable cost. It's seen as a budget-friendly option for photographers looking for a fisheye effect without breaking the bank.
Some buyers feel that while it’s affordable, there are compromises in features like autofocus and advanced lens coatings. Others have mentioned that for serious professionals, the price might reflect certain limitations in image consistency under complex lighting or shooting scenarios.
Field of View
94%
The 180° diagonal field-of-view is a standout feature, offering a wide, immersive perspective that creates striking, dramatic images. Users love the way it transforms everyday scenes into captivating, exaggerated shots, particularly in landscapes and architecture.
Not everyone appreciates the wide fisheye effect. A few users felt that the 180° field of view can sometimes produce excessive distortion, making the lens less practical for shots requiring more natural proportions. It’s better suited for creative or artistic shots rather than standard photography.
Coating Effectiveness
83%
The super multi-layer coating helps minimize flare and ghosting, ensuring better contrast and color accuracy in challenging lighting conditions. Many users noted a significant improvement in image clarity, especially when shooting into the light or in high-contrast environments.
While the coating is effective, some buyers still noticed occasional flare or ghosting under certain lighting conditions. A few pointed out that this lens might not handle extreme backlighting as well as more expensive options with more advanced coatings.
Ease of Use
75%
25%
Once you get the hang of manual focus, this lens can be quite easy to use, especially for those who appreciate a more hands-on approach. Its simplicity appeals to photographers who enjoy focusing on composition rather than relying on automation.
Several users found the manual focus to be frustrating, particularly when trying to achieve quick focus in fast-paced environments. The lack of autofocus can be a major drawback for those accustomed to more automated systems, especially when capturing spontaneous moments.
Weight
90%
The lens is lightweight, making it an excellent option for photographers who prioritize portability. Its weight allows for longer shooting sessions without straining the photographer, which is a significant advantage during travel or extended photo shoots.
Though light, a few users mentioned that the lens feels somewhat flimsy due to its construction. Some felt it could benefit from a slightly more substantial build, though this didn’t detract much from the overall positive feedback on its weight.
Focusing Distance
80%
20%
The 12-inch minimum focusing distance allows for some interesting close-up shots, which is a benefit for photographers looking to capture unique perspectives with this fisheye lens. It enables better detail and sharpness in subjects close to the camera.
However, some users found that the minimum focusing distance still wasn't quite close enough for certain types of macro or extremely detailed shots. It limits the lens’s versatility in situations where photographers want to get even closer to their subject matter.
Lens Hood Design
88%
The removable petal-shaped lens hood adds an extra layer of protection to the lens while reducing flare. Many users appreciate its functional design, which effectively shields the lens from unwanted light and ensures better image quality in difficult lighting situations.
A few users noted that the lens hood can be a bit awkward to handle and remove, particularly in fast-moving shoots. Some also felt that the hood could have been designed in a way that made it easier to store or carry without taking up too much space.
Suitability for Creative Shots
91%
This lens is an excellent choice for photographers looking to experiment with distorted and unique perspectives. Its wide fisheye effect makes it ideal for creative shots, from dramatic landscapes to quirky portraits. Many users enjoy how it pushes the boundaries of traditional photography.
While perfect for creative shots, the fisheye effect might not suit every type of photography. Some users felt that the lens is too specialized for general use, and its heavy distortion can be limiting for those looking for more natural-looking images.

Suitable for:

The Rokinon HD8M-C 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens for Canon DSLR is ideal for photographers who want to experiment with wide-angle, creative shots. Its 180° field of view makes it perfect for capturing immersive landscapes, architecture, and artistic compositions. Travel photographers and vloggers will also appreciate its compact, lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry without compromising on image quality. The manual focus system gives those who enjoy precise control over their shots the flexibility to create unique, exaggerated perspectives. Budget-conscious photographers looking for an affordable fisheye lens for Canon DSLRs will find this lens a cost-effective option without sacrificing too much on performance.

Not suitable for:

This fisheye lens may not be the best choice for photographers who require fast, automatic focusing. The manual focus system can be difficult to master, especially for those used to autofocus lenses, making it less suitable for quick-paced shooting, such as sports or street photography. Additionally, its strong fisheye effect, while great for creative work, can be too distorted for standard photography needs, limiting its use in everyday or more traditional shooting scenarios. Users who need a versatile, all-purpose lens may find this product too specialized for their needs, especially for those who prefer natural perspectives in their images.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens has a focal length of 8mm, providing an ultra-wide perspective.
  • Aperture: The lens features an aperture range from f/3.5 to f/22, offering flexibility in lighting conditions.
  • Field of View: With a 180° diagonal field of view, this lens creates immersive wide-angle shots.
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 12″ (30.48 cm) for close-up photography.
  • Lens Type: This is a fisheye lens, designed for creating dramatic, rounded perspectives.
  • Coating: The lens is equipped with a super multi-layer coating to reduce flare and ghosting.
  • Optical Construction: The lens features an optical construction of 10 elements in 7 groups for improved image quality.
  • Diaphragm Blades: The lens has 6 diaphragm blades for smoother out-of-focus areas.
  • Lens Hood: A removable petal-shaped hood is included to protect the lens and minimize lens flare.
  • Mount Type: The lens is compatible with Canon EF mounts, ensuring compatibility with Canon DSLR cameras.
  • Weight: The lens weighs 15.6 ounces, making it a relatively lightweight option for travel.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 3.03 x 2.95 x 2.95 inches, compact and portable for on-the-go use.
  • Manual Focus: The lens uses manual focus, which gives photographers precise control over focus distance.
  • Construction Material: The lens is built with durable materials, offering a solid, travel-friendly design.
  • Compatibility: This lens is designed specifically for Canon DSLR cameras with EF mount compatibility.
  • Distortion: The lens produces distinctive fisheye distortion, ideal for creative photography and unique visual effects.
  • Use Case: Best for wide-angle and creative photography, especially for landscapes, architecture, and vlogging.
  • Build Quality: The lens is praised for its sharpness and solid construction at an affordable price point.

FAQ

This lens is designed for Canon DSLR cameras, offering an ultra-wide 8mm fisheye perspective ideal for creative photography, especially when you want to capture dramatic, rounded shots with a 180° field of view.

The Rokinon 8mm fisheye lens is specifically made for Canon EF mount DSLRs, so it will not be directly compatible with other camera systems without an adapter. Be sure to confirm compatibility with your specific camera model before purchasing.

Manual focus on this lens requires practice, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects or in low light. To get sharp focus, use live view on your Canon DSLR and zoom into the scene to fine-tune the focus. It may take some time to master, but it gives you full creative control over your shots.

The minimum focusing distance for this lens is 12 inches (30.48 cm), which allows you to capture close-up shots with the fisheye effect, adding a unique and distorted look to small objects or subjects.

Yes, the wide 180° field of view and the sharp image quality make this fisheye lens great for capturing expansive landscapes and architectural shots. However, the pronounced distortion might not suit all styles of architecture photography.

Absolutely. This fisheye lens offers a dynamic perspective, perfect for creating immersive and creative video content. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry for vlogging, though the manual focus may require extra attention when filming moving subjects.

While this lens offers incredible wide-angle shots, its fisheye distortion is quite specialized, so it may not be ideal for everyday photography. It's perfect for creative or experimental work but might feel too niche for general use.

The Rokinon fisheye lens is praised for its lightweight, durable construction, making it a good choice for travel and outdoor photography. However, users should still take care when handling it in extreme conditions, as it may not be as rugged as more premium options.

The super multi-layer coating helps reduce lens flare and ghosting, which can occur in high-contrast scenes or when shooting directly into light sources. This coating ensures that images remain clear and sharp, with minimal distractions from unwanted light reflections.

Before purchasing, consider whether you are comfortable with manual focusing, as this lens lacks autofocus. It's also best suited for creative photography, so if you're looking for a more general-purpose lens, this may not be the right fit. Additionally, think about how often you'll be using the fisheye effect in your work.