Super wide on the super cheap

[Alan Gage]

I ordered a Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 a couple weeks ago to use with my DSLR. It costs less then $150 (including shipping) to get it here from Russia and I must say I'm very impressed with it. It's even available in K mount to fit my Pentax.

With the 1.5 crop factor of a DSLR it should be about 24mm but it actually is a little wider then that (comparing the framing of a 24mm on my film SLR). One website I read said that because it's a fish eye it's more like a 20mm. Well, whatever, I'm having fun with it. It sure makes self portraits a breeze, maybe this is just what you're looking for Sam.

Here's some quick pics from it. Nothing great, just trying it out.

http://noodledj.com/Web%20Galleries/zenitar%20gallery/index.htm

The second shot is a 100% crop of the 1st. I try not to get too concerned with sharpness but it's much better then I expected. Especially since it was focused up pretty close and handheld with semi-slow shutter speeds. The self portrait wasn't even held out at full arms length.

Definitely one of the best buys out there.



Alan

[OleTj]

It's great fun on 35mm film, too. Since a full-frame fisheye is such a specialised lens, it makes good sense to get a cheap one "just for fun".

I use one on my Mz-5n, and it's fun. Even more fun than the Opteka 500mm mirror! But you do have to remember to get your toes out of the frame...

[Alan Gage]

It's great fun on 35mm film, too. Since a full-frame fisheye is such a specialised lens, it makes good sense to get a cheap one "just for fun".

Yeah, I don't know if I'll actually shoot any film with mine but I slipped it on my 35mm SLR and it's really quite a view. I like the fact that the DSLR crop factor keeps it from having the extreme fish-eye effect (though it would be fun at times). On many shots I don't even notice it; on others it's VERY apparent.

Alan

[jake]

Hehe - you know it's a guy's day out when the dog gets to sit at the table and share in a bit of refreshment (pic #2).  :wink:

J Ake :twisted:

[Gene M]

http://westfordcomp.com/classics/contaxfish/index.htm Here's the same lens screwed onto a Contax.

[connealy]

Looks like great fun, and a nice way to refresh the eyes.  Only a little more barrel distortion than my Takumar 24mm, and there seems to be almost none in the fence shot.  The dof is great.

[Graham Serretta]

Whats all this about colour fringing and chromatic aberation if you use a traditional lens on a DSLR?  Whatever it is, these shots don't have it - well done.