Nikon 8-15mm f3.5-4.5 Fisheye Mini Review: Is it Worth the Price?

I just purchased the Nikon 8-15mm f3.5-4.5 fisheye lens from AllensCamera.com . This lens is replacing my aged Nikon 16mm f2.8 which hasn’t taken a super tack sharp image in ages, it was time for it to be retired.

Download sample RAW DNG files shot at 8 and 15mm.
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Download Full Res Jpegs right here.

Some people ask is this lens worth it’s $1,249 price tag? I point to the price tag of the 16mm 2.8 which is still right under $1000 new. So my answer is, if you need to ask is it worth it than it may not be the right option for you. Now I don’t mean that in a down-putting way, but this is a specialty lens.

In my opinion this is not your first, second or even third lens in your bag. For me it’s probably forth or fifth lens I would pick up. This is a specialty lens, it’s going to be used sparingly to get a specific shot, then it’s going back in the bag. Fisheye lenses are not meant to be over done, when you find yourself overdoing it, it’s time to put it away.