Best Fisheye Lens for Sony in 2024

We've tried all the most popular fisheye lenses for Sony cameras — but only one won our hearts.

Last updated: August 4, 2024

Capture breathtaking wide-angle views and experiment with unique distortions for creative and surreal photography — the fisheye lens provides gives you a truly unique look.

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Best Fisheye Lens for Sony

These are the best fisheye lenses for Sony cameras in 2024:

1. Rokinon 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS Fish-eye (Sony E Mount)

Those looking for a great-performing and cheap fisheye lens for the Sony ecosystem can stop looking now — this is the best choice by far, since it's very reasonably priced and it performs great.

Compared to the Sony 16mm F2.8 Fisheye it is a little bit slower when it comes to autofocus, but at about two thirds of the price it's still a really good choice — you won't be disappointed.

• Namn: 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS Fish-eye
• Brand: Rokinon
• Mount: E
• Focal Length: 12 mm
• Max Aperture: 2.8
• Is Anamorphic?: No
• Min Focus Distance: 20 cm
• Type of Lens: Prime
• Aperture Range: 2.8 - 22
• Lens Groups: 8
• Lens Elements: 12
• Stabilization: No
• Autofocus: Yes
• Is a Macro Lens?: No
• Weather Sealed: No
• Covers a Full Frame Sensor: Yes
• Lens Hood Included: No

If you live outside of the US, this lens is available under Rokinon's sister brand Samyang.

Buy Rokinon 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS Fish-eye (Sony E Mount) here:

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2. Meike 6.5mm F2.0 APS-C Fisheye (Sony E Mount)

If you don't need your fisheye lens to cover a full frame sensor, you can buy a cheap alternative — the 6.5mm F2.0 APS-C Fisheye from Meike. It's a really compact and remarkable little fisheye lens for small and convenient photography.

With a weight of just 300 grams and a largest aperture of f/2.0 it's both lightweight and fast at the same time. The only downside is that it cannot be used on full frame cameras.

• Namn: 6.5mm F2.0 APS-C Fisheye
• Brand: Meike
• Weight: 300 g
• Mount: E
• Focal Length: 6.5 mm
• Max Aperture: 2
• Is Anamorphic?: No
• Type of Lens: Prime
• Stabilization: No
• Autofocus: Yes
• Is a Macro Lens?: No
• Weather Sealed: No
• Covers a Full Frame Sensor: No

Remember: This lens does not work on full frame cameras.

Buy Meike 6.5mm F2.0 APS-C Fisheye (Sony E Mount) here:

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What is a Fisheye Lens?

Fisheye lenses are specialty lenses that achieve an extremely wide-angle view, capturing a vast amount of scenery in a single frame. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or an enthusiast seeking to experiment with different photographic styles, fisheye lenses offer a plethora of creative possibilities.

Fisheye Focal Lengths

Fisheye lenses create their distinct wide-angle images through an ultra-wide focal length typically ranging between 8mm and 16mm. They incorporate unique optical designs that allow them to capture an astounding 180-degree field of view or even beyond.

This extreme angle of view causes the lenses to produce significant barrel distortion, resulting in a characteristic "fisheye" effect. This effect curves straight lines and exaggerates the central subject, adding a captivating visual flair to photographs.

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Creative Applications of Fisheye Lenses

Fisheye lenses find their place in a variety of artistic fields, from landscape and architecture photography to experimental and abstract compositions. Here's a glimpse into the creative applications of fisheye lenses:

1. Expansive Landscapes and Architecture

Fisheye lenses excel at capturing vast landscapes and architectural marvels. Their wide-angle nature allows you to encompass extensive scenes within a single frame, showcasing the grandeur of nature's beauty or the intricate details of impressive structures.

2. Distorted Perspectives and Surrealism

The characteristic distortion of fisheye lenses opens up a realm of creative possibilities. Photographers can utilize this unique effect to create visually striking and surrealistic images, bending reality and distorting perspectives for a mind-bending visual feast.

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Full-frame vs. APS-C Fisheye Lenses

When shopping for a fisheye lens, it's crucial to consider the type of camera sensor you own; fisheye lenses are available in both full-frame and APS-C formats. Full frame sensors are larger than APS-C sensors, which requires the lenses to have a larger image circle — which, in turn, often requires the lenses to be larger and weigh more.

Understanding the compatibility between the lens and your camera sensor is vital to ensure optimal image quality and field of view.

1. Full-frame Fisheye Lenses

Full-frame fisheye lenses are designed to cover the entire frame of a full-frame camera sensor. They deliver the most expansive field of view available, capturing a stunning 180-degree perspective. These lenses are compatible with both full-frame and APS-C cameras, although, on APS-C sensors, they may produce a circular image due to the smaller frame size.

2. APS-C Fisheye Lenses

APS-C fisheye lenses, on the other hand, are specifically crafted for cameras with APS-C sensors. These lenses provide a more suitable focal length and angle of view for APS-C sensors, producing rectangular images with a significantly wide field of view. While they may not offer the extreme wide-angle coverage of full-frame fisheye lenses, they are often more affordable and lightweight alternatives.

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Choosing the Right Fisheye Lens

Selecting a fisheye lens that meets your specific needs is essential. Here are a few important factors to consider when making your purchase:

1. Lens Compatibility

Ensure that the lens is compatible with your camera model and sensor size. Confirm its compatibility with both full-frame and APS-C sensors, depending on your camera and future system upgrades.

2. Focal Length and Field of View

Consider the desired focal length and field of view you need from your fisheye lens. Some lenses offer a more pronounced fisheye effect, while others provide a less pronounced but wider field of view. Find the balance that suits your photographic style.

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Key Aspects

There are some aspects that you need to understand in order to motivate your choice of lens:

1. Image Quality and Optical Performance

While the unique fisheye effect may be the primary allure, don't overlook the importance of image quality and optical performance. Look for lenses with excellent sharpness, minimal aberrations, and efficient light transmission. Opt for reputable brands known for their optical prowess and reliable construction.

2. Manual or Autofocus Capabilities

Decide whether you prefer manual or autofocus functionality. Fisheye lenses are available in both varieties, and your choice may depend on the type of photography you primarily engage in. Manual focus lenses provide precise control for creative applications, while autofocus lenses offer convenience for fast-paced scenarios.

3. Size, Weight, and Build Quality

Consider the lens's physical attributes, such as size, weight, and build quality, to ensure it aligns with your shooting preferences. A portable and well-constructed lens can be advantageous when you need to carry it for extended periods or while exploring challenging terrains.

4. Budget Considerations and Accessories

Lastly, consider your budget and any additional accessories you may need or desire. Fisheye lenses come in various price brackets, and it's essential to strike a balance between your photography needs and financial constraints. Additionally, factor in accessories like lens hoods, filters, and specialized lens caps to enhance your shooting experience.

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By understanding the magical properties of fisheye lenses, exploring their creative applications, and considering important buying aspects, you can make an informed decision when venturing into this captivating world of wide-angle possibilities.

Embrace the fisheye effect and let your artistic vision expand with these extraordinary lenses!

Products

Product		Read More
	Rokinon 12mm F2.8 ED AS NCS Fish-eye (Sony E Mount)	More
	Meike 6.5mm F2.0 APS-C Fisheye (Sony E Mount)	More