Out of all of the different camera lenses that exist, the fisheye lens is one of the most fun and creative options you can have in your arsenal. It gives users a unique final image thanks to the nearly 180-degree view it can capture.
It’s important to note that not all fisheye lenses will work on every camera body. While some will fit Canon bodies, they may not work on Nikons. This is why you’ll want to enter your model number to see if the lens will match with the body you own. There are a variety of different things to look for when buying your first Nikon fisheye lens. You’ll have to keep in mind things like whether or not you’re using a crop-sensor camera body, your budget, and whether or not you want it to be fixed.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to shoot with a fisheye lens before, you’re in for a treat. Have you ever looked into the peephole of a door at a hotel or apartment building? It’s quite similar to that and can give you a unique way to capture the world around you. But how do you know that a fisheye lens is right for you?
If you’re looking to get creative shots of cityscapes, people, adorable animals, or a stunning sunset, it may be worth the investment. Plus, we’ve done the work for you to find the five best lenses that you can use on your Nikon camera. Let’s take a look at which Nikon fisheye lenses made the list and what features they have to make it that much easier for you to pick one that meets your needs.
1. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR (Overall Winner)
The Nikon 10-22mm f/4.5-5.6 is a fantastic lens for those looking for that iconic ultra-wide-angle image. This lens is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for those who don’t have a ton of room to spare in their camera bag.
It has an angle view range of 109 to 70 degrees. The optics on this bad boy are phenomenal and help you to deliver stunning images. One of the best things about this Nikon fisheye lens is the near-silent autofocus motor. The vibration reduction image stabilization is also a nice touch. Lastly, it’s a great choice if you shoot in a lot of low-light situations.
2. Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM
Sigma is known for creating high-quality products, and its 10-20mm fisheye lens is an excellent choice. You can easily see if it will work with your specific Nikon body by entering the model number online. It has a beautiful ultra-wide-angle view that has a fair aperture of f/3.5, letting in plenty of light.
One of the best things about the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM fisheye is that it creates incredibly sharp images that capture the perfect balance of contrast and brightness. If you’re planning on shooting landscapes, cityscapes, or concerts, you’ll love to hear that this lens has a multi-layer coating to help reduce flares and ghosting. Last but not least, the Hyper Sonic Motor makes the high-speed autofocus practically silent.
3. Nikon AF-S FISHEYE NIKKOR 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED
If you’re a photographer who loves to stay true to one brand, the Nikon AF-S FISHEYE NIKKOR 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is a reliable option for you. You’re well aware that Nikon makes incredible equipment, and this lens is proof of that. You’ll be able to easily capture 180-degree circular shots with this lens while still having the option of a traditional fisheye image.
Like many other Nikon products, this fisheye lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to toss in your backpack and head out to a shoot. Easily one of the best features is the weather-sealed design that gives the lens a protective fluorine coat, keeping it safe from unfavorable weather conditions. This is also an excellent choice if you are looking for something suited for macro images.
4. Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Fisheye
As you can tell by the name, the Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Fisheye is a fixed lens, which can be important to note if you’re needing something that can give you a zoom range. The digitally-optimized lens has a wide focal length that makes it easy to capture large subjects at once.
There are special multi-coated optics that help the lens make every image as sharp as possible. It comes with a built-in removable hood that allows you to capture 180-degree images. It’s small enough to carry in your pocket or add into your camera bag for a last-minute photo shoot. The aluminum alloy body keeps the lens safe and secure from drops and dents as well.
5. Altura Photo 8mm f/3 Fisheye (Budget Winner)
Last but not least, the Altura 8mm f/3 fisheye lens is another incredible option for Nikon users looking for an ultra-wide-angle lens. For starters, it has a multi-layer lens coating that keeps images sharp while reducing any unnecessary glare. This budget bad boy also has a removable hood to give you the option of capturing phenomenal 180-degree views.
The exterior is made of metal and hybrid elements to ensure the durability of the product. It also features a six-blade aperture with clickable stops from f/3.0 to f/22. You’ll also have the ability to use the built-in manual focus and customizable aperture control. Overall, it’s an excellent option for those who want a fisheye lens but don’t want to break the bank.
Bottom Line on Nikon Fisheye Lenses
Now that you’ve got a handful of options to choose from, which one do you like best? Fisheye lenses are fun to use and can help you to get into a creative side of photography that you may not have experienced before. All of the Nikon fisheye lenses listed above are great choices to add to your arsenal.
If you want the best of the best, you may want to create a budget to make sure that you get the best bang for your buck. With that being said, there are plenty of fantastic affordable options as well. Good luck with your search and happy shopping!
