Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G Fisheye

The AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED Lens, an important addition to the DX Nikkor lens lineup, the first fisheye lens designed specifically for digital SLR photography is also the first to achieve a full-frame 180 degree picture angle. The ultra-wideangle focal length of 10.5mm brings digital camera users a picture angle equivalent to that of a 16mm fisheye lens on a 35mm [135] format camera.

This is not the lens for family photos (unless you want to get a good laugh out of grandma's smile!) or weddings (pros know better) or even your average wide angle landscape. This lens is for those who see the world in a diverse way and would like to lead with their creative abilities.

The lens is targeted at Nikon DX Format digital SLR camera users who seek the unique visual effects a full-frame fisheye lens lends to landscape and other shots, to taking close-ups, or when shooting within vehicles or other tight interiors.

The AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED excels at shooting extreme close-ups. Combining a minimum focus distance of just 3cm (1.2 in.) from the front of the lens with Nikon's Close-Range Correction (CC) System ensures sharp results.

The "Fisheye to Wideangle Transformation" function in the optional Nikon Capture 4 software package transforms diagonal fisheye images shot using the AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED to ultra-wideangle photos, (by transforming the type of projection). This is an appealing new feature made possible only with digital photography and with the Nikon Total Imaging System.

Optical and close-range focusing performance are both optimized for Nikon DX Format digital SLR cameras. An ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element minimizes chromatic aberration for clear, natural colors, and the rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening ensures a natural look to out-of-focus elements.

This G-type Nikkor lens is designed with no aperture rings. Its operation is easy and virtually mistake-free because the aperture does not have to be set to minimum. The compact, lightweight design fits comfortably in the hand. And photographers at all levels will be pleased with its outstanding cost performance.

This lens is not compatible with 35mm [135] or IX 240 format film SLR cameras.

The true focal length of the new AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED is 10.5mm with a picture angle of 180°. The combination of reduced picture angle and a smaller image circle enabled the creation of the first fisheye lens in the DX Nikkor lineup.

• The first fisheye lens developed exclusively for use with Nikon DX Format

• Ultra wide picture angle of 180° on DX sensor achieved by producing a smaller image circle (the size of the image that is projected by the lens on to the sensor) enabling smaller lens diameter, lighter weight and optimal image quality from center-to edge-to-corner on the image.

• DX - NIKKOR
Compact and lightweight DX NIKKOR lenses featuring a smaller image circle are specially designed and optimized for Nikon D2-series, D1-series, D100 and D90, D3000 digital SLR cameras. These are ideal options for landscape photographers and others who need to shoot expansive scenes with Nikon DX-Format digital SLRs. Note: We do not recommend use of DX NIKKOR with 35mm (135) or IX240 format cameras. DX - Only works on digital SLR cameras. The corners will be black at many focal lengths on a film camera.

• Equivalent to 16mm focal length on 35mm

• Minimum focus distance of 0.14m (5.5 in.), or 0.03m (1.2 in.) from the lens front, makes extreme close-ups possible

• CRC -Close-Range Correction system
The Close-Range Correction (CRC) system is one of Nikon’s most important focusing innovations, for it provides superior picture quality at close focusing distances and increases the focusing range. With CRC, the lens elements are configured in a “floating element” design wherein each lens group moves independently to achieve focusing. This ensures superior lens performance even when shooting at close distances. The CRC system is used in fisheye, wide angle, Micro, and selected medium telephoto NIKKOR lenses.

• ED - (Extra-low Dispersion) — an essential element of NIKKOR telephoto lenses
Nikon developed ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to enable the production of lenses that offer superior sharpness and color correction by minimizing chromatic aberration. Put simply, chromatic aberration is a type of image and color dispersion that occurs when light rays of varying wavelengths pass through optical glass. In the past, correcting this problem for telephoto lenses required special optical elements that offer anomalous dispersion characteristics — specifically calcium fluoride crystals. However, fluorite easily cracks and is sensitive to temperature changes that can adversely affect focusing by altering the lens’ refractive index. So Nikon designers and engineers put their heads together and came up with ED glass, which offers all the benefits, yet none of the drawbacks of calcium fluorite-based glass. With this innovation, Nikon developed several types of ED glass suitable for various lenses. They deliver stunning sharpness and contrast even at their largest apertures. In this way, NIKKOR’s ED-series lenses exemplify Nikon’s preeminence in lens innovation and performance. ED -  Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element minimizes chromatic aberration. • Design enables a combination of wider angle-of-view with optical characteristics that are optimized for Nikon digital SLR camera sensors

• D — Distance.
Indicated after the f-number. It means the lens is capable of using Nikon's 3D Matrix Metering on bodies that support it. The lens transmits focus distance information, which is incorporated into the camera's exposure calculations. Not to be confused with early lenses marked "Nikkor-D" meaning a 10-element lens (see pre-autofocus designations above). (1992) Tells your camera's meter the distance to your subject. This helps a little for flash exposure metering.

• Rounded diaphragm to make out-of-focus elements appear more natural

• G — Indicated after the f-number.
G lenses do not have an aperture ring, and the aperture can only be controlled electronically by the camera body. Only autofocus bodies with command dials are capable of controlling G lenses. Older autofocus bodies will work with G lenses in shutter priority and program modes. Some recent G lenses feature a gasket around the mounting flange. G lenses otherwise have the same characteristics as D lenses. G - No aperture ring - G-type DX NIKKOR is designed exclusively for use with Nikon digital SLR models.

• Built-in Flower Type lens Hood

• Fully Compatible with D1, D1X, D1H, D2H and D100

Construction 10 elements in 7 groups

Extra Low Dispersion (ED) Lens: 1 ED Element

Angle of view Picture Angle (D1): 180°

Focal Length: 10.5mm

F stop range Maximum Aperture: f/2.8

Minimum F stop: 22

Closest Focusing Distance Approx. 5.5 inches

Maximum Magnification Max. Reproduction Ratio: 1/5 (0.20)

Filter Size Rear of lens, Gel filter holder built-in

Dimensions (Length x Diameter) Diameter x Length: Approx. 2.5x 2.5 inches

Weight Approx. 10.8 oz.

Notes Aperture Blade: 7 elements (Rounded)

Lens Hood: Built-In Flower Type

CL-0715 Soft Case,

Front Lens Cap,

Rear Lens Cap.

Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye Review, August 3, 2009

By Adam D. Bennett (Iowa)

This item does everything it will say it does, and do them all very well. The lens is great for landscape shots or shooting up-close, fun shots with friends. The fisheye distortion is noticeable, but that is what makes it fun. It allows you to bend the horizon and is a very small lens so you never have to worry about running out of space to pack it. It is a bit pricey, but worth the money if you like fisheye photography. The hardest part is keeping the lens clean with its large exposed lens.

By de0ris (NYC Metro)

First and foremost, this lens is just way too much fun. For those who love to experiment with photography it will open up the whole new world of possibilities.

One of the main cons I did find tho is that the lens seems a bit slow on autofocus. With relatively dark objects AF is virtually useless... It also takes a great deal of getting used to when using a flash. However, once you get a hang of its quarks it offers endless creative light controls and really gives camera work a step up.

Since I'm a filter addict, I wish the lens had more options for filters, but it doesn't because of its design: rear mount filters only... So, no polarizers, NDs, skylights, UV/protection filters, etc... You can get creative with gels, but for 180degree view, it's a challenge to say the least. But it does have some good options for B&W photography. A word of advice: guard the front glass. The lens has phenomenal close focus range and because of the distortion in the viewfinder it's way too easy to get close enough to actually nick the glass. Do a bit of practice to get used to the lens before taking it out on the field.

Overall, I'm really happy with it. It's a great fun toy. Definitely a keeper (: