Nikon 10.5mm f2.8G AF DX ED

Overview

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.

* 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

* Close-Range Correction (CRC) provides high performance for sharper images when taking pictures up close

* 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

* Nikon D-type design provides precise Distance information for flash and ambient light exposure processes

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

* 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

Frame-filling fisheye lens for exclusive use with Nikon DX-Format digital SLR

2003 Release

> Main Features

Specially designed and optimized for Nikon digital SLRs
Full-frame fisheye images with a picture angle of 180°(diagonal)
High optical performance by ED glass elements
Focuses down to 0.14m/0.46 ft.

Note:

* We do not recommend the use of DX Nikkors with 35mm (135) or IX240 format cameras.

Lens Specifications

Generic Lens Specifications

Lens Type: Prime
Lens Special Features: Fisheye
IS / VR / OS: None
Nikon DX lens: Yes
Min Focal Length (mm): 10
Max Focal Length (mm): 10
Number of Elements: 10
Element Groups: 7
Max Aperture: 2.8
Minimum Aperture: 22
Diaphragm Blades: 7
Closest Focus Distance (m): 0.14
Filter Type: Gelatine
Diameter at widest (mm): 63
Lens Length (mm): 62
Weight (g): 305

Details

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User Lens Reviews

Average user rating from: 28 user(s)


Overall rating (weighted)		4.6
Sharpness		4.7
Build Quality		4.6
AF Speed		4.6
Value for Money		4.5

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Sharp, Wide, and Bright. Not much more you could , Thursday, 23 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

Having used this lens in the past, purchasing it was an eventuality, rather than a question of whether or not I would buy it. In comparison to other super-wide and/or fisheye lenses, Nikon's build quality is among the best you can get. This lens is very bright, and tends to lean toward over-exposure with in-camera metering (on my D300, at least). Being engineered for DX format SLRs, the 10.5mm focal length is perfect for capturing the inside of tight spaces, and has proven useful to me for shooting automotive interiors, close-quarters architectural work, and some skate photography. Distortion can be removed in Photoshop if need be, although not entirely (if you're looking for an Aspherical lens, check out the 14mm). The autofocus on this lens is fantastic, even in low light. Despite being an AF lens (rather than AF-S), the focusing is quick, as the in-focus range is very large. Also worth noting:
1.) This is not an easy lens to jump into using. Being as wide as it is, you need to concentrate hard on your composition, and try to be creative. Have fun!
2.) Close-ups are easy, as the minimum focus distance is 1" in front of the lens...be careful with your front element!
3.) This is one of the "Made in Japan" lenses...you get the quality that you're paying for.
4.) Flares aren't easy to get...this is a blessing and a curse, depending on how you typically deal with lens flares. For example, shooting a wide shot in a park, and trying to get some flare from the corner of the lens from the sun won't work.
Buy this lens if you need it, and you'll enjoy it. It frees up your creativity, and is versatile for almost any lighting situation. I would easily recommend this to anyone that shoots Nikon and wants something fun to shoot with.

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worth it, Monday, 29 September 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.5
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		5.0

this lens is worth every penny. you can "de-fish" any undesired distortion, and it's the ONLY way to get pics in very small rooms. a (much) cheaper lens will give you distortion around the edges that you will be forced to crop out.

Incredibly Fun., Friday, 01 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		5.0

This lens is the perfect addition to my relatively small collection of lenses. I just got it yesterday after work, and have not been able to stop playing with it. After a while of fiddling around to figure out how to actually squeeze some cool shots out of this bad boy, the instant classics started flowing like water. However, it is pretty difficult to get a decent composition sometimes due to of the insanely large FOV. But I would recommend this lens to anyone. Compared to most other lenses, the price is right for this fisheye, and it produces great photos (once you develop a good technique). I can't wait to use it on my Trip to Europe at the end of this month!

I am so pleased !, Sunday, 13 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		4.0

A great, sharp, fun lens that I waited a long time researching before my final decision to buy it and I am so glad I finally made my move.

It is a productive tool in the field and not just a pricey special effects toy. I am very pleased with my decision!

Fun Lens, Saturday, 12 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

This is a great little lens for fun photography. I bought it to get interior shots of a cruise ship and it produced wonderful images.

Fun Lens, Sunday, 06 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		5.0

This is a great lens to get the whole picture. It is fast for indoor use and allows you to have a very shallow DOF for really blurring the backgrounds. Only downside is that it can have a Bit of chromatic Aberration, but can easily be fixed in post processing. The fisheye effect can also be fixed, but not as easily sometimes. This lens is a lot of fun to use and to get great special effect pictures. I highly recommend it.

Wide and Fast, Tuesday, 03 June 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I bought this lens in April 2008 to use on my D1X. I wanted a lens wider than I've ever used before and faster than the slow, variable-aperture zooms that are a fact of life with digital cameras. I've primarily used it for interior shots where the f/2.8 speed really helps. But my compact SB-30 flash has wide enough coverage to use with this lens for added versatility. I've taken a lot of photos wide open and am amazed at how sharp the lens is, even at the corners. But then I only make 8.5x11 prints which isn't a strain on any lens. I've also found that the fisheye distortion can be minimized on some subjects, such as interior shots, by careful composition. Most of the shots I've printed have been corrected using the Fisheye Hemi plug-in as a filter in Photoshop CS3. I like having the option of two perspectives; it makes this a much more versatile lens.

Amazing fisheye, Sunday, 04 May 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

Ok, you cannot use this lens all the time. But under certain circumstances, it is a really great lens. Good quality, very light, it is well made. And the pictures are just perfect. The wide angle is amazing and the fisheye give a great effect. If you wanna use some of your pictures without it, you can "defish" the pix with capture NX. So you have also a standard wide angle with this lens.

Fisheye, Friday, 25 April 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

This is an excellent lense! My first use for this lense was in Prague...what amazing shots!

great lens, well worth the money, Tuesday, 01 April 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		4.0

I've had this lens for 3 months now and love every second of it. Its sharp fast and makes almost anything look cool. the auto-focus is good, at night it does go all the way through sometimes, but most lens's do that. How close u can get to object is unreal, just make sure u take ur eye off now and then to make sure u dont hit the front of ur lens with what ever ur shooting. u could be 1 foot away from someones face and still get most of their body. highly recommended if u got the money

Fisheye Fun, Friday, 11 January 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.0
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		4.0

The lens works very well - it does not make the pictures extremely round, but enough for special effects

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Very Impressive Lens...use Capture NX for postproc, Thursday, 03 January 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I bought this lens to use on my D80 and new D300. I shoot mostly outdoor landscapes, nature and events. The 10.5 Fisheye lens is fantastic, sharp, and gives you a perspective unlike any lens you have. I shoot with my 12-24 and 18-200 but now put on the 10.5 if I really want to see a great perspective. Get in close. It focuses to about 6 inches so move in close and change your angle for best composition.

It is really well suited for a beautiful sunset with far reaching clouds. The secret is to use Nikon Capture NX as post processing to automatically correct the fisheye to make it look like a super-duper wide angle. Then load the file into Photoshop or whatever you use. Depending upon the subject, and your position you don't always have to correct the fisheye because it makes very interesting shots. For example, I won't correct the perspective in Capture NX when I shoot a close up of a flower because it looks great without it.

If you like to spend time composing a shot and try to get it right in the camera, then you will REALLY like this lens. If you usually just walk around with a "normal" lens on your camera and take snap shots, this isn't your lens.

The lens comes with a deep lens cap. There are no threads for filters or a screw-on cap. The lens cap just slides on and stays on.

The size of the lens is very similar to the 50mm f1.8 lens, so it is small enough to put in your pocket and keep it with you when you need it. You will find yourself looking at things differently when you have this lens. For example, I take my camera on my hikes (which I logged over 1000 GPS miles in 2007) and now find many more things to shoot that needs a perspective wider than my beloved 12-24 zoom provides.

Outstanding, of Course, Saturday, 22 December 2007


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		4.0

This has all of the pluses and minuses of a fisheye, with Nikon quality. It takes some planning to get good images but one can get images impossible with a longer lens [and you can get your feet in your photos too!] I /strongly/ recommend looking at the Image Trends website for their inexpensive fisheye correction filter for PS.
It's better than I expected. It _is_ supported by DxO.

Great lens - recommended!, Sunday, 25 November 2007


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

Fun for parties, great for city shots downtown to get the buildings in. Sharp and enjoyable.

It does what it says it does, Wednesday, 29 August 2007


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

This is a fish eye lens. You have to be careful to keep your own toes out of the picture. It focuses close enough that even spots on the lens stand out, so it must be kept spotless. Like other fish eyes, this lens will not accept a filter.

I use this lens for landscapes, portraits, even close-ups. I use it inside airplanes when instructing student pilots. Things to try with this lens:

Close-up of a bouquet or group of flowers.
Landscape framed by palm trees.
Interiors and farmer's markets.
Fields of flowers.
Virtual reality panoramas.

The Capture and Capture NX software will correct the distortions of this lens. However, if I need something like that I prefer to shoot with a regular wide angle. I use the fish eye because I WANT a fish eye perspective.

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