Nikon AF Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D Fisheye 35mm Primes
Nikon AF Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D Fisheye 35mm Primes
USER REVIEWS
[Aug 24, 2002]
BryceKam
Expert
Strength:
Size. Unbelieveable for such a super wide. Sharpness. Very sharp edge to edge. Price. Unlike other reviewers, I believe for the size/weight of this lens, the coverage provided and the quality of the pictures, this lens is a real value.
Weakness:
The auto focus does seem to wander quite a bit, but it does focus in a less than a second. Not as fast as the other AF Nikkors, but I figure it has a lot more coverage area to focus on. Hasn't really been a problem yet. Decided to upgrade everything after 30 years, so semi retired the F2's and got a F5. Wanted to take advantage of the auto focus. Purchased this lens to replace an older Sigma 16mm fisheye. I was very happy with the Sigma but figured It was time to upgrade that lens too. This lens was a very big surprise when I got it. The size of it was shocking. I couldn't believe this was the right lens. It's more the size of a 35mm than what I expected. The Sigma is considerably larger and for 180 degrees I expected a big bulbous front lens. This lens is actually 180 corner to corner, I believe about 160 degrees across, I guess like TVs. But for my use, this is fine. I just wanted a super wide without too much edge distortion. Test shot a roll of film and am very pleased with the lens. All pictures were very very sharp. I seldom worry about color since that may be the labs problem and color can be corrected in the lab if necessary. Want a hint if you only use your cameras meter? Shoot a clearly labeled 16% grey card on the first frame so the lab has a reference point. 90% of the time my pictures are not that critical so I just go with their basic settings. The pictures were sharp, edge to edge. If you shoot level without a reference object at the edge, the distortion at the edges is not that noticable. Of course if you tilt the lens you will get the exaggerated effect you see in a lot of photos. Overall I am very pleased with the lens. The size alone makes it a great addition to carry along. I typically use a full frame fish eye for city skylines and a couple of times inside caves. I believe for the cost, this is a fine lens. Unlike others, I have no problem with the rubberized/plastic slide on lens cover. The Sigma had a metal one that could slip off very easily. Customer Service Not used on this lens. Past experience is that you better keep the original sales receipt and the warranty slips with the lens model and serial number. Similar Products Used: Sigma 16mm Full frame Fisheye |
[Feb 02, 2002]
AJ2271
Expert
Strength:
Small size, screw in filters rather than a gelatin slot, nice Nikon crinkle finish.
Weakness:
Lens cap leaves something to be desired. I have heard that a 16mm AIS fisheye cap will work on this model. Have not found one to try it. This is an addictive lens!! When I shoot extreme sports, this is my "normal" lens. After switching from Canon to Nikon, I have found that I like this model better. It is slightly smaller in size than a Canon 15mm fisheye, but it still packs a mean punch. Customer Service Not needed but I have an authorized Nikon repair center close by. Similar Products Used: Canon 15mm 2.8 AF fisheye Nikon 20mm 2.8 D AF |
[Jan 11, 2002]
lindarvogt
Expert
Strength:
See above.
Weakness:
None really. Obviously, you can''t put a filter over the lens to protect the front element...Would have been somewhat nice if the filters were built into the lens rather than screw on the rear element. All round excellent and fun lens to use. Small, fast focusing, excellent colour, sharpness, contrast, low flare. Similar Products Used: 35mm fisheye for Pentax 67. |
[Nov 03, 2001]
alois
Intermediate
Strength:
Small, light, sharp and solid.
Weakness:
None This lens is absolutly amazing in landscape photography. With careful use distortion is hardly noticable. Sharpness and colour reproduction is second to none. This lens allows for endless creation capabilities. Customer Service Not needed Similar Products Used: Various rented superwides and fiheye lenses |
[May 21, 2000]
eric carleson
Intermediate
Model Reviewed:
AF16mm f/2.8D Fisheye-Nikkor
Strength:
it's so small and light compared to most other fisheyes and it is d*** sharp too. the filter set up is amazingly smooth. theres nothing to slip outta place, like a gel filter.
Weakness:
your limited to a small set of filters that comes with the lense. in most cases this seems to be enough. I use this lense on a daily basis. Customer Service never needed them yet. this lense is built like a tank. Similar Products Used: I used a tamron 17mm for abut 4 years, I was extremely happy with that lense but I wanted something that was more of a & |
[Dec 22, 1999]
Todd Krefeld
Professional
Model Reviewed:
AF16mm f/2.8D Fisheye-Nikkor
Strength:
Wicked sharp, includes filters, fast aperature
Weakness:
no Exspensive if you don't plan to use it much, but well worth the money if you do. Customer Service not used Similar Products Used: none |
[Jan 12, 2001]
Magnus Wahlgren
Intermediate
Strength:
Extremely sharp even in the corners. The lens i small and light, but has a nice metal feel. unlike som other (cheaper) AF Nikkors. Very sharp even at close range.
Weakness:
I would have liked a better close focusing limit. (It is 25 cm) Extremely good lens. Of course it seems like a lot of money but ut can give you many pictures you couldn't have taken otherwise. Some people find the fisheye effect less attractive but you cannot blame the lens for that. Customer Service Not used. Similar Products Used: Similar? Well I use the AFS Nikkor 17-35mm and an old "Cosmos" 7,5 mm fisheye adapter lens. |
[Aug 15, 2001]
Greg Remisz
Intermediate
Strength:
Sharp, fast, quick to focus, smooth operation
Weakness:
Slightly expensive This is a sweet lens, even if a tad on the expensive side (that's why it only gets 4/5 for Value). But it gives me some wonderful effects (esp. at sunset time) and really sharp images. It's also nice to be able to stop it down to f22 and get points on a setting sun. Customer Service Never had to bother Nikon for anything. Flawless. Similar Products Used: None |
[Nov 16, 1999]
Sarawoot Chittratanawat
Intermediate
Model Reviewed:
AF16mm f/2.8D Fisheye-Nikkor
Strength:
Full frame fisheye, not expensive, sharp, fast, 4 free filters :)
Weakness:
why doesn't Nikon make the good slip-on lens cap huh? My friend use a Tamron 17mm and he sold it right after he tried my 16/2.8D fisheye on his N90. It's slightly expensive than Tamron or Tonika but you get what you pay for. This lens is so sharp and no vignetting at the corner, which my friend found in his Tamron. Customer Service excellent Similar Products Used: n/a |
[Jul 20, 1999]
Carl Hyndman
Professional
Model Reviewed:
AF16mm f/2.8D Fisheye-Nikkor
Strength:
Sharp, fast. Entire photo is sharp; no fuzzy areas. Even curve (what I want).
Weakness:
None Great lense. If you need a fish eye, this is the one. Similar Products Used: Tamron 17mm manual |