Every Canon EF Lens: Read the Reviews, See the Specification & Check the Price
Home page - Every Canon EF Lens and RF Lens: Read the Reviews, See the Specification & Check the Price
EFLens is run by Keith and Karen from Northlight Images, in our spare time. All our articles and reviews are free.

ef 8-15mm fisheye lensOverview

Canon's widest angle lens, replaces the excellent EF15mm and offers zoom, and improved optical constuction.

A new two part lens hood/cap also offers some shading when used at the sidest 15mm setting.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

First available July 2011
Focal length 8-15mm
Diagonal Angle of view (FF) 180º - 175º 30'
Maximum aperture F4
Minimum aperture F22
Lens Construction 14 elements/11 groups
Number of diaphragm blades 7
Minimum focus 0.15 m
Maximum magnification 0.39x at 15mm
AF motor type Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor
Focus adjustment Lens extension via inner focusing and focus cam plus floating mechanism
Filter thread 67mm (note - does not accept normal filters)
Filter size Rear Gel Holder (accepts up to 3 pre-cut gel filters)
Supplied accessories Front and rear caps
EW-77Hood
LP1219 case
Weight 540 g
Dimensions 79 mm diameter x 83 mm length
Lens Mount Canon EF

Coverage of sensors at different focal lengths

Coverage of sensors at different focal lengths

MTF charts for 8-15mm

EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM wide angle MTFEF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM telephoto MTF

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts)

Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture.
Blue lines show the performance at f/8

Thick lines indicate lens contrast
Thin lines indicate lens resolution

Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines.
Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines

Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas.

Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM reviews and articles

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

Chapterhouse - Wells cathedral, UK

Chapter house Well cathedral taken with EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens

Well Cathedral, from Keith Cooper's Northlight Images review.

Wells Cathedral taken with EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens

Product launch

London, UK, 26 August 2010 – Canon today unveils the world’s first fisheye zoom lens offering both circular and full frame images, thanks to an extreme wide-angle focal range of 8-15mm. Replacing the EF 15mm f/2.8 fisheye, the new EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM is the latest addition to Canon’s L-series range of professional lenses, providing outstanding image quality, constant aperture throughout the zoom range and a robust design for reliable shooting in challenging weather conditions.

EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens compared to the EF15mm

When paired with Canon’s full-frame DSLR bodies, such as the EOS 5D Mark II or the EOS -1Ds Mark III, professional photographers can choose to capture circular or full-frame fisheye images, allowing them to view a scene in a completely new and unique way. This new level of choice provides enhanced creative flexibility when shooting scenes such as the night sky, where the full 180º horizontal and vertical fields of view (FOV) allow every detail to be captured with incredible clarity in one single image.

When used with EOS bodies featuring APS-C or APS-H sensors, the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM produces a more traditional, full frame fisheye view. A zoom-lock mechanism on the lens body allows the range to be limited to the focal length that ensures the best possible full-frame view without unsightly vignetting around the edge. ‘C’ and ‘H’ markings can be found next to the zoom operation ring, indicating the wide-angle zoom position where vignette-free shooting is possible with either sensor, allowing photographers to achieve optimum results with any EOS body.

Advanced optics for professional imaging

The EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM showcases over 70 years of Canon’s optical engineering heritage, boasting 14 lens elements in 11 different groups, including one aspherical and one Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) element to correct chromatic aberration and produce high-quality, high-contrast shots with excellent colour reproduction.

Ghosting and flare caused by strong light sources can be a particular challenge when shooting at such a wide angle, and, in order to counteract these artefacts, all lens elements have been covered with Canon’s Super Spectra Coating. The inner surface of the front element also features Canon’s SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC), which uses tiny cone-like structures, shorter than the wavelength of visible light on the surface of the lens element, to gradually slow light down until it is at the same speed as it travels through glass, removing the risk of flare occurring before the light reaches the sensor.

To maintain optimum image quality, the front and rear lens elements also feature a Fluorine Coating which actively repels water, dust and dirt, making it easier to clean the lens and leaving it unobstructed by particles.

Fast, accurate focusing and low light performance

The ultra-wide angle zoom of the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM offers a fresh take on sporting action or architecture shots, while the constant f/4.0 aperture allows faster shutter speeds to be employed for natural-looking images in low light.
A ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM), provides quick and accurate focusing when shooting and enables a full-time manual focus functionality allowing photographers to adjust the focus of any shot, even when the AF system is activated, for even greater control over image capture and improved creative flexibility.

Built for professional performance

The EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM features a high-grade physical design that reflects its elite performance. High resistance to both dust and water enables it to be used in a range of challenging situations, and, when used with a professional EOS body, it allows continued shooting in the harshest weather conditions. The external design also features the new exterior texture, for a high quality look and feel indicative of all new L-series models.

High quality accessories

The EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM is supplied with a dedicated lens cap, lens pouch and a felt-lined lens hood EW-77 for use when using the zoom at the 15mm setting, preventing lens flare.

Comparing coverage at different focal lengths

Used Canon Lenses
• UK: MPB | Park
• USA: B&H | Adorama
Every Canon EF Lens: Read the Reviews, See the Specification & Check the Price
Welcome to EFLens.com:
The world's number 1 Canon Review website with every Canon EF Lens. Read all of the reviews, see detailed specifications and check the price.

EF Lens chronology
EF Lens date codes
EF Lens mount details
EF Lens filter sizes
Compare EF-S18-55 versions
Tweet about it
Tell a friend
Send feedback
Canon Lens Review
Canon Lens List:
EFLens.com
used lenses
Sigma Lens Review
Sigma Lens List:
Manufacturer's Website
Samyang Lens Review
Samyang/Rokinon List:
Manufacturer's Website
Tamron Lens Review
Tamron Lens List:
Manufacturer's Website
Tokina Lens Review
Tokina Lens List:
Manufacturer's Website
© 1987 - 2019 NI