Monday, April 5, 2010

Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 Full-Frame Fisheye




The Zenitar 16mm Full-Frame Fisheye has long been an inexpensive alternative to the manufacturer's high-priced, premier glass (See here for an understanding of what a full-frame fisheye is). But just how good of an alternative is it? You have most likely already seen and read a lot about this lens due to its relatively low price and accessibility. The price has attracted a large number of users. Because so many are using this lens, information on the web regarding the Ukrainian-made fisheye is in abundance. Ken Rockwell has a thorough write-up, comparing the Zenitar 16mm with the Nikon 10.5mm DX Fisheye. I'll try to keep the redundant info to a minimum and leave you with just my personal opinion of the lens should you be debating picking one up. To sum up my personal impression: I am very pleased with this lens.

For me, this is where the rubber meets the road: I have yet to be in a situation where a scene requires both the use of a fisheye lens and extremely high, optical performance. "Hey we'd love this done with a fisheye lens, but we can't have any edge softness or CA. We want perfect, technical accuracy." Now, I am sure there are applications and times when this occurs; In science perhaps. Or maybe you are just that OCD. I am just saying for MOST people and general applications, this is rare. And optical perfection rarely comes cheap. Fisheye lenses are typically used in fun, free-form, and expressionistic settings. They provide a way of seeing that we as humans are unaccustomed to. They exaggerate things and vastly dramatize scenes. They often imply playfulness. Because of the inherent distortion of an image as seen through a fisheye, these lenses are rarely scrutinized by the everyday user to the same degree that rectilinear lenses are. Edge softness and color-fringing produced by the Zenitar 16mm is definitely present. I just find that I am never too concerned since the end result will already be so far removed from the actual scene.


I picked my Zenitar 16mm up from KEH.com used but in excellent condition. Unfortunately, I didn't get the extra rear-mount filters or the sweet Cyrillic covered box that come with the lens when it is purchased brand new. The Zenitar is made in the Ukraine. According to Wikipedia, the 16mm along with other Zenitar primes are "currently produced by JSC S. A. Zverev Krasnogorskiy Mekhanicheskiy Zavod (KMZ)." While I do not have experience with any of the Zenitar siblings, I have purchased Lomo cameras, specifically the Lubitel 166B medium format TLR. These cameras are also sometimes manufactured in the Ukraine or in Russia. Ironically, one constant I have found in the production of Russian/Ukrainian cameras is: the quality of these products is highly inconsistent.

Aesthetics/Ergonomics


Having read many reviews of Russian/Ukrainian hardware, a lot of variation exists between samples. Given the tumultuous history of that region this shouldn't be surprising. I remember taking some of these Lubitel cameras apart and noticing parts which looked like they had been hand-filed (probably were) rather than precisely machined. The edges and ends of components looked chewed-up instead of clean and neat. Coatings looked uneven. The overall composition appeared haphazardly cobbled together in a hasty manor perhaps even with the wrong set of tools. Without having been to the factories first-hand, I cannot say what production lines actually look like, but I wouldn't be surprised if the tools consisted of hand files and tin snips.


With the Zenitar 16mm Fisheye, I initially noticed the uneven paint coatings on the barrel of the lens. Different surfaces actually have dissimilar finishes. Imperfections in these coatings abound. Likewise, I have seen and read of inconsistencies in the actual optical coatings of these lenses. None of the exterior imperfections have any effect on the optical performance of this lens but do tell us something about the attention to detail in the ultimate manufacturing of these lenses.

A couple other physical attributes to note: The aperture ring of the lens I received seems to click HARD into place. Relative to all other lenses, this aperture ring moves much less fluidly. The fact that this lens is made in several mounts could be part of the issue. Perhaps the Nikon adaptation of this lens is not very well designed. The mount certainly looks pretty rough. I notice a tougher time mounting and un-mounting this lens with my D700 since it occasionally gets stuck on the camera. The rubber focusing ring feels good to me. It only takes about a quarter of a turn to go from the closest focus to infinity. Regardless of the smaller annoyances, overall this lens is a solid, compact little optic.

Specifications



Focal length: 16mm
Filter thread: Rear-mount 26.5 x 0.5 mm
Min. Aperture: f/2.8
Max. Aperture: f/22
Angular field of view (diagonal): 180°
Elements/groups: 11/7
Min. focusing distance: 11.8" (0.3 m)
Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.9" (63 x 49 mm)
Weight: 10.9 oz (0.31 kg)

Performance


Obviously appearances have little to no effect on the optical performance of a lens (save for some type of extreme circumstance). The Zenitar 16mm has a great reputation for being an outstanding performer at a price point of between $100-200 USD. I find no reason to disagree with this assessment. I have actually seen them go for less than $100. Considering this is perhaps the cheapest of the third-party alternatives to the manufacturer brand lenses, it's a great value!

Rather than post examples at every aperture and light fall-off etc, I feel there is a lot of that info already available. My experience with this lens has revealed no contradictions. As Ken Rockwell shows in his samples, it actually controls CA a little better than the more expensive Nikon. I use this lens on my D700 and it looks excellent! It is definitely soft wide open but that is to be expected I suppose. Shooting near f/5.6 delivers great results though. I have included a few examples of my first few days goofing around with this lens.

1/40 @ f/4 ISO 1600

20 sec. @ f/4 ISO 200

1/800 @ f/8 ISO 200

Lower Right Corner Crop

Yes, that is my Tokina 300mm on the Panasonic GF1

Things To Consider


The main thing I would be sure to consider before buying this lens is, "How will this look on my camera?" I am using this lens on a full-frame D700, and I get every bit of the intended field of view. When used on a smaller sensor camera, you may find you've defeated the purpose of buying a full-frame fisheye. (If you are still lost, see here for an explanation of sensor sizes and why you care!)

Two types of true fisheye lenses exist: Full-Frame Fisheyes, and Circular Fisheyes. A full-frame does just as it would indicated, it fills the frame giving you 180º field of view from corner to corner. A circular fisheye will give you 180º from edge-to-edge inside of a circular shaped image. Essentially, a full-frame fisheye is the same as a circular, just designed so that the field of view sits just within the circular projection. The circular fisheye "steps back" in a way, and shows you more of that circular projection. This will make more sense when you see the image below.

Here is a pretty simple quick comparison of how much you lose with a crop sensor camera.

Both of these images were made with a full-frame camera. So the image appears precisely how the lens was designed to look. The turquoise line illustrates what you will see if you are using a cropped sensor camera. Notice how the circular fisheye begins to look more like a full-frame fisheye on the cropped sensor? See how the Zenitar 16mm looks more like a distorted wide angle than an intentional fisheye on the cropped sensor?

So be aware of the size of the sensor in your camera which should be clearly denoted on the manufacturer's website. Nikon's cropped sensors are 1.5x. This means you can multiply the focal length of the lens you intend to use by 1.5. That product represents a new focal length AND a new approximate field of view. (ex. You want to you a 50mm lens. 50 x 1.5 = 75. By mounting a 50mm lens on a Nikon cropped sensor body, you will have a field of view similar to a 75mm lens. Essentially the lens won't be as wide.)

Wrap-Up



Fish-eye lenses are a pungent flavor. The drama of the field of view and curved distortion make them unique. However, the effect can get old, very quickly. Consequently, they are best used sparingly. For the exploratory photographer, something like the inexpensive Zenitar gives an excellent tool to experience the fish-eye without investing too much money. For less than $200, why not get this lens? It can never hurt to have an extra lens/effect in the kit. In fact, I think most people should buy this lens. If not just to try a fisheye. This is the lens to do it. The Zenitar 16mm can produce very clear, crisp results (Now it is up to the photographer to attempt to compose with this beast!).

Links/Resources



There have been quite a few reviews of this lens so information as well as the lens itself are in abundance. I particularly like Ken Rockwell's comparison to the Nikon 10.5mm which really puts this lens into perspective (little pun).

Ken Rockwell's write-up - 10.5mm comparison

NK Guy's review on photonotes.org -

This guy must have received a poor copy because his first review and samples of this lens were aweful (not his writing, his impression). It actually required some modification. When he did eventually dial-in the lens, he was able to effectively focus and use the lens and claims to be impressed with the results. The copy I received does not appear to have any focusing issues.

Another instance of a bad sample

Some astrophotography with the Zenitar

38 comments:

  1. In Soviet Russia, lens photograph you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for your article.

    ReplyDelete
  3. excellent review, thankyou!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Focal length does not change with sensor sizes. Only field of view changes.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the review. The Zenitar is made in Russia, though, not Ukraine.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Office comes with all the Latest tools to make your presentation great. The Office.com/Setup has evolved into a new powerful tools with lovely and Beautiful User interface, and not only just for the User Interface but everything including the classy icons, and Lovely Graphic that shows every aspect of the powerful Suite that is put on your Computer. for the setup of the ms word please visit to our website office.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  7. Make your system virus free by using the best antiviurs and antispyware software developed by symantec. You just
    need to download norton.com/setup from www.norton.com/setup and install and activate it by entering activation
    key and be safe from online theft and other online scams.

    Norton.com/setup
    www.Norton.com/setup

    ReplyDelete

  8. Thanks to author of post for such a great information.I like your blog post and subscribe your blog for all your future post.i have also some links which i think is useful for some users
    norton.com/setup,
    www.norton.com/setup.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Norton setup has been providing the simplest security to varied devices and security software keeps the system secure from multiple online and offline threats. it's ideal for those that work extensively on the web . The antivirus software are often downloaded from www.norton.com/setup and may be installed on computers running Windows and Mac OS.
    norton.com/setup|| www.norton.com/setup||

    ReplyDelete
  10. CSS Founder can be the right choice for you, if you are looking for the best Website designing company in Delhi to get the world class web design for your business. Connect with us to get the best deal in the field of design & development services.

    ReplyDelete
  11. We have been providing the best iPhone Insurance since 2014 across the 25 countries. Connect with us if you are interested to get it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you admin for providing this nice information in this blog. Keep posting and sharing like this.
    Tent rental in Abu Dhabi

    ReplyDelete
  13. Connect with the best website design company in hyderabad and get an attractive website for your business. A website helps in growing your online business.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You have really very good writing and thinking skills. Thank you for posting this amazing post. Top 10 residential projects in Noida Extension

    ReplyDelete
  15. Do you interested to increase your online business? If yes then you need to join the best SEO Company in Ghaziabad. Connect with us for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wise Folder Hider Pro I am very impressed with your post because this post is very beneficial for me and provides new knowledge to me.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Windows Movie Maker I am very impressed with your post because this post is very beneficial for me and provides new knowledge to me.

    ReplyDelete
  18. AL Mumtaz is the right choice for you in the field of manufacturing tents and car parking shades. You can connect with us for more information. Tent Manufacturers in UAE

    ReplyDelete
  19. Information that is unique. I'm glad I stumbled upon this site. It provides visitors with useful information. Thank you a lot!
    https://fullkeygens.com/diskgenius-crack-registeration-key-free-download/

    ReplyDelete
  20. We are the best website designing and development company, we strive to provide custom web design and development solutions that help you take your business to new heights. We design visually appealing websites that drive more conversions for your business. Contact us
    Web design company Surrey

    ReplyDelete
  21. Steadfast immigration service is one of the best fast service in the world. It is UAE based company, If you want to get visa as fast as posible so Please connect with us.
    Immigration consultants in Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  22. A website must be attractive, and reliable, for the user. These are the main values of digital marketing. A well-designed website helps generate more customer conversions.
    Website design company wellington

    ReplyDelete
  23. You have shared really very nice information. Please keep posting like this so that we can get knowledge from your blog. I hope I will read your new blog soon. Best resort in Lansdowne

    ReplyDelete
  24. If you are looking for a website design company that provides the best services, if you want to rank your business by a website, then CSS Founder ranks your business through a website, on the first page of Google. CSS Founder is a good option for you, Web design company Ottawa

    ReplyDelete
  25. It's true, and it' I'm just glad you shared this useful information with us. That's what he told us. Thank you..

    사설토토
    토토사이트웹
    카지노사이트
    바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  26. The best Homeopathy clinic in Ghaziabad, that provides the best services, if you need the best Homeopathy clinic in Ghaziabad click the given link Homeopathy clinic in Ghaziabad

    ReplyDelete
  27. Promotedial is the best SEO company in Sharjah. If you are looking for a SEO company so you should connect with us. We can provide you better result.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post. Best Resorts in Lansdowne

    ReplyDelete
  29. CSS Founder is the best website design company in bangalore. We have been leading this company sine 2014 and have delivered too many projects on time.

    ReplyDelete
  30. As the best website designing company in Lucknow , CSS Founder provides top-notch services and innovative solutions to help businesses establish a strong online presence.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Do you simply want to make your business better? More sales. More digital. More customers. umbrella today consult help you! Easy and uncomplicated. On site in Hamburg and also remotely. Click here for more detail Success with Umbrella Today Consult

    ReplyDelete
  32. To apply for a tourist visa you can take help from India Visa. We offer multiple visa services for you and your family to make your journey healthy and memorable. We offer an efficient and user-friendly Indian visa. You can apply it online and make payments online without getting disturbed in your daily routine.

    ReplyDelete
  33. When planning a trip to India, the first step is to obtain a visa. In the past, this process would have been time-consuming and complicated. However, due to technological advancements, applying for an India visa online is now easier than ever. With the help of Visits Visa Company, travelers can complete the application process efficiently and easily. You will find out the benefits of applying for India Visa online and how Visits Visa Company can simplify the process for you.

    ReplyDelete