In a past life did a lot of underwater photography, so got used to the wide angle fell and was in the market for a wide lens. Tried a non Canon zoom but was unimpressed with the focus and build quality.

Superior build quality; Super-sharp images; Fast auto-focus

A VERY UNIQUE lens indeed! While a fisheye isn't for everyone, I find that if you're in a rut photographically, put this baby on your camera! If that doesn't get you going, I don't know what will.

Great lens with more functionality than the previous 15mm

Price

This is a great lens. It was all that I imagined. I love the wide field of view on this beauty. I am a big wide-angle shooter, and this satisfies all my needs. You can capture a lot of different elements in one exposure thanks to this lens.

Consistent Output; Durable; Rugged

Heavy

Handling and features Performance Verdict Specification This unique lens offers two lenses in one for full frame camera users. At 8mm it provides a circular fisheye image, with a 180 degree field of view in all directions.

Excellent sharpness; in the centre of the image area; Superb build; Unique zoom design effectively gives full-frame users two lenses in one; Useful for owners of multiple Canon camera formats

Expensive; No way to lock the lens at either end of the focal range; High CA levels towards edges of the picture area

The fisheye camera lens was originally developed so that the whole sky could be captured in one single image to help meteorologists study cloud formations. However, the extravagant 180-degree angle of view soon found favour with photographers.

The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 USM L Fisheye is a more than welcome addition to the Canon lens lineup. The combination of circular and full frame fish-eye in a single lens is a unique offering in the market. It is also capable of delivering technically decent results.

The fisheye camera lens was originally developed so that the whole sky could be captured in one single image to help meteorologists study cloud formations. However, the extravagant 180-degree angle of view soon found favour with photographers.

Seriously wide-angled fisheye lens with an equally extreme price-tag. Canon L-series fanatics take note – this is a niche lens that you won't use every day, so approach with caution.

Although cheaper, lighter lenses are now designed purely for these smaller sensors, professional lenses are still designed for full-frame use. It is rare, however, that both formats are considered, as it is difficult to satisfy both from one lens without overly inflating the cost or sacrificing the...

FROM OUR EDITORS AT PHOTOKINA: We got our hands on a couple pieces of new Canon glass tonight, including their upcoming 8-15mm f/4L fishey zoom. The Canon rep informed us that the pre-production unit we were checking out may actually be the only one like it in Europe at the moment.