Which 15mm f2.8?

[RussRoc]

Looking for recommendation for a 15mm f2.8 lens? 

[Axilrod]

Well there aren't too many options, do you want rectilinear or fisheye?  What is your budget?

The only ones I can think of are:
Canon 15mm f/2.8 fisheye (Discontinued, but you can still find them used for around $500)
Sigma 15mm f/2.8 fisheye (I've heard nothing but great things, around $600)
Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 (amazing lens, but $3000)
Canon 8-15mm f/4L fisheye ($1300 or so, again a great lens)

[RussRoc]

Rectilinear is what I am looking for.

I like the Idea of the Zeiss, but really can't justify the expense.  If I could justify the expense, I guess I would als look at the Canon 14 mm f2.8

Looks like the Sigma is the current choise.  I have read a lot of good reviews (the only down side is the slower focusing compared to Canon lens).

Thanks!

[ZnarF]

You should consider the Samyang 14mm f2.8 (also sold under Walimex and other brands).
It's manual focus, but i think at 14mm thats no big issue. it is razor sharp! My only nit is the rather strong vignetting. An amazing lens for just 300€.

[verysimplejason]

+1 to samyang 14mm. Also sold as rokinon, bower, etc... Manual focus but easy to use.  IQ comparable to nikon 14-24.

[Canada]

I have the 15mm Canon. Super sharp, super fishy on a FF. Not always practical but a super fun lens none the less.

[ChilledXpress]

I absolutely love the Sigma 15mm... I own over 15 "L" lenses but the Siggy 15mm is one of my very faves. I bought every UWA fish available when deciding which to go with; Canon, Siggy, Samyang/Rokinon , etc... tested them all, kept the Siggy. I wanted to love the 8-15L but the Sig was soooo much sharper. I'd say it focuses at about the same rate as the Canon. Depending on what show up at the door will determine how much you'll love the Samyang, out of 3 copies only one was worth looking at. Besides... the Siggy still auto focuses and "works" well with the 5D3. When my son was about to be delivered, I looked at all the lenses I owned, then took the 15mm into the delivery room. Love it that much!!!!


MotoGP 2012 Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca - Helicopter Ride by David KM, on Flickr

FurCon 2013 - San Jose, California by
00/52 Weeks of Sailor - Birth... 21:03 May 14th, 2012 by David KM, on Flickr

Monterey Bay Aquarium by David KM, on Flickr

[RMC33]

I absolutely love the Sigma 15mm... I own over 15 "L" lenses but the Siggy 15mm is one of my very faves. I bought every UWA fish available when deciding which to go with; Canon, Siggy, Samyang/Rokinon , etc... tested them all, kept the Siggy. I wanted to love the 8-15L but the Sig was soooo much sharper. Depending on what show up at the door depends how much you'll love the Samyang, out of 3 copies only one was worth looking at. Besides the Siggy still auto focuses and "works" well with the 5D3. When my son was about to be delivered, I looked at all the lenses I owned, then took the 15mm into the delivery room. Love it that much!!!!


MotoGP 2012 Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca - Helicopter Ride by David KM, on Flickr

FurCon 2013 - San Jose, California by
00/52 Weeks of Sailor - Birth... 21:03 May 14th, 2012 by David KM, on Flickr

Monterey Bay Aquarium by David KM, on Flickr

Love the Furcon shot!

I prefer the Canon 8-15. Gives the best of both worlds.

[ChilledXpress]

Love the Furcon shot!

I prefer the Canon 8-15. Gives the best of both worlds.

Thanks... I was never a fan of circular fisheyes, I'm more into rect. FOV so the 8-15L was mehhh for me, especially in the sharpness dept.

[Canada]

A few samples of the Canon 15mm

[Plamen]

A just returned a new Sigma 15. Corners too soft at any aperture, strong vignetting even at f/11, one stop overexposure on my 5DII. I replaced it with a used Canon 15 - much better. Side by side, the Canon wins easily. Aside from the corners, they are both very sharp.

I was going to keep the Sigma if I had not tried the Canon. The Canon is a bit warmer and more vibrant but  the reds are a bit too saturated.

Resistance to flare was excellent with both lenses. AF was not a problem with either. The Canon is a bit smaller but probably not lighter.

Taken with the Sigma:


Taken with the Canon (The Rogers Centre in Toronto):

[RMC33]

Love the Furcon shot!

I prefer the Canon 8-15. Gives the best of both worlds.

Thanks... I was never a fan of circular fisheyes, I'm more into rect. FOV so the 8-15L was mehhh for me, especially in the sharpness dept.

Ya it is tough to get sharp. I like it for the versatility shooting sports, I do a lot of ski/snowboard and it just ROCKS in a Half-pipe. Your shots have me seriously considering a 15 though!

[Axilrod]

Oh duh I totally forgot about the Samyang/Rokinon/Bower 14mm f/2.8.  It's a super sharp lens, and although it does have it's faults (distortion is pretty bad but fixable in post), you can't really be too picky at $399.  I'd say it's definitely worth a shot, especially if you're on a budget.

[ChilledXpress]

Love the Furcon shot!

I prefer the Canon 8-15. Gives the best of both worlds.

Thanks... I was never a fan of circular fisheyes, I'm more into rect. FOV so the 8-15L was mehhh for me, especially in the sharpness dept.

Ya it is tough to get sharp. I like it for the versatility shooting sports, I do a lot of ski/snowboard and it just ROCKS in a Half-pipe. Your shots have me seriously considering a 15 though!

Love to see some of those images. Jonesing for some fresh powder to get up to Tahoe 

[Niterider]

Oh duh I totally forgot about the Samyang/Rokinon/Bower 14mm f/2.8.  It's a super sharp lens, and although it does have it's faults (distortion is pretty bad but fixable in post), you can't really be too picky at $399.  I'd say it's definitely worth a shot, especially if you're on a budget.

+1

Also, I see the lens drop as low as $300 every once in a while. At that price, it is too good to pass up!