Sigma EX 4.5mm F2.8 DC HSM Fisheye Review
General information
This is a prime lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2007.
The lens belongs to the category
wide angle prime lenses, a wide angle lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Worth thinking about is that the lens has a Fisheye-character which give the images an extreme wide but curved 'barrel' look which may require some post processing in your image editing software. Though, the lens offers you as a photographer the widest of wide angle views..
Product description from Sigma
At launch 2007 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 4.5mm F2.8 DC HSM Fisheye:
"Sigma’s 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye HSM creates an image that is a circular, curved, distorted view of reality when used on a digital SLR camera. One of the most unusual lenses a photographer can use as it produces a circular image within a black surrounding frame. It is ideal for landscapes and panoramic photography. Because of its equisolid angle projection system, the lens can be used for scientific applications. The minimum focusing distance of 5.3 inches allows the photographer to have fun with placement of subjects extremely near to the camera with distorted backgrounds. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass employed for effective compensation of color aberration, Super Multi-Layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting and assures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. In the hands of a photographer looking for creative expression and the opportunity to explore and create, this is the ultimate creative tool. The results are captivating
For use with smaller chip APS-c cameras only
The circular field of view produces striking images with exaggerated perspective of near subject & extreme barrel distortion of the surrounding areas
HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus
The minimum focusing distance of 5.3 inches & a magnification ratio of 1 to 6 allows subjects to be as close as ¾ of an inch from the lenses’ front element.
A front cap adapter, front/rear lens cap and carrying case are included with the lens."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.
This lens is designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 4 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 6 mm if you have a Canon camera or 6 mm if you have a Niko camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Sigma EX 4.5mm F2.8 DC HSM Fisheye
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.
This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a built-in filter holder which means that you at the rear of the lens (towards the camera) can place a filter, but an opportunity to protect the front lens with a filter does not exist.
Unfortunately there is no lens hood included when buying the lens.
Images of Sigma EX 4.5mm F2.8 DC HSM Fisheye
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The lens brightness, f/2,8
- Has a built-in autofocus motor
- Light weight (470 gr)
- Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
- Might have a limited use
- No lens hood is included
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Sigma EX 4.5mm F2.8 DC HSM Fisheye.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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