Pros
Affordable alternative to high-end lenses
Solid build with a metal construction
Manual settings provide flexibility and control
Fun and creative for artistic and abstract shots
Comes with a protective case and cleaning cloth
Can be used effectively with digital photography
Produces natural sun flares and deep depth of field
Cons
Manual only, no autofocus or automatic settings
Inconsistent fit across different camera models
May not produce sharp images on some cameras
Main Product Advantages
9 Price
The Altura Photo 8mm f/3.0 Professional Wide Angle Lens is very affordable, making it a great option for amateurs or those not wanting to invest heavily in a fisheye lens.
8 Build Quality
The lens is made from metal, giving it a robust and solid feel. Many users found it to be durable and well-constructed.
8 Fun Factor
Several users noted that the lens makes taking photos fun and adds a degree of creativity to their shots, especially for abstract and artistic photography.
8 Customer Support
Customer support seems responsive and helpful, with one review mentioning that the dealer called them at home to assist with questions.
7 Image Quality
The image quality is generally good for the price, although there are some issues such as chromatic aberration and difficulty in focusing through the viewfinder.
7 Ease of Use
While the manual controls can be challenging for some, the lens generally has a short learning curve and is easy to use once you get the hang of it.
7 Additional Features
The lens comes with a protection case and a cleaning cloth, which are useful additions. It's also claimed to be waterproof as it contains no electronics.
7 Versatility
The lens is versatile enough for a range of uses including night sky photography and wide-angle shots, but not suitable for every type of photography.
6 Manual Controls
The lens is fully manual, requiring users to adjust the f-stop, distance, ISO, and shutter speed by hand. This can be a learning curve for some but offers complete creative control.
6 Compatibility
The lens has fit issues on some camera models, like the Nikon D3300, but works better on others. It's important to check compatibility with your specific camera model.
Altura Photo 8mm f/3.0 Professional Wide Angle Lens Review
The Altura Photo 8mm f/3.0 Professional Wide Angle Lens is a versatile and powerful fisheye lens designed for Canon DSLR APS-C cameras. This includes popular models like the Rebel T8i, T7, T7i, T6s, T6i, T6, T5i, T4i, T3i, SL1, SL2, SL3, EOS 60D, 77D, 70D, 80D, 90D, EOS 7D, and 7D MK II.
This lens is also compatible with full-frame Canon cameras; however, users should note that it will produce a more circular "360" image with black vignette borders on these models.
Manual Focus and Unique Features
Equipped with an EF Mount, this Canon fisheye lens features manual focus and includes a removable hood. This design allows for stunning 180° views, enabling photographers to capture expansive and immersive images.
It’s important to note that this lens is not compatible with the newer Canon mirrorless R and M camera models.
Exceptional Build Quality
The Altura Photo 8mm lens boasts exceptional build quality with its metal lens construction. It features a hybrid aspherical element and multi-layer lens coating, ensuring sharp and well-defined images. This robust construction not only enhances image quality but also promises durability and longevity.
Additional Accessories
For safe storage and convenience, a custom-designed protective lens case is included with this lens. This makes it an essential accessory for Canon camera users who want to maintain their equipment in top condition.
Conclusion
In summary, the Altura Photo 8mm f/3.0 Professional Wide Angle Lens offers impressive performance and versatility. It is compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLR APS-C cameras and even full-frame models, albeit with some image adjustments. The manual focus, exceptional build quality, and included protective case make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s toolkit. Backed by a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, this lens represents a worthwhile investment for both amateur and professional photographers alike.
