I really don’t like fish lenses. I have never used much for them and found the real form of images as limited utility. But this does not mean that I will not jump on the occasion of giving a new attempt.
Lava has certainly released a unique $ 699 fish lens this time: 8–15 mm zoom is specially made for mirrorless cameras in Z-mount, e-mount, RF-mount and L-mount. I decided to shoot the Calgary Stamped Festival, which is known as the greatest outdoor show on Earth, with a new optic on Canon R5 Mark II. I felt that the real nature of our biggest outdoor fairground would be ideal for creating the real image of the new lava. Even better, this new lens covers a full-frame sensor. Well, it does.
Lava 8-15 mm F/2.8 FF II Zoom Fishya Review: How does it feel
The lava covers the entire full-frame sensor of a camera when shooting at a 15 mm mark, although you can see a bit of lens barrel when focusing closely than infinite. As you zoom widely, you can see more and more circular light circles, until you reach 8 mm and get a circular image on your rectangular sensor. It is very common on a circular fishia lens, and the 8 mm frame fills the full-frame sensor from top to bottom. I enjoyed shooting both the peaks of the Focal Range, especially given that the 8 mm range includes an 180-degree angle.
The lens is very easy to move in itself because its weight is only 23 ounces (650 grams). It is made concretely out of the metal, with a very smooth-mood manual focusing ring and aperture. It is important to note that this lens has no meteorological celibate and there is no communication with the camera body. I know that it is common for such unique third-party optics that there is a lack of any electrical connectivity, but I still find it very uncomfortable. There is no lens hood due to the front element, but there is a rugged metal cover to keep the glass safe. This lens can only be focused manually, but given the heavy depth of an ultra-wide lensing area, I was only able to focus on the rough area that I want and rely on a medium aperture to ensure sharp attention.
Lava 8-15 mm F/2.8 FF II Zoom Fishya Review: How it shoots
Boke is nothing that you will usually worry about a fish zoom lens, but Laowa can focus close to just six inches from a subject. This allows for some soft backgrounds when shooting of portraits or close-up shots. Bokeh has a slight hardness, which has a fairly strong soap bubble effect around specular highlights. These may be distracted, but as stated, it is rare that it will be an issue.
Lava did a good job of opposing the issues of provoking, however, the results really depend on where the light source is. If something is in the frame like the sun, the flare is very minor. The contrast is strong, and the ghost is minimal. However, put the sun in the center and you find thick rings in the frame, keep it out of the frame and you can provoke a cone that is very distracted. Sunstar is either not very dramatic, but the lens is still fun to shoot in most lighting. Honestly, I found that some more dramatic flare results to add some character to the shot.
This lens is more impressive than expected. In the center, the lens is quite sharp, even at f/2.8. There is very contrast and expansion to move around, but corners are another story. Slight off-center theme will begin to blur at f/2.8. Stopping the lens below f/5.6 helps in a big way, and I found that shoot yourself with tight aperture to maximize sharp in the frame. It is being said, most of the fish shots will naturally place the subject at the center of the frame, so if this is the case then shoot at f/2.8 happily.
Lava 8-15 mm F/2.8 FF II Zoom Fishia Review: Fast but Niche
I had fun with lava fishi zoom lens, even if it is not a cup of my tea. This, however, gives a fun and unique approach to the world, and many photographers will find the results attractive. Most importantly, not too much option is available anyway. Both Nikon and Canon make fish zoom lenses, but these are old designs for their DSLR cameras. You can adapt them to a mirrorless camera, but they will spend you more money, especially if adapters are also needed. If you do not require autofocating and exf data, the Laowa 8–15 mm can only be what you are seeing. At $ 699, it will save you a little money, and optical results are quite decent. If you want to see the world like a fish, and when you are doing it you want to zoom, the lava 8–15 mm makes the most understandable.
What are the options?
Not necessarily In addition to adopting an old – and expensive – DSLR lens, there are not many options for fish zoom lenses. If you are fine with a prime lens, there are lots of options, but the beauty of lava is in its versatile zoom range.
Should you buy it?
Yes. If you prefer fish lenses, Laowa gives you a decent circular and diagonal fish lens.
