The Sony FE 8-14mm f/3.5 Fisheye is a compact, ultra-wide circular-to-diagonal fisheye zoom lens that’s ideal for, architecture, sports, and astro shooting. Key features include:
- Full 180° angle of view
- 5.9" minimum focusing distance
- Constant f/3.5 max aperture
- Linear-motor focus drive system
Full-Frame E-mount with APS-C Position. The Sony FE 8-14mm f/3.5 Fisheye can be paired with any E-mount camera. It is designed to cover full-frame sensors and will have an effective equivalent focal length of 12-21mm on APS-C (and very near that for Super35). What this means is that if you’re using this full-frame lens on a crop-sensor camera, the wide end will not show the circular fisheye effect with a complete black border. Some of that border will be cut off. However, this lens offers zoom lock for 3 positions: 8mm circular fisheye for full-frame, 14mm diagonal ultra-wide view for full-frame, and a dedicated APS-C position between the 9mm and 11mm marks. This APS-C position ensures you are using the widest possible setting that will still fill the frame.
Special Note About the 8mm Position. To get the full black, circular border, the lens hood must be removed. However, the hood must be used in order to reattach the lens cap, so take care not to misplace it! Also, if you’re using in-body image stabilization while recording and using the 8mm position, you could see a wobble. Turn IBIS off when using this lens.
Video-Friendly Features. While still a varifocal lens, the Sony 8-14mm exhibits very minimal focus breathing. There are independent rings for focus, iris (can be clicked or de-clicked), and zoom (but no built-in follow focus gearing), and it zooms internally so that the balance is maintained at any length. This is a useful feature for gimbal use. In addition to the usual AF/MF switch, there is an FH switch for focus holding, which is a great option for astrophotography. As for using ND filters, this lens has a very similar rear filter system as the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 and the Sony 14mm f/1.8. Drop-in rear filters can be slid into a slot built into the back of the lens.
Superb for Skateboarding and Other Sports. Dual linear motors offer easy tracking of subjects up to 120 frames per second, making this lens a great companion for cameras like the a9 III. It also has a good close focusing distance of just under 6" for stylishly exaggerated close-up shots. This lens would be very effective at capturing inverts and aerials at the skate park or for low-angle tracking shots of mountain biking. While not fully weatherproof, this lens can withstand a little drizzle and dust, so don’t be afraid to take it out for track sports. What’s more, it’s very portable at only 11 ounces and 3" long.
