Sigma 485101

The macro performance here is a standout, landing in the 88th percentile and letting you get ridiculously close. The circular 180° fisheye is one-of-a-kind for the price, but you'll pay for it with a dull f/3.5 max aperture, zero bokeh, and inconsistent autofocus. At $249-ish on Amazon, it's a cheap ticket to some seriously creative shots.

For a 400g lump of glass, the Sigma 8mm delivers an instantly recognizable look. The 180-degree angle of view projects a full circular image onto a full-frame sensor, and you can get the front element within 5.3 inches of your subject, which explains that 88th percentile macro rating. Optical quality is about average overall (53rd percentile), but our database shows it's sharp enough in the center; just expect some chromatic aberration, especially that purple fringing (or aurora, as a few owners call it) near high-contrast edges. The 6-blade aperture doesn't do it any favors in the bokeh department either, landing dead last at the 6th percentile. So if you're chasing smooth, creamy backgrounds, this is not your lens. What it does offer is a unique creative perspective that's hard to replicate without a similar ultra-wide prime.

Stack this Sigma against the sea of all-around zooms like the Nikon Z 18-140mm or Canon RF-S 18-150mm, and it's an entirely different animal. Those lenses are sharp, fast-to-focus, and versatile. This 8mm can't zoom, can't stabilize, and can't autofocus on some bodies. But none of the rivals can twist reality into a full-circle 180° view or let you focus a subject 5.3 inches from the front. If you're after that specific look for real estate virtual tours or creative portraits, the Sigma is a cheap creative sidearm. The Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 E offers a wider aperture but it's rectilinear, not circular, so it's a different tool entirely. Choose based on whether you need round distortion or just an ultra-wide view.

Finding this lens at a sane price is a bit of a treasure hunt. We've seen it listed for as little as $249 on Amazon, while other vendors apparently dream of selling it for thousands. That spread is wild, but if you grab it at the low end, it's a fantastic deal for a creative fisheye. Just don't overpay: at full retail fantasies, you'd be better off renting one or looking at modern alternatives.

This lens is a niche tool that does one thing really well: pull your subject so close it's practically kissing the glass, then wrap the rest of the scene in a full 180-degree circle. Our data shows its macro performance sits in the 88th percentile, making it a tiny king of close-up wackiness. But that fame comes with a few trade-offs. The aperture's a sluggish f/3.5 (good for depth of field, lousy for low light), autofocus relies on your camera's internal motor, and the bokeh is, frankly, one of the worst we've seen.

Still, owners rave about the sharpness and color, and you can snag it online for shockingly cheap if you hunt around. Just don't expect it to double as a walkaround lens or video workhorse.

If you need a lens that's fast in low light, look elsewhere. The f/3.5 max aperture sits at the 19th percentile, so dim interiors are a challenge. Autofocus is a no-go on entry-level Nikons and other bodies without a screw-drive motor, which rules out a bunch of budget DSLR shooters. The bokeh is basically non-existent, and video shooters will hate the lack of stabilization. Also, if chromatic aberration bothers you, the purple fringing here is real. This isn't a do-it-all lens; if you just want a general wide-angle, a modern zoom will serve you far better.

The Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG is a quirky specialist. Its 88th percentile macro talent and unique circular projection make it a blast for fisheye enthusiasts and panoramic shooters on a budget. Just know that the f/3.5 aperture, lack of stabilization, and autofocus limitations mean you'll need some patience and a body with a focus motor. User sentiment hovers around the 43rd percentile overall, which tells you plenty of people love the effect but the lens isn't without its rough edges. If you find a good deal and love weird wide-angle work, it's worth a spin.