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Nikon Nikkor 8mm Fisheye

Nikon Nikkor8mm Fisheye

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Nikon Nikkor 8mm T2.8 Fisheye

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Nikon Nikkor8mm Fisheye

Prime - Spherical - Super 35

product details

The Nikon Nikkor 8mm T2.8, originally a still photography fisheye lens from the 1970s, has been rehoused for cinema applications. One of the most extreme fisheye lenses available, it provides a full 180° field of view with dramatic distortion and immersive rendering, producing dramatic, stylized shots suited to music videos, experimental films, and action sequences. With it, cinematographers can create surreal, distorted viewpoints that push beyond conventional wide-angle imagery into highly stylized territory. Available for rental or sub-rental at Cine Visuals.

Focal Length
T-Stop
Type
Format
Front Diameter
Lens Mount
Metadata
Iris Blades
Image Circle

Era / Generation
Contrast & Tonal Character
Sharpness & Resolution
Focus Fall‑Off / Transition
Iris & Bokeh Quality
Flare & Highlight Behavior
Handling & Ergonomics
Build & Modifications
Cinematic Heritage & Credits

*Refer to Technical Specifications table. Not the same for all focal lengths.

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Technical Specs Table

T-Stop

Type

Format

Front Diameter

Lens Mount

Metadata

Close Focus (ft)

Close Focus (m)

Weight (lbs)

Weight (kg)

Length (in)

Length (mm)

Iris Blades

Image Circle

Front Filter

Rear Filter

Horizontal Angle of View (Full Frame)

Horizontal Angle of View (S35)

Focus Rotation

T2.8

Spherical

Super 35

–

0.23 m

3.00 lbs

1.36 kg

–

Nikon Nikkor 8mm Fisheye

Image Fidelity & Focus

Images have impressive sharpness in the center but soften toward the edges, with extreme barrel distortion that bends straight lines and creates surreal, immersive perspectives. Contrast is moderate, producing bold, punchy images. Depth of field is nearly infinite, keeping nearly everything in focus at most apertures, but close-up focus creates exaggerated separation. Chromatic aberrations are present, especially at the edges, but this adds to the artistic look.

Handling & Adaptability

In cine rehousings, the lens gains PL mounts, geared focus and iris rings, and robust mechanics. Its bulbous front element requires care and prevents the use of traditional filters. It is compact and weighs 3 lbs. (1.36 kg), but demands careful handling.

Flare & Bokeh

Flare artifacts are dramatic, with bold arcs and rainbow effects when pointed toward strong light sources.

Image Circle

Nikon Nikkor 8mm T2.8 is suited to Super 35 and covers Full Frame sensors.

Cinematic Heritage

Nikon introduced the 8mm fisheye in 1970 as part of its Nikkor AI and AI-S still lens lineup. It became popular in experimental photography and scientific imaging. With the resurgence of stylized optics in cinema, it was rehoused in the 2010s for motion-picture use.