Tokina recently introduced a new lens for FUJIFILM X-Mount and Sony E-Mount mirrorless cameras: the Tokina SZ 8mm f / 2.8. This fish lens covers APS-C sensors, and it is fully manual with a dedicated focus and a de-clicked aperture ring. Let’s take a closer look at it!
Japanese lens manufacturer Tokina became very popular amongst filmmakers with their 11-16mm f / 2.8 ultra-wide zoom for APS-C cameras during the DSLR revolution era. Then, they started to develop a lot of other lenses like their atx-m lineup for FUJIFILM X-Mount and Sony E-Mount mirrorless cameras. The company also has many incredible cinema lenses like their Vista Primes T1.5 series.
If you’re in the market for a manual fisheye lens for your Sony E-Mount or FUJIFILM X-Mount camera, their latest SZ 8mm f / 2.8 lens might be the right choice for you.
Tokina SZ 8mm f / 2.8: overview
The Tokina SZ 8mm f / 2.8 is a pretty compact and lightweight fisheye lens that won’t take much space in your camera bags, with a length of only 6cm and a weight of 280g / 9.8oz.
As I mentioned, this lens covers APS-C sensors and will give you a field of view of 180. The SZ 8mm f / 2.8 comes with a removable lens hood.
You can remove the hood and use the lens with a full-frame mirrorless camera: the SZ 8mm f / 2.8 won’t cover the entire sensor, but you can create a round image with black frames on the sides.
This fisheye lens is entirely manual. It features dedicated focus and aperture rings. The aperture ring is de-clicked, which is helpful for filmmakers that want to fine-tune their iris precisely.
Optical design
The lens design of the Tokina SZ 8mm f / 2.8 consists of eleven elements in nine groups. The aperture diaphragm features seven aperture blades. The minimum focusing distance is only 10cm / 0.32ft, which is great for creating fun / artistic / creative shots. Unfortunately, like most fisheye lenses on the market, you can’t attach any front / back filters to the SZ 8mm f / 2.8.
Price and availability
Both the X-Mount and E-Mount version of the Tokina SZ 8mm f / 2.8 fisheye lens should start shipping in mid-March. At the moment, there is no information on the price yet.
For more information, please visit Tokina’s website here.
What do you think about this new Tokina fisheye lens? Do you often shoot with a fisheye lens? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
