russian fisheye lens

just browsing through ebay and come across this shockingly cheap fisheye lens

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Lens-Zenitar-K-f-2-8-16mm-Pentax-Fish-Eye-New_W0QQitemZ150...


has anybody had any experience with these?

Not personally, but those who have seem to think quite highly of them. One of the better Russian-made lenses by all accounts, however, it's designed to give a fisheye effect on 35mm so the effect on digital is considerably reduced (to the point where it's more of a wide angle with a little barrel distortion).

In summary; good for film buffs - not really very useful for digital capture.

thanks

Hi Yes I have a Zenitar 16mm I use it my Z1P, 1*stD & K10D. The images on digital may be little "soft" but are very very good on film. There are a few samples on my sight (link below) Non of the images have been Photoshoped, so I guess you crank up the sharpness in camera. I got mine for 2/3 of current buy it now price! Hope that helps, Maurice


link

I have one too and think its a great lens, mine is sharp right through and works out about 24mm on Pentax Dslr, there is some distortion, but it can be removed with a program called Rect Fish. Like all Russian/Soviet/Ukrainian lenses quality control is the problem so you can get a good one like mine or a total lemon. But it is useful as a quality wide angle, and I have used mine far more than I would have thought, I suppose if you get the chance to try one first then have a go you might find it a good piece of equipment