Zenit Zenitar 16mm F2.8 MC Fisheye A-mount lens review by Snegren

Snegren#12082 date: Jan-7-2015
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.4	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I own this lens
compared to:	missing
price paid:	175 EUR new
positive:	Dead cheap, very sharp across the entire frame at F16 (hence sharpness 5)
negative:	Very plasticky. Aperture ring does not move gently over the aperture clicks. Not sharp wide open, corners need F16 for best results but that is no issue for me.
comment:	I use it only at F16 with DIY ND10 rear mounted filter (it doesn't take front filters obviously). At F16 it is an optical marvel, at F2.8 it is not, so no Milkyway photography with this one! I have a M42 version which is awkward as alignment of the lens is critical to avoid vignetting in the corners and turning the aperture ring causes the lens to rotate from the correct position. Needs a fixed Alpha mount for convenience IMO.