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

polossatik#2338 date: May-22-2007
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4 overall: 4.5	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I used to own this lens
compared to:	peleng 8mm KM 17-35
price paid:	140 usd new
positive:	* cheap: around 140 USD. * reasonable sharp stepped down a bit. * very wide angle. * I like the colors (but that is personal). * the modding/fixing is very easy. Just need a small screwdriver that fits. * sanding a M42 adaptor is fun if your beer is stored in the garage where you sand. * did i mention cheap?
negative:	* not very sharp until F 5.6 or higer * metering from my 7D is acting usually rather "erratic" (under exposing 1 to 2 ev) when stepped down - so need to check shots. * not really a fisheye "effect" on a 1.5 crop * you might need to "fix" the focus ring yourself on some lensens to be able to reach infinity. ( How to is in the same post as the next "mod".) Do this before sanding your M42 adaptor. This may also be needed on Zenitars with a "direct" A-mount. * with the M42 adaptor you need "mod" the lens a bit as seen here otherwise you cannot change the aperture - it stay's at 2.8 then.
comment:	more info and sample pictures (comparing with peleng and KM 17-35) are found here http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13566