Lens Sony FE 8-14mm f/3.5 G Fisheye

The Sony FE 8-14mm f/3.5 Fisheye G is a fisheye zoom lens for Sony full-frame cameras with E-mount. The range from 8 to 14 mm offers different variations of the characteristic fisheye perspective – at 8 mm, a circular image with an extremely wide angle of view is obtained, while at 14 mm the effect switches to a diagonal fisheye. The maximum angle of view reaches 180°.

The constant maximum aperture of f/3.5 remains unchanged throughout the zoom range. The minimum focusing distance is approximately 15 cm, and the maximum magnification reaches 0.22x, allowing for close-up work and the creation of a strong perspective. The lens is intended for both stills, video, VR and 3D applications.

Fisheye perspective

• Zoom range 8–14 mm with the ability to switch between circular and diagonal fisheye effect.
• Viewing angle up to 180° for images with a characteristically pronounced perspective.
• Constant maximum aperture of f/3.5 at all focal lengths.
• Minimum focal length of about 15 cm and maximum magnification of 0.22x for close-up shooting.
• An internal zoom design in which the size and balance of the lens remain virtually unchanged when the focal length changes.

Optical design

The optical system consists of 16 elements in 13 groups and includes three aspherical elements, four ED elements and one ED aspherical element. The combination is designed to maintain high resolution and limit chromatic and spherical aberrations across a wide angle of view.

• 16 items in 13 groups.
• 3 aspherical elements to control optical aberrations.
• 4 ED elements and 1 ED aspherical element to limit chromatic aberrations.
• 7-blade circular diaphragm.

Autofocus and video operation

Autofocus is driven by two linear motors, which ensure fast and precise movement of the focusing group. The design is also optimized to limit framing shift during focus, which is especially important when recording video.

The lens features Linear Response MF for more predictable manual focusing. This allows for more precise control during manual focus transitions, including when shooting video.

Direct management

• Separate focus, zoom and aperture rings.
• AF/MF/FH switch for selecting focus mode and using Focus Hold.
• Zoom Lock to fix the zoom when carrying or working with a specific focal length.
• A switch for snapping or smooth aperture change – with fixed steps for photography and stepless control for video.

Filters and construction

Due to the strongly protruding front optical element, the lens does not use a standard front filter thread. Instead, a filter holder is provided at the rear. A template is included with the kit, with which filters can be cut to the required size.

The construction is protected from dust and moisture, and the front element has a fluorine coating, which makes it easier to clean and limits dirt retention.

Compact size

The Sony FE 8-14mm f/3.5 Fisheye G measures approximately 63.5 x 83.8 mm and weighs around 315 g. For a lens with a similar angle of view, this allows for relatively easy use when shooting handheld and makes it a practical choice for systems where size and weight are a concern.

Applications

The wide perspective and characteristic image distortion define the lens's main applications. It can be used for landscapes, architecture, interiors, astrophotography, sports and automotive photography, as well as for video and content where the fisheye effect is part of the visual style.

The combination of a wide viewing angle, compact size and small lens diameter is also suitable for VR and 3D shooting with dual camera configurations. In these applications, the wide coverage allows for capturing a large part of the scene, while the compact design makes it easy to position the cameras.