AF Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D

I´ve been involved with Nikon equipment for a long time. My favorite lens is my 16 mm fisheye. I purchased it used in NYC back in the 80´s. I even use my fisheye as a trade mark for some wedding shots for clients. Five of the photographs displayed were taken with my D700 and Nikkor 16 mm Fisheye.
The Wedding photograph was taken with my D200 and Nikkor 10.5 mm Fisheye.

I buy all my lenses for film cameras, but when I was experimenting with portraits on my D200 this 16mm fisheye was performing miracles for me. Half of the time when I was shooting from an angle that prevented me from looking through the viewfinder, I was able to capture the scene I had in my head. Same goes for concert photography when you´re right up front and in the band´s face with your camera, this thing´s focus performs admirably from any aperture.

While not a lens I use a great deal, it has a vital place in my photographic arsenal. Stunningly sharp, light, and fun. On my D700 it compliments my 10.5mm on my D2X. This lens will remain with me for a very long time.

The 16mm 180 degree fisheye is an amazingly sharp and contrasty lens. I have no problem including the sun in my photos, because this lens has no flare or ghosting problems! This lens on my D3 or D700 performs incredibly at f8 or f11. It is great for tight interiors where my AFS 14-24mm can´t cover everything. I modified the wide angle lens caps to fit better and keep dust out by using self adhesive felt between the inside ridges of the plastic cap.
The photo is a Full frame D700 shot of the inside of a 35 in. by 35 in. Light tent filled with around a hundred AF 35mm 2.0 D lenses shot from 2 feet away from the middle of the group with no lens correction software adjustments.

I am amazed every time I use this lens. I keep this lens tucked in my bag for almost every outing. Sometimes I find myself surrounded by closed in spaces or an area that has converging lines.This is when I bring this lens out it makes these spaces open up and provide a spectacular effect. The lens is a fish eye so straight lines curve and with a tillt of the lens will add drama to the photo. This lens is sharp and easy to use. The small light lens makes it a welcome addition to any camera bag. Best used on FX cameras.

I bought this lens expecting that it would provide an occasional unique perspective. But if it´s going to stay unique, you can´t use it too much, right? What I found is that it can be used in far more situations than I anticipated, and I´m finding more all the time. With appropriate software it is really good with people in a tight crowd (don´t try to correct to rectilinear, use cylindrical correction for more natural looking people images). Because it is so small, it can go along for the ride.

I have never been a Fish Eye fan until I bought this one. I use it on about anything I can find to use it on. When you use Nikon Capture NX2 to straighten the lines it adds another dimension to my photography. It is always part of my travel gear which consists of
A. 16 FE
B. 18-35 Nikkor
C. 24-120 G VR
D. 50 1.4 G
E. 70-300 G VR
F. D700

I LOVE my 10.5mm fisheye. But when I´m using my D3, I turn to the 16mm for its full frame coverage. It´s a great little lens and compact enough to carry in a pocket. Looking to make your work stand out or going for a different look...this is the lens for you!

I had this lens since 1993 love it, popular in the Art world, it it great for photographing functions , weddings with a bit of abstraction as well landscape shots, express it your way, it is handy when you can not be bother bringing a panorama camera with you especially with FX format.
15 years ago I accidentally drop this lens down 10 concrete steps and not a single lens went out alignment and no lens breakage, no loss of quality, super tough Nikon