An inexpensive micro 4/3 extreme wide-angle lens

An inexpensive micro 4/3 extreme wide-angle lens

Some years ago I wrote an article in Heritage Photography on my experiences with the new Micro Four-thirds MFT (or M4/3) camera systems. ERIC HOULDER LRPS

With both Panasonic and Olympus making cameras and lenses for that mount, the number of lenses quickly proliferated, though none could be described as inexpensive. With both Panasonic and Olympus making cameras and lenses for that mount, the number of lenses quickly proliferated, though none could be described as inexpensive. However, the independent maker Samyang began producing quality MFT lenses soon after I wrote, and more recently SLR Magic has joined in. The latter is a strange name, and I first heard about their 8mm f/4 rectilinear wide angle via David Kilpatrick’s review in Cameracraft. This largely positive review cancelled any predjudice I may have had because of the cheap-sounding name. As I am sure most readers know, the Kilpatrick’s have been involved with photography since the 1960s, and have produced quality magazines in the Borders with little advertising but beautifully reproduced pictures since that time. Being totally independent, their reviews are stringent and noted for honesty. This particular review prompted me to regularly scan the on-line advertising, and to purchase one when the price dropped substantially below £200. As a number of Group members now The lens in place on my Panasonic G7. Photographed with my G1 and 14-42mm lens.

The lower lake at Nostell Priory, National Trust. My linear polariser was used, the subsequent vignette being cloned out during processing. A long white con-trail was also removed.

use Panasonic or Olympus MFT systems, the writer felt that a brief review of this unusual optic would prove useful. The 8mm f/4, (16mm full frame equivalent) is really intended for drones which tend to use M4/3 mounts. This accounts for the rather quirky appearance of the lens. The only plastic in the box are the sturdy front and rear caps, the lens itself being all glass and metal, and quite small; so small indeed that the rather fiddly aperture ring does not have all the settings engraved on it, with just dots between figures, and no click-stops. The focussing ring has a restricted range of distances with a useful chromed metal knob protruding, whilst a knurled screw locks focus – sensible for drones and quite useful for heritage photographers in many situations, particularly in confined spaces. I would certainly have found it useful in a recent exploration of John Carr’s mausoleum under Horbury church, which is accessed by a cramped tunnel which demands a 180° body twist in a very restricted space. As it was, I fitted my 7.5mm Samyang fisheye before entering, shortened the neck-strap, and zipped up my fleece to protect it. I now intend to re-visit with the 8mm as soon as practical. Another unusual feature is the optically flat and multi-coated ‘protector’ in front of the lens. This can be replaced with a thin screw-in 52mm filter; and a really thin filter is needed here. My very thin (but still twice the thickness of the supplied flat) linear polariser produced a miniscule vignette in the frame corners, but this was easily removed in post-processing. There is an implication in the brief instruction card that either a filter or the flat must be in place in use. In practise, I noticed prominent flare if the sun appeared in the frame – no surprise here. Being non-meter-coupled, the lens may only be used in Aperture Priority or Manual modes; no hardship as a lens this wide only requires simple zone focussing. For close-ups with non-dedicated lenses, the MFT cameras have their own unique focussing system which worked well with the SLR Magic lens. Though not, admittedly, the sharpest tool in the box, it is certainly adequate for publication. A number of dealers both here and abroad advertise it under £200. However, there is a rumour that it is about to be discontinued, so if you use M4/3, look sharp!