Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM

Manufacturer: Canon
Type: lens (fisheye zoom)
Year introduced: 2010 (announced August 2010, shipped August 2011)
MSRP: $1,399 (revised from initial $1,500 announcement)
Mount: Canon EF (also used on Sony E-mount via Metabones adapter)

Overview

The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM was Canon’s first fisheye zoom lens and became one of the most important wide-angle lenses in underwater photography history. Announced in August 2010 by Drew Wong on Wetpixel with an original MSRP of $1,500 and expected to ship in January 2011, the lens was delayed multiple times before finally shipping in late July/August 2011 at a revised price of $1,399 ([1], [2]). Canon described it as “the world’s widest fisheye zoom lens” ([3]).

The lens belongs to Canon’s professional L-series and is compatible with all Canon EOS DSLRs regardless of sensor size. Its versatility across sensor formats made it particularly attractive for underwater photographers:

The lens included an optional lock for APS-H and APS-C sensors to prevent vignetting ([7]). It featured an outstanding maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2.56, making it particularly well-suited for close-focus wide-angle (CFWA) photography with small domes ([8]).

Adam Hanlon described the lens in his 2013 review as “perhaps the best reason for Nikon underwater shooters to switch to Canon,” calling it “optically superior and much better made” than the Tokina 10-17mm ([9]). Nauticam declared in their NA-650D press release that “the Canon 8-15mm is simply the best fisheye lens available in the world” ([10]). Alex Mustard wrote in his book Underwater Photography Masterclass that “the fisheye lens is as essential to underwater photography as water is to life on Earth,” and continued to favor the Canon 8-15mm over alternatives well into the mirrorless era ([11]).

Optical Performance and Comparison with Tokina 10-17mm

Ryan Canon of Reef Photo and Video conducted a side-by-side comparison of the Canon 8-15mm against the Tokina 10-17mm, concluding: “I think this lens makes a lot of sense for someone who is after the best fisheye image quality possible, or a Canon user with multiple sensor sizes in their arsenal. Tokina 10-17 is still a great value for someone getting started in underwater photography, or only using the EF-S sensor size” ([12]).

Adam Hanlon confirmed from personal experience: “The Canon lens is optically superior and much better made. It should also be noted in terms of image quality that I used the 8-15mm on a full frame camera, and one would perhaps expect it to be higher” ([13]).

One known optical limitation: when used at 8mm for circular fisheye images, the lens exhibits purple/blue fringing around the outside edges of the circular image. Phil Rudin reported this was consistent across multiple housing and port combinations and across both Canon and Sony bodies via adapter, noting “Nothing I have tried in Lightroom seems to get rid of it” ([14]).

Dome Port Compatibility

Zen Underwater

Zen Underwater tested the lens extensively in their DP-230, DP-200, and DP-100 dome ports, finding “excellent performance for underwater photographic applications in all three ports” ([15]).

DP-100 (4” dome, $899 MSRP): A new version released September 16, 2011, provided integrated extension for the 8-15mm lens. Compatible with housings from Aquatica, Hugyfot, Nauticam, Sea & Sea NX, and Subal (Gen. 3 and Gen. 4). The DP-100 came standard with a lens shade but was not compatible with the 8mm circular fisheye angle of view on full-frame cameras. Zen described it as “an excellent close focus wide angle tool, allowing much closer subject distances than are possible with large domes, and yielding higher close focus magnification. The small size of this port makes it perfect for use in high current or freediving applications where minimal drag is a priority” ([16]). Adam Hanlon used the DP-100 with the Canon 6D for whale shark photography in Mexico ([17]).

DP-200 ($1,399 MSRP) and DP-230 ($1,899 MSRP): Larger dome options with compatibility across Aquatica, Hugyfot, Nauticam, Sea & Sea (NX and RDX), and Subal housings. Extension ring requirements varied by housing manufacturer ([18]). Harry Stone used the DP-230 for shark photography at Aliwal Shoal ([19]).

Nauticam

Nauticam offered a 140mm mini-dome and a 230mm dome for the lens. The 140mm dome was recommended as the best match for travel-friendly setups. Alex Mustard compared both: “The 140mm is smaller, lighter, cheaper and is less of an obstacle for CFWA lighting. The 230mm is a little better optically, definitely better for split levels and better for using with other lenses like the 16-35mm” ([20]). Don Silcock confirmed that “the Nauticam 140mm dome perfectly complements both the Nikon 8-15mm and the NA-D500 housing, providing excellent performance from a relatively small package” ([21]).

Seacam

At BOOT 2012, Seacam displayed a small dome designed for the Canon 8-15mm on full-frame cameras, providing a 180-degree field of view ([22]).

Saga

In 2021, Saga shipped a BK-7 optical glass 4” (100mm) dome port for Ikelite DL port system housings, optimized for the Tokina 10-17mm and both Nikon and Canon 8-15mm lenses. The shade and back pane was constructed of anodized aluminum, with a removable shade to allow circular fisheye images. Priced at EUR 695 ([23]).

Other Ports

Phil Rudin tested the lens across multiple port configurations, including Ikelite 8” dome ports, Nauticam 100mm, 140mm, and 230mm domes, and the Inon 162mm port, reporting that “large ports work best for split (over/under) images and the small 100 and 140 work best for CFWA” ([24]). Nauticam also listed the lens among supported optics with “focus/zoom support” for their housings, alongside other Canon lenses like the EF-S 10-22mm, EF 16-35mm, and EF 24-105mm ([source based on entity_index housing listings]).

Use with Teleconverters

Using teleconverters behind the Canon 8-15mm proved more problematic than the popular Tokina 10-17mm + Kenko teleconverter combination. Will Clark reported in 2012 that the Canon 8-15mm could not achieve autofocus lock with a Kenko teleconverter, while the same teleconverter worked well behind the Tokina 10-17mm. Canon’s official extenders (1.4x III, 2x III) were not physically compatible with the 8-15mm due to the protruding inner cylinder design ([25]).

However, Chris Parsons demonstrated success using the Canon 8-15mm with a 1.4x teleconverter for underwater video with a Canon 5D Mk III, shooting at 14mm with the teleconverter on the Windjammer wreck in Bonaire at ISO 800-1600 ([26]).

Don Silcock found greater success with the Nikon 8-15mm equivalent: Nauticam released a zoom ring for use with the Kenko 1.4 DGX TC and 40mm extension ring, giving him “the choice between a 14-22mm (effective) zoom or a 17-31mm zoom all combined into a very travel-friendly package” ([27]).

Cross-System Use (Sony E-mount via Adapter)

As Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras became dominant in underwater photography but Sony never released a native E-mount fisheye lens, the Canon 8-15mm became the go-to fisheye for Sony shooters via the Metabones adapter.

Simon Pierce reported using the Canon 8-15mm on a Sony A7R III via Metabones V successfully since September 2018, with continuous lock-on autofocus working well ([28]). Phil Rudin used the lens across Sony A7 II, A7R II, A7 III, A7R III, and A7R IV cameras via Metabones adapter, and also with the Canon EOS R via its native adapter ([29], [30]).

Alex Mustard used the Canon 8-15mm as his most-used lens when reviewing the Sony a7R V, but noted autofocus limitations: “it is definitely much more prone to hunting for focus, doing this regularly, while other lenses hardly ever hunted.” He identified several contributing factors: adapter performance, deeper wall dive conditions with more monochromatic light, and the nature of backlit ambient-light wide-angle compositions. His recommendation: “using the lens on back button focus and only focusing when I needed to was the best cure for the hunting issue.” He added: “it would be great to have a Sony fisheye sooner, rather than later” ([31]).

Alex Mustard stated he preferred the Canon fisheye over the Sigma 15mm, “even though I mostly used the lens without its zoom gear, fixed at 15mm. Removing the zoom gear allows you to pull the lens out through the back of the housing as well as the front” ([32]).

Notable Photographers and Use Cases

Stephen Frink

Stephen Frink was an early adopter, ordering the lens before it shipped. His comment on Canon’s sample video: “Quite spectacular production. Close focus capability impressive as well. Hope they begin delivering soon… mine is on order” ([33]). Canon featured Frink’s underwater images shot with the lens on the Canon Digital Learning Center, showcasing whale shark encounters at Isla Mujeres, the Georgia Aquarium, and Bonaire ([34]).

Frink praised the lens for pool photography of Olympic swimmers: “lately my go-to system is the Canon 8-15mm zoom on my 1DMKIV with its 1.3 cropped sensor. The camera gives me the rapid motor drive and very accurate auto-focus ability, and the lens really is a beautiful optic that I am using more and more in the ocean too” ([35]). In 2018, Frink used the 8-15mm on a Canon 5Ds for silky shark photography in Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina, shooting “probably 3 inches from the front of the dome” ([36]).

Clark Miller

Clark Miller used the Canon 8-15mm with a Canon 5D Mk III in an Aquatica housing with a 9.25” dome port for advanced multi-strobe wide-angle photography, demonstrating techniques for lighting mantas and reef scenes using four strobes — two Sea and Sea YS-120s and two Sea and Sea YS-D1s, all four using 40% CM dome diffusers ([37]).

Harry Stone

Harry Stone used the lens at 15mm on a Canon EOS 5D Mark III in a Nauticam housing with Zen DP-230 port and two Sea & Sea YS-250 PRO strobes for surface-level blacktip shark photography at Aliwal Shoal, South Africa (1/160th sec at f/11.0, ISO 320) ([38]).

Darren Jew

Australian photographer Darren Jew used the Canon 8-15mm f/4L fisheye alongside the EF 16-35 f/2.8L II on a Canon EOS 1DX in a Nauticam housing ([39], [40]).

Kelly Cestari (Surf Photography)

World Surf League photographer Kelly Cestari adopted the Canon 8-15mm for in-water surf photography on the Canon 1DX Mark 2: “I was never happy with the quality of the image I was making until I bought this lens after someone made the comparison between this lens and what I was using as ‘chalk-n-cheese’” ([41]).

Edward Lai (Nauticam)

Nauticam’s engineering leader Edward Lai used the Canon 8-15mm on a Canon 600D for underwater testing on the Great Barrier Reef in September 2011, shortly after the lens became available (1/200 @ f9, ISO 100) ([42]).

Jack Connick

Jack Connick carried the Nikon 8-15mm alongside a Sigma 15mm and Nikon 16-35mm on his Forgotten Islands expedition in Indonesia, noting it was among his lens options when comparing against the Nauticam MWL-1 conversion lens ([43]).

Canon Sample Video

In October 2010, Canon posted a sample video shot with the EF 8-15mm lens using EOS 5D Mark II and 7D cameras behind custom dome ports in Sea & Sea MDX housings. The footage from Palau included the famous Jellyfish Lake and German Channel, with additional underwater scenes from California’s kelp forest ([44]).

Community Discussion

The Canon 8-15mm generated extensive community discussion on the Wetpixel forums, with at least 25 dedicated threads covering topics including:

The lens was also a popular item in the Wetpixel classifieds, with numerous for-sale listings at prices around $1,200 for used copies ([58]).

Nikon Competitor: AF-S Fisheye NIKKOR 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED

Nikon responded with their own 8-15mm fisheye zoom in May 2017, priced at $1,249.95. The Nikon version featured a faster maximum aperture (f/3.5 vs f/4), 15 elements in 13 groups with three ED glass elements, Nano Crystal Coat, fluorine coating, and dust/drip-resistant construction. Minimum focus distance was 16 cm (6 inches) ([59]).

Adam Hanlon and Alex Mustard reviewed the Nikon version extensively for Wetpixel, testing it in both UK fresh water and the Egyptian Red Sea. Hanlon used it with a Nikon D500 and Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5 fisheye with a Retra Flash for strobe testing ([60], [61]). Don Silcock described the Nikon 8-15mm as “one hell of a lens — very sharp and optically significantly superior to the Tokina 10-17” and gave it an A+ grade in his mid-term report ([62]).

RF Mount Successor (Patent)

In March 2019, Canon Rumors discovered that Canon had registered a US patent for an 8-15mm RF fisheye zoom lens for EOS R mirrorless cameras. The patent specified a lens suitable for both APS-C and full-frame use, with a back focus shorter than the EF mount’s 44mm flange distance. As of 2023, this lens had not been released, leaving Sony and Canon mirrorless shooters still relying on the EF version via adapters ([63]).

Wetpixel Live Coverage

The 8-15mm fisheye was one of the most frequently discussed lenses on Wetpixel Live. Episode 41, “More Thoughts on 8-15mm Fisheye Lenses” (5,038 views), expanded on fisheye technique and port selection ([64]). In August 2020, Mustard and Hanlon devoted an episode to “8-15mm Fisheyes Revisited,” responding to viewer questions posted in previous episodes and on the Wetpixel forum ([65]). Episode 207, “How to Use Fisheye Lenses Underwater” (4,831 views), provided a comprehensive guide to fisheye technique for newer viewers ([66]). The topic was also discussed in subsequent episodes including “Old Lenses for New Cameras” ([67]).

Timeline

References

Wetpixel Live


Sources

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  2. Wetpixel article, May 25, 2011: Canon Revises Release Dates For 8 15mm Fisheye Usm And Other Lenses
  3. Wetpixel article, May 25, 2011: Canon Revises Release Dates For 8 15mm Fisheye Usm And Other Lenses
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  5. Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2011: Zen Update Dome Compatibility For Canon 8 15mm
  6. Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2011: Zen Update Dome Compatibility For Canon 8 15mm
  7. Wetpixel article, Aug 26, 2010: Canon Announces Ef 8 15mm F4l Fisheye And Other New Lens
  8. Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2011: Zen Update Dome Compatibility For Canon 8 15mm
  9. Wetpixel article, Sep 22, 2013: Field Review Canon Eos 6d Na 6d Housing And Zen Dp 100 Port
  10. Wetpixel article, Sep 20, 2012: Nauticam Announces Na 650d Housing
  11. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2023: Review Sony A7r V By Alex Mustard
  12. Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2011: Zen Update Dome Compatibility For Canon 8 15mm
  13. Wetpixel article, Sep 22, 2013: Field Review Canon Eos 6d Na 6d Housing And Zen Dp 100 Port
  14. Forum thread: Canon 8 15mm On Sony
  15. Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2011: Zen Update Dome Compatibility For Canon 8 15mm
  16. Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2011: Zen Update Dome Compatibility For Canon 8 15mm
  17. Wetpixel article, Sep 22, 2013: Field Review Canon Eos 6d Na 6d Housing And Zen Dp 100 Port
  18. Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2011: Zen Update Dome Compatibility For Canon 8 15mm
  19. Wetpixel article, Jun 3, 2015: Behind The Shot Harry Stone
  20. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2023: Review Sony A7r V By Alex Mustard
  21. Wetpixel article, Feb 10, 2019: Nikon D500 Mid Term Report By Don Silcock
  22. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2012: Wetpixel Coverage Of The Boot Show 2012
  23. Wetpixel article, May 11, 2021: Saga Ships 4 Dome Port For Ikelite
  24. Forum thread: Canon 8 15mm On Sony
  25. Forum thread: Canon 8 15mm Fisheye And Teleconverters
  26. Wetpixel article, May 23, 2012: First Underwater Video From Canon 5d Mk Iii
  27. Wetpixel article, Feb 10, 2019: Nikon D500 Mid Term Report By Don Silcock
  28. Forum thread: Canon 8 15mm On Sony
  29. Forum thread: Canon 8 15mm On Sony
  30. Wetpixel article, Jun 23, 2020: Review Aquatica Pro A7riv Housing By Phil Rudin
  31. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2023: Review Sony A7r V By Alex Mustard
  32. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2023: Review Sony A7r V By Alex Mustard
  33. Wetpixel article, Oct 15, 2010: Canon Ef 8 15mm F4l Lens Sample Videos Features Underwater Clips
  34. Wetpixel article, Nov 28, 2011: Canon Ef 8 15mm Fisheye Featured On Digital Learning Center
  35. Wetpixel article, Jun 21, 2012: The Art Of Swimming
  36. Wetpixel article, Mar 27, 2018: Stephen Frink Jardines De La Reina
  37. Wetpixel article, Jun 5, 2014: Shooting Wa With Multiple Strobes Clark Miller
  38. Wetpixel article, Jun 3, 2015: Behind The Shot Harry Stone
  39. Wetpixel article, Jun 21, 2012: The Art Of Swimming
  40. Wetpixel article, Apr 17, 2014: Video Darren Jew Underwater Photographer And Canon Master
  41. Wetpixel article, Mar 20, 2017: Interview Kelly Cestari On Surf Photography
  42. Wetpixel article, Mar 21, 2013: Edward Lai Camera Tests
  43. Wetpixel article, Feb 24, 2019: Review Nauticam Mwl 1 Conversion Lens By Jack Connick
  44. Wetpixel article, Oct 15, 2010: Canon Ef 8 15mm F4l Lens Sample Videos Features Underwater Clips
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  49. Forum thread: Sony Body Fisheye Mc 11 Or Metabones
  50. Forum thread: Canon 8 15mm Workout In Truk Lagoon
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  61. Wetpixel article, Feb 8, 2018: Behind The Scenes Strobe Testing In The Red Sea
  62. Wetpixel article, Feb 10, 2019: Nikon D500 Mid Term Report By Don Silcock
  63. Wetpixel article, Mar 28, 2019: Canon Register Patent For Eos R Fisheye Zoom Lens
  64. Source: wetpixel_live/041-more-thoughts-on-8-15mm-fisheye-lenses-for-underwater-photographers.md
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  66. Source: wetpixel_live/207-how-to-use-fisheye-lenses-underwater.md
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  69. Wetpixel article, Oct 15, 2010: Canon Ef 8 15mm F4l Lens Sample Videos Features Underwater Clips
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  73. Wetpixel article, Mar 21, 2013: Edward Lai Camera Tests
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  75. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2012: Wetpixel Coverage Of The Boot Show 2012
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  77. Wetpixel article, Jun 21, 2012: The Art Of Swimming
  78. Wetpixel article, Sep 20, 2012: Nauticam Announces Na 650d Housing
  79. Wetpixel article, Sep 22, 2013: Field Review Canon Eos 6d Na 6d Housing And Zen Dp 100 Port
  80. Wetpixel article, Jun 5, 2014: Shooting Wa With Multiple Strobes Clark Miller
  81. Wetpixel article, Jun 3, 2015: Behind The Shot Harry Stone
  82. Wetpixel article, Mar 20, 2017: Interview Kelly Cestari On Surf Photography
  83. Wetpixel article, May 30, 2017: Nikon Ships 8 15mm Fisheye Lens
  84. Wetpixel article, Mar 27, 2018: Stephen Frink Jardines De La Reina
  85. Wetpixel article, Mar 28, 2019: Canon Register Patent For Eos R Fisheye Zoom Lens
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  87. Wetpixel article, May 11, 2021: Saga Ships 4 Dome Port For Ikelite
  88. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2023: Review Sony A7r V By Alex Mustard
  89. Canon announces EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye and other new lenses (article)
  90. Canon EF 8-15mm f4L lens sample videos features underwater clips (article)
  91. Canon revises release dates for 8-15mm Fisheye and other lenses (article)
  92. Zen update dome compatibility for Canon 8-15mm (article)
  93. Canon EF 8-15mm Fisheye featured on Digital Learning Center (article)
  94. Wetpixel coverage of the BOOT show 2012 (article)
  95. First underwater video from Canon 5D Mk III (article)
  96. The Art of Swimming (article)
  97. Nauticam announces NA-650D housing (article)
  98. Edward Lai: Camera Tests (article)
  99. Field review: Canon EOS 6D, NA-6D housing and Zen DP-100 port (article)
  100. Shooting WA with multiple strobes - Clark Miller (article)
  101. Video: Darren Jew, Underwater Photographer and Canon Master (article)
  102. Behind the Shot: Harry Stone (article)
  103. Interview: Kelly Cestari on surf photography (article)
  104. Nikon ships 8-15mm fisheye lens (article)
  105. Review: Nikon 8-15 mm f/3.5-4.5 Fisheye lens (article)
  106. Behind the scenes: Strobe testing in the Red Sea (article)
  107. Stephen Frink: Jardines de la Reina (article)
  108. Nikon D500 Mid-Term Report by Don Silcock (article)
  109. Review: Nauticam MWL-1 Conversion Lens by Jack Connick (article)
  110. Canon registers patent for EOS R fisheye zoom lens (article)
  111. Review: Aquatica Pro A7rIV housing by Phil Rudin (article)
  112. Wetpixel Live: 8-15mm Fisheyes Revisited (article)
  113. Saga Ships 4” Dome Port for Ikelite (article)
  114. Review: Sony a7r V by Alex Mustard (article)
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  116. Canon 8-15mm fisheye and teleconverters (forum)
  117. Canon 8-15mm on Sony (forum)
  118. Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 vs EF 8-15mm f/4 L (forum)
  119. Sony A1 Canon 8-15 vs Sony primes for wide angle (forum)
  120. Wetpixel Live Ep. 41: More Thoughts on 8-15mm Fisheye Lenses (unknown)
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