Zen Underwater has released the results of their testing with the new Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L fisheye USM lens and new compatibility charts. In addition, Reef Photo and Video have done an interesting side-by-side comparison of the new lens vs. the Tokina 107 AT-X 107 AF DX. To summarise the findings:

“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.”

Zen Underwater Compatibility Update: Canon EF 8-15 f/4L Fisheye USM

Zen Underwater is pleased to announce compatibility with the outstanding new Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens. This lens has an outstanding maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2.56, making it perfect for close focus wide angle photography with small domes. The field testers at Zen Underwater have evaluated the lens in DP-230, DP-200, and DP-100 dome ports and found excellent performance for underwater photographic applications in all three ports.

The full test results for the Canon 8-15mm are available on the Reef Photo and Video site.

This unique lens has differing functionality across the three Canon sensor sizes.

With Full Frame Sensors: 8-15 offers both a circular, 180 degree angle of view in all directions at 8mm and a “full frame” fisheye that features 180 degree diagonal field of view and no vignetting.

With APS-H 1.3x Sensors: 8-15 at 12mm is the first full frame (180 degree diagonal angle of view without vignetting) fisheye available for this sensor size, and the lens can be zoomed to 15mm for a 137 degree field of view.

With APS-C 1.6x Sensors: 8-15 at 10mm provides a 180 degree diagonal full frame fisheye angle of view, and at 15mm has a 110 degree diagonal field of view that is useful for skittish subjects or more impactful close focus wide angle.

Canon EF 8-15mm /4L Fisheye USM in Zen DP-100.

A new version of the popular DP-100 4” diameter dome port will be available September 16, 2011, providing integrated extension for the 8-15 lens in Aquatica, Hugyfot, Nauticam, and Sea & Sea NX housings. This dome will come standard with a lens shade installed, but will not be compatible with the 8mm circular fisheye angle of view on full frame cameras.

DP-100 is 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.

DP-100 Compatibility Guide

All DP-100 versions have an $899 MSRP.
* Pending.
** Not planned at this time.

1. Requires Sea & Sea RDX Port Base L (p/n: 30109).
2. Requires Subal Extension Ring EXR-13/3.
3. Requires Subal Extension Ring EXR-13/4.
4. Requires Subal Extension Ring EXR-20/3.
5. Requires Subal Extension Ring EXR-20/4.

DP-200 and DP-230 Compatibility Guide.

All DP-200 Versions have a $1399 MSRP, and DP-230 $1899.

Zen Underwater is a maker of high quality optical accessories for a most popular underwater camera housings. All Zen Domes are ground from high quality Schott BK7 Optical Glass, and feature broadband anti-reflective coatings that reduce lens flare, ghosting, and eliminate internal reflections.

Zen Underwater
3320 NE 32nd Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
www.zenunderwater.com
zen@zenunderwater.com
954-489-8678