When it comes to third-party lens makers, there are only a handful who are trying to offer something different. One brand that is growing rapidly in this market is Brightin Star, a Hong-Kong based company, that has been offering some great primes for many Sony, Nikon, Leica and Canon mounts. Joining their wide-ranging primes, the company is introducing its latest fisheye lens: the 11mm f2.8 II. Have a look.
Brightin Star 11mm f2.8 II fisheye lens has been designed for full frame cameras. It is available for E, RF, Z, and L mounts. What it offers is 11 elements in 6 groups, including 4 high-index lenses, 2 low ED lenses and an HD IMC coating. You also get 8 aperture blades, a 182° angle of view, and have a manual focus.
The lens also offers a 0.17m minimum focusing range, has multi-layer coating, and is also said to be waterproof and dust-proof. In addition, the lens has a step less aperture range, and comes with an aluminum body that weighs only 550g.
Yes, this lens has weather-resistance and it’s only around $250.
Overall, Brightin Star notes that with 8 apertures, you get an 8-pointed starburst, and the close focusing distance allows you to shoot close to subjects.
The company already has 7.5mm f2.8 and 10mm f5.6 fisheye lenses., and both are designed for ASP-C lenses. It, thus means, this is Brightin Star’s first full frame lens of its kind –the fisheye type!
According to the company, the introductory price of the fisheye lens is $249.99, and the regular price will increase to $269.99. Given that fisheye lenses are rare, this makes the Brightin Star offering more fun. In fact, photographers who do not wish to spend a lot will adore what the company has to offer. As you can see above, the lens’ effect can be turned off, which means you get a wide angle 11mm lens for your needs with ease.
Photographers who like creativity and also want to work with standard wide angle options will enjoy what the 11mm offers. If you are someone working with portraits, landscapes, gastrophotography, or events, you can get the most out of this third party offering. This is not just for young image-makers but also for professionals who want something of their own.
In fact, we reviewed 50mm f1.05mm, and the image quality was impressive. As we said in our review then:
What you’re probably really wondering about though is the image quality… Well, it really depends on the camera that you’ve got… What I often found is that the RAW files are really just as plain as Nikon has ever been. The magic really comes out after you’ve spent a lot of time customizing and crafting the JPEGs to look satisfactory to you.
We expect the same results from the 11mm fisheye lens. If the company is able to deliver something similar, many photographers will certainly opt for this.