Opteka High Definition 0.20x AF Fisheye Lens for Select Canon Digital Cameras

by Opteka

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B001K5R38Q
• Item model number: OPT-A20X-CANON
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 3, 2008

Product Description

Nothing changes the way you see the world like High Definition², and no company does High Definition² like Opteka. In the professional setting, Opteka's glass optics define High Definition. Change the way you view the world. Enjoy outstanding detail, enjoy enhanced clarity, enjoy Opteka. The new Opteka High Definition² .20x Wide Angle Fisheye Converter Lens increases the versatility of your existing lens to provide breathtaking ultra wide angle views. And it's so easy to use! Great for every type of photographic situation! Converts a 18-55mm into a 3.6-11mm Circular Lens Opteka lenses put more creative control where it belongs - in your hands.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

162 of 163 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Opteka HD² 0.20X Professional Super AF Fisheye Lens for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XS, XSi..., February 23, 2010

By 

J. DEMELO "Melo's Eye" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Opteka High Definition 0.20x AF Fisheye Lens for Select Canon Digital Cameras (Electronics)

Just received this conversion lens. Like other reviews have said, you get what you pay for. But in this case, this isn't such a bad thing. If you want to have some fun experimenting with a wide angle, fisheye lens before purchasing a 600 to 900 dollar professional option, it's definitely worth it. Fisheye pictures are a bit of a novelty, and the whole fun factor might wear out over time. All the more reason to go with an inexpensive option.

1. I'm not entirely sure why this would matter but the lens is in fact made in China, not Japan.(Edit: I notified Amazon, and they have removed this detail from the product description. But take it from me, it's made in China.)With that being said, I received a solid, well made lens and the glass is crystal clear. I was impressed with the construction. The rubber grips work nicely, and the threads allow the lens to effortlessly and smoothly screw into your lens. It also comes with two adapter rings which allow it to fit anthing from 52 to 58mm. It fits my Canon 18 - 55mm kit lens with the largest of the two adapters. Without either of the two adapters, it fits nicely into my Canon prime f/1.8 50mm lens. It also comes with a mostly worthless cleaning cloth and a small, felt-like pouch to store the lens in when not in use. The pouch was a nice touch.

2. The lens is fairly heavy. While this might feel good when you hold it, I kind of wonder if the weight might affect the "gears" inside my kit lens while the camera is auto-focusing. I can't help but feel like it might add significant strain. Doesn't seem to be an issue so far, but may be worth mentioning. The weight does seem to slow down the auto-focus on my 18-55mm kit lens just slightly... though not enough to really be concerned. I suppose I'll have to see any effects from long term use, but I imagine my Canon lenses are built well enough to handle the extra weight.

3. Nowhere on the lens or box does it say Canon, or for Canon, or XS, XT, XSi, 30D, etc...
With that being said, this lens should fit any camera as long as the lens is between 50mm to 58mm. It should also fit video cameras. It's just a general SLR conversion lens that should fit most lenses with the help of the adapter rings.

4. I don't really understand all of the fuss about the HD aspect of it. If you hold the lens to your eye and look through it like a looking glass, it is remarkably bright and clear and indeed "HD". Otherwise, on the camera it looks just fine. Nothing to rave about.

5. As previous reviews mentioned, when zoomed all the way out you get the full "round" fisheye look. You can see the edge of the lens, but it's a nice effect and fun to use. Zoom in a bit and you get a nice wide angle shot. The edges do appear to fuzz a bit, but I don't see this as a huge issue since it is an inexpensive lens, after all.

All in all, I really look forward to using it more. No regrets with the purchase. Photography is an expensive hobby, and I'm happy there are inexpensive options out there for people who are just looking to try out some different shots.

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great value, great photos, fun shooting!, January 5, 2010

By 

Justin Ryan "FreshOats" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Opteka High Definition 0.20x AF Fisheye Lens for Select Canon Digital Cameras (Electronics)

I shivered when I saw the prices of fisheye lenses for my Canon XSi until I came across a few of these kind of lenses which instead of integrating into the camera itself, they screw onto the end of the existing lens. This affordable lens takes fantastic wide-angle photos, however there is a pretty extreme barreling effect which I expected after using a 35mm Fisheye by Lomo. I am amazed at the clarity of the photos I have obtained. I was expecting more distortion, chromatic aberration, etc. but this does not seem to be the case with this lens.
Does this compare to a $600 180 degree lens? Probably not. But for someone who isn't using such a lens professionally, this is the perfect starter to get you a taste of what the wide angle can produce.

My ONLY complaint is that the lens cap that came with does not fit with the adapter ring, and so the ring must be removed each time I put the lens away in it's little bag. Nothing serious.

Final thoughts: It's fun, it's cheap, and it produces high quality photos! What more can you ask for?

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for the price, March 2, 2009

By 

B. Kocen (Novato, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Opteka High Definition 0.20x AF Fisheye Lens for Select Canon Digital Cameras (Electronics)

I wanted a fish eye wide angle lens but didn't want the high price.
This lense fit the bill. Pictures very sharp and I get the fish eye effect I was looking for. It is attached to an 18-55mm lense. At the 18mm it does create a round view that shows the lens barrel but it is an interesting effect.
Great lens for the price.