Samyang 8mm f/3.5 UMC Fish-Eye CS II Canon EF

Samyang 8mm f/3.5 UMC Fisheye CS II Canon EF – Format-filling fisheye for APS-C with up to 180° angle of view

The Samyang 8mm f/3.5 UMC Fisheye CS II is a manual-focus fisheye lens designed for cameras with APS-C sensors. It fits both DSLR and mirrorless models and is offered in a Canon EF mount for this listing. Samyang also makes a version with a Micro Four Thirds mount for Olympus and Panasonic bodies.

Format and angle of view

This lens produces a format-filling fisheye image on APS-C sensors rather than a circular image with black edges. On compatible bodies it delivers an extreme angle of view — advertised as up to 180° for the format. Specific angle figures vary by mount: 167° with Canon and 139° with Micro Four Thirds.

Compatibility and multi-platform use

The lens mounts to Canon EF cameras in this version and will work on both DSLR and mirrorless cameras (with the appropriate camera body). A Micro Four Thirds version exists for Olympus and Panasonic systems. Additionally, the lens hood is detachable, which allows the lens to be used on full frame cameras where it creates a nearly round image with heavy vignetting. Photographers and filmmakers often use that effect to achieve the widest possible field of view for panoramas and 360° VR images.

Optical design and coatings

Samyang engineered the lens with an optical formula of 10 elements in 7 groups, including an aspheric element. The lens uses Samyang’s Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) to reduce reflexes, ghosting and veils, helping to preserve contrast and maintain image clarity in challenging lighting.

Handling and controls

The Samyang 8mm f/3.5 UMC Fisheye CS II uses manual focus and a manual aperture ring. Photographers control focus and aperture directly on the lens, which suits creative, hands-on shooting and precise manual adjustments.

Key features

• Format-filling fisheye lens for APS-C (also available for Micro Four Thirds)
• Extreme angle of view: up to 180° (167° with Canon, 139° with Micro 4/3)
• Manual focus and manual aperture ring
• Detachable lens hood for extended compatibility (including use on full frame with heavy vignetting)
• Available in black and silver

Technical specifications

Use cases

Use this lens when you want an extreme, immersive perspective on APS-C cameras. Because it fills the format, it is ideal for dramatic wide-angle shots and creative fisheye effects. If you remove the hood and mount the lens on a full frame body, you can exploit the heavy vignetting and near-circular projection for panoramas and 360° VR stitching.

FAQ

Question: Is this lens autofocus or manual?

Answer: The Samyang 8mm f/3.5 UMC Fisheye CS II uses manual focus and a manual aperture ring. You control both focus and aperture directly on the lens.

Question: Will this lens work on full frame cameras?

Answer: Yes. By removing the detachable hood, you can mount and use the lens on full frame cameras. On full frame it produces a nearly round image with heavy vignetting, which can be useful for panoramas and 360° VR images.

Question: Does this lens produce a circular fisheye image?

Answer: On APS-C sensors it produces a format-filling fisheye image, not a circular image surrounded by black edges. On full frame the image becomes nearly round with strong vignetting.

Question: Which mounts and camera systems are supported?

Answer: This listing is for the Canon EF mount version, suitable for DSLR and mirrorless cameras that accept EF lenses. Samyang also offers a Micro Four Thirds version for Olympus and Panasonic bodies.

Question: How does the lens handle flare and contrast?

Answer: The lens uses Samyang’s Ultra Multi Coating (UMC) to reduce reflexes, ghosting and veils, which helps preserve contrast and image clarity in challenging light.