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Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£560
Avg. price in US: ~$610
Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Sigma SA
Maximum focal length: 15 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 180 °

Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.4

Good

6.0

Good

7.9

Very good

7.2
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.8
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
5.1
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
9.0
Lens length
25.0%
7.9
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

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Verdict

The Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal FisheyeGo to product viewer dialog for this item. is a compact, full-frame prime lens featuring a 180° diagonal field of view and a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture for low-light versatility. Its optical design consists of 7 elements in 6 groups with multi-layer coatings to reduce flare, and it offers an impressive minimum focusing distance of 15 cm (5.9 inches) with a 1:3.8 maximum magnification. Main pros include its durable metal build, sharp central image quality, and a rear gelatin filter holder for creative control. However, it is noted for a slow and noisy autofocus system, significant corner softness and chromatic aberration at wider apertures, and a lack of weather sealing.

Technical Specifications of Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye

Overall score

6.4

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

2.8

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

fisheye

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Sigma SA

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

6.6

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

15 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

15 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

180 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

180 °

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Focus & Controls

4.5

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

screw-drive

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?

Build & Handling

6.3

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

9.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye vs the average camera lens

Why is Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye better than the average camera lens?

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Has focus distance scale
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has drop-in filter support
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
Rear gelatin filter slot.
What it is: Support for filters placed behind the rear element instead of on the front thread.
When it matters: When you use large super-telephoto lenses where front filters would be expensive or impractical.
Importance: LOW
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
27 mm shorter lens
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye is shorter than the average camera lens (65 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye is shorter than the average camera lens (65 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.65 mm vs 92 mm
0.15 m shorter minimum focus distance
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.15 m vs 0.3 m
141.4 g lighter
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye is lighter than the average camera lens (384 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye is lighter than the average camera lens (384 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.384 g vs 525.4 g
3.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye is slimmer than the average camera lens (73.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye is slimmer than the average camera lens (73.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.73.5 mm vs 77 mm
Has drop-in filter support
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus distance scale
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
0.15 m shorter minimum focus distance
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
27 mm shorter lens
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye is shorter than the average camera lens (65 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
141.4 g lighter
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye is lighter than the average camera lens (384 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
3.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye is slimmer than the average camera lens (73.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye worse than the average camera lens?

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No rounded blades
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
7 straight blades.
2 fewer aperture blades
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
2 fewer aspherical elements
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
No full-time manual focus
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Not weather-sealed
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Not weather-sealed
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No full-time manual focus
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
No rounded blades
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
7 straight blades.
What it is: A blade design that keeps the aperture opening more circular for smoother out-of-focus highlights.
When it matters: When you care about smoother bokeh and rounder highlight shapes in blurred backgrounds.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
2 fewer aperture blades
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
2 fewer aspherical elements
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.0 vs 2
8.7% worse value for money
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.76 vs 7.346).
What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.76 vs 7.346).6.76 vs 7.35

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye?

Excellent center sharpness even when wide open at f/2.8
Extremely close minimum focusing distance of 5.9 inches (15cm)
Compact and lightweight design compared to other wide-angle optics
Solid, high-quality build primarily using metal components
Vibrant color rendition and strong contrast
Effective flare resistance and ghosting control due to multi-layer coating
Built-in petal hood for front element protection
Rear gelatin filter holder for specialized creative uses

What customers dislike about Sigma 15mm F2 8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye?

Slow and noisy autofocus system (traditional screw-drive motor)
Significant softening and darkening (vignetting) in the far corners
Noticeable chromatic aberration (color fringing) in high-contrast areas
Lacks internal autofocus motor (will not AF on some entry-level Nikon bodies or adapters)
No modern weather-sealing for harsh environment shooting
Severe barrel distortion (inherent to fisheye design) makes it unsuitable for standard architectural shots
Inability to use standard front-mounted screw-in filters

Expert reviews

astrolenses.com

28/12/2020

Summary of the review

Sigma 15mm F2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye - AstroLenses.com

The Sigma 15mm F2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye lens delivers mixed results for astrophotography, earning a 75% reader rating primarily due to its optical flaws. On the positive side, the lens is notably small and lightweight, weighing only 338 grams (12 oz) with the caps removed, and it features a fixed plastic lens shade. However, the reviewer found the lens disappointing for its $609 USD price tag. A major physical drawback is its incredibly short barrel height of 68mm, which caused the reviewer's dew strap to overhang and accidentally block the extreme corners of the images during testing. Optically, the lens suffers from severe "coma" distortion that causes stars away from the center to appear triangular at every focal ratio tested, from f/2.8 up to f/5.6. Testing also revealed typical chromatic aberration, heavy vignetting, and a distinct loss of sharpness toward the edges of the frame when shot wide open. While stopping down the lens to f/4 significantly improves the vignetting, the triangular coma distortion remains a persistent issue. Because of these severe optical defects and high cost, the reviewer...

whatdigitalcamera.com

01/07/2010

Summary of the review

Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Fisheye Review

The Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Fisheye is a compact, attractively priced full-frame lens that provides a distinct 180° diagonal field of view and delivers strong performance. Image quality is a major highlight, with MTF data showing good overall sharpness and excellent resolution figures between f/5.6 and f/16. While designed for full-frame bodies, it can be used on cropped APS-C sensors, though the signature, heavy barrel distortion remains highly visible on both formats. The lens has notable pros, including its high image quality, excellent value, solid performance, and an aperture scale lock for Nikon bodies. However, it also presents distinct cons regarding handling and design. It lacks a focused-distance window, features minor chromatic aberration, and suffers from slight softness in the far corners. Crucially, its non-internal focusing (non-IF) mechanism forces the user's hands to stay clear of the moving focusing ring during autofocus, creating a risk that wandering fingers might accidentally intrude into the ultra-wide 180° frame.

gletscherbruch.de

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Fisheye Lens Review: Canon vs. Sigma

The review evaluates and compares the Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye and the Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX lenses using a full-frame Canon 5D camera. In terms of pros, the Canon lens stands out for its exceptional optical computation, delivering superior corner-to-corner sharpness when stopped down to f/8.0, and exhibiting complete immunity to lens flares or reflections. However, its main cons include a dated design (virtually unchanged since 1987), a less sophisticated 5-blade aperture, a longer minimum focusing distance of 20cm, and a higher retail price. Both lenses share a slow, noisy autofocus system due to their classical gear-driven motors. On the other hand, the Sigma lens offers notable pros such as a more modern, high-quality build, a closer 15cm minimum focusing distance that creates highly dynamic perspectives, a better 7-blade aperture for nicer sunstars, and a versatile two-piece lens hood system that allows front filters or lens caps to be attached. It is also praised for being a cheaper, more universally applicable alternative. The cons for the Sigma include more pronounced vignetting at wide-open apertures (f/2.8) and slightly blurred, weaker...

nadir.it

20/02/2024

Summary of the review

SIGMA 15mm F1.4 DG DN DIAGONAL FISHEYE FULL FRAME Review

The SIGMA 15mm F/1.4 DG DN Diagonal Fisheye Art is a groundbreaking, high-performance lens designed for full-frame E-mount and L-mount mirrorless cameras, particularly celebrated as the world's first fisheye to achieve a bright F/1.4 aperture. Field tests using a high-resolution 61-megapixel Sigma fp L camera reveal outstanding overall image sharpness, vibrant and realistic colour rendering, and an advanced optical design that effectively suppresses sagittal coma flare and ghosting—making it an exceptional tool for astrophotography, architecture, and night-time street journalism. Additionally, it features excellent build quality using a robust, temperature-resistant Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material, weather sealing, a de-clickable aperture ring for video work, a fast and silent HLA linear autofocus motor, and an ingenious rear gelatin filter slot integrated with storage compartments right inside the lens cap. On the downside, the lens is notably bulky and heavy, weighing a substantial 1,360 grams and measuring nearly 16 centimetres in length, which makes the included removable tripod collar vital for maintaining balance during long exposures. In terms of optical compromises, testing highlights noticeable vignetting when shooting wide open at F/1.4, along with...

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