If you're really needing an 8mm fix, I can suggest the Sigma 8mm f/4
fisheye. Unfortunately, they seem to be about as rare in OM mount as
the Zuiko, but when you do find one it's about 1/10 the price (judging
from my sample size of 1). At only about 60mm diameter, the front
element doesn't quite have the same effect as the Real Thing, and it's
an f/4 instead of f/2.8, but due to this it's actually much smaller
than the Zuiko.
Also, it claims to be a "Filtermatic," but changing the filter involves
removing the front half of the lens, which is on it's own bayonet
mount, unscrewing the 22.5mm filter and putting on the new one, then
reattaching the front half of the lens. Pretty nifty, but hardly
filtermatic, IMHO ;)
I recently found one on the bay, and haven't really had a chance to try
it out yet, but the viewfinder image looks very nice. Interestingly
enough, the eSIF claims that the Zuiko's "aperture diaphragm does not
couple to the exposure meter," while the Sigma's does. In any case,
it's another lens to watch out for if you're wanting a circular
fisheye.
Mark Marr-Lyon
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