There are only a handful of 8mm lenses for M4/3 (16mm on a Super 35 sensor), and most of them are missing some basic no-brainer features like filter threads or manual aperture. With a small body designed with stabilizers and drones in mind, and priced at $299 (pre-order), the SLR Magic 8mm f/4 MFT lens is positioned as a slow yet affordable ultra-wide option for filmmakers.
While you might worry about the lack of auto-focus with this lens, it isn't a tremendous concern with glass this wide. When wide open at an f/4, the Hyper-Focal distance is around 5 feet, giving you focus from 2.5 feet to infinity. Stop down beyond an f/4 and you get even more depth of field, meaning you can really set focus and forget it. For aerial work, there's a convenient screw lock included to keep the focus ring in place, so if it's flying in the air, the vibrations won't move your focus.
Here's some footage shot with the new lens from Noktor:
Tech specs:
- 7 Blade Diaphragm, f/4 to f/16
- Manual focus with locking screw
- Manual Aperture
- Distance focusing range: 0.10m to ∞ with combined scale meter/feet
- Angle of view – 140 degrees
- Filter thread for 43mm filters; filter mount rotates while focusing. Adapter for 52mm filters is included
- Length 41.4mm (1.63″)
- Largest diameter 46.1mm (1.81″)
- Weight: 3.9oz
The lens will be officially announced during the upcoming BVE 2017 fair in Excel London (February 28th – March 2nd). SLR Magic is reportedly looking for volunteers to test this lens at a “special price,” so if you're interested email support@slrmagic.com with the subject line “SLR Magic 8mm F4 volunteer” with examples of your work.
Source: B&H
