About this guide
A cheap DX fisheye can turn your 12.1-megapixel Nikon D700 into a roughly 5.1-megapixel camera. The lens may mount and focus perfectly, but selecting DX image area records just 2784 × 1848 pixels instead of 4256 × 2832. Turning crop mode off preserves the file dimensions, not missing image coverage: dark corners or an exposed image circle remain. That is the buying mistake to avoid before comparing focal lengths, maximum apertures or brand names.
For a first fisheye, start with a full-frame diagonal design. The Nikon AF Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D is the straightforward autofocus choice, while a sound used Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG can cost less. Both fill the D700’s rectangular FX image with a deliberately curved perspective. The Samyang 12mm f/2.8 offers another full-frame route if manual focus suits your subjects. Its shorter focal length does not mean that every subject will occupy the same proportion of the frame as with another brand’s fisheye; these lenses can use different projection designs.
A circular fisheye solves a different problem. The Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG puts a round image inside the FX rectangle, leaving black space around it. Choose that look intentionally for all-sky compositions, immersive panoramas or strongly graphic pictures. Nikon’s AF-S 8–15mm f/3.5–4.5E ED moves from circular coverage to a frame-filling diagonal view. Its electronic E diaphragm works with the D700: Nikon’s compatibility chart explicitly supports this combination. Do not confuse the D700 with the older D70 or D200.
Of these nine options, the first 5 are full-frame designs; the final 4 are conditional DX alternatives. The DX group makes sense when you already own the lens, share equipment with a crop-sensor body, or accept the resolution sacrifice. It is not an equal-value substitute merely because its listing says Nikon F. Rokinon and Samyang versions of the same optical design count as one choice, and a Nikon Z mount listing is unsuitable for this DSLR.
Used condition can matter more than a small price difference. Inspect the bulbous front element, test autofocus and aperture operation, and check that the correct protective cap is included. The prices below distinguish used examples from new listings and exclude tax and delivery. Several older designs are discontinued, so used availability is intermittent. For ordinary frame-filling photographs, spend first on an undamaged FX lens; pay for the expensive zoom only when you will actually use both circular and diagonal compositions.
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The picks, in detail
Nikon AF Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D
Best starting point for autofocus, frame-filling fisheye photographs on the D700.
- Tier 1: FX diagonal fisheye
- 16mm focal length and f/2.8 maximum aperture
- 180° FX diagonal angle of view
- 290g; 0.25m minimum focusing distance
- Retains the D700’s full rectangular FX image
- Autofocus works on the D700
- Compact enough for occasional use
- Fixed focal length cannot create a complete circular image
- Used front-element condition needs close inspection
Why we picked it
This FX prime uses the camera's autofocus drive and delivers a 180° diagonal view without forcing a DX crop. At 290g it is easier to carry as an occasional creative lens than the zoom. The quoted prices are for used copies; examine the exposed glass and test the aperture before choosing a cheaper example with cosmetic wear.
Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye — Nikon F
Best value candidate when a good used Nikon-mount copy is available.
- Tier 1: full-frame DG diagonal fisheye
- 15mm f/2.8; 180° angle of view
- 15cm minimum focusing distance
- Rear gelatin-filter holder
- Uses the full FX image area
- Low used-price examples exist
- Close focusing supports prominent foreground subjects
- Discontinued with intermittent used stock
- Same model name appears in incompatible mounts
Why we picked it
The 15mm EX DG is a full-frame diagonal fisheye, so it supplies the curved, frame-filling composition many D700 owners want without paying for a circular-to-diagonal zoom. Its 15cm minimum focus allows exaggerated foregrounds. Sigma lists this model as discontinued; assess the individual lens rather than expecting a fresh factory warranty, and confirm the mount because Canon versions are also common.
Samyang 12mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS Fisheye — Nikon F AE
Best option here for buying a new full-frame prime while accepting manual focus.
- Tier 1: FX diagonal fisheye
- 12mm f/2.8 manual-focus design
- Nikon F version with automatic chip
- 0.20m minimum focus; removable hood
- Full-frame coverage without a DX crop
- New Nikon F listing available
- Manual focus suits deliberate compositions
- No autofocus for rapidly changing subject distance
- Protruding front element does not accept ordinary front filters
Why we picked it
The Nikon F version with its automatic chip is the relevant model; it remains a manual-focus lens despite having electronic contacts. Use magnified live view to confirm focus on a foreground subject or a distant scene. Samyang's US listing prices the Nikon version separately from other mounts, and Rokinon-branded equivalents are the same buying choice rather than another distinct recommendation.
Nikon AF-S Fisheye NIKKOR 8–15mm f/3.5–4.5E ED
Best for photographers who need both circular and diagonal fisheye pictures from one lens.
- Tier 1: FX circular-to-diagonal fisheye zoom
- 8–15mm; f/3.5–4.5 maximum aperture
- AF-S autofocus and D700-compatible E diaphragm
- 0.16m minimum focusing distance
- Two distinct image formats in one lens
- Autofocus and aperture control supported on D700
- Close focus across the zoom range
- Much more expensive than used fisheye primes
- Variable maximum aperture is slower than f/2.8 primes
- Hood must be removed for the complete circular view
Why we picked it
The D700 supports its E-type diaphragm and AF-S focusing, so its age does not rule out this zoom. At 8mm the FX image is circular; at 15mm it fills the rectangle with a 175° diagonal view. Nikon specifies backing off slightly from 15mm for 180° diagonal coverage. The used price is substantial for a lens bought only for occasional novelty shots.
Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye — Nikon F
Best dedicated circular option if the round image is your objective.
- Tier 1: full-frame circular fisheye
- 8mm f/3.5; 180° angle of view
- 13.5cm minimum focusing distance
- Rear gelatin-filter holder
- Purpose-built circular image on FX
- Less expensive than the Nikon zoom at observed prices
- Very close focusing for exaggerated perspectives
- Discontinued and less consistently stocked
- Does not fill the D700 rectangle with scene detail
- Requires the Nikon F version
Why we picked it
Unlike the 15mm Sigma, this discontinued DG prime intentionally leaves black space around its image on the D700's FX sensor. Its 180° view is useful for sky studies and immersive compositions, but cropping that circle into a conventional rectangle throws away much of the image. Choose a used Nikon F copy with working aperture control, clean glass and a condition description for the individual lens.
Nikon AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED (DX crop option)
Conditional DX choice: useful if you already own it or share lenses with a Nikon crop-sensor DSLR.
- Tier 2: DX crop alternative
- 10.5mm f/2.8; 180° on DX
- 0.14m minimum focusing distance
- D700 autofocus supported; FX coverage not intended
- Autofocus on the D700
- Useful lens to share with a DX body
- Close focusing for strong foreground emphasis
- DX mode reduces D700 output to roughly 5.1MP
- Uncropped FX corners are not covered as intended
- Used examples may have aftermarket hood modifications
Why we picked it
The D700 can autofocus this compact lens, but its intended 180° diagonal image belongs to the DX area, leaving roughly 5.1 megapixels in crop mode. It is therefore a poor replacement for the 16mm FX prime when full-resolution output matters. Used copies can be affordable; avoid treating a physically modified hood as a normal full-frame conversion.
Tokina AT-X 107 DX 10–17mm f/3.5–4.5 Fisheye — Nikon F (DX crop option)
Conditional DX choice for someone who values adjustable framing and also uses a crop-sensor camera.
- Tier 2: DX fisheye zoom alternative
- 10–17mm focal range
- f/3.5–4.5 variable maximum aperture
- Nikon F mount; standard DX version
- Zoom changes framing without repositioning
- Useful alongside a Nikon DX body
- Manufacturer lists a Nikon F version
- Standard design is not intended for full-frame sensor coverage
- DX crop sacrifices more than half the D700’s pixels
- NH and standard hood versions require careful identification
Why we picked it
The 10–17mm zoom changes the subject's size without moving your position, but the standard DX model is designed around the smaller sensor area. Budget for the D700's crop penalty rather than assuming the whole range covers FX. Tokina also sold a no-hood NH version; do not confuse its different coverage possibilities with a guarantee for every 10–17mm listing.
Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 HD Fisheye — Nikon F AE (DX crop option)
Conditional DX choice for a low-cost manual-focus experiment.
- Tier 2: APS-C/DX alternative
- 8mm f/3.5 manual focus
- Nikon F AE model HD8M-N
- Removable hood; 0.3m minimum focus
- Low new purchase price
- Removable hood supports creative image-circle experiments
- AE contacts on the specified Nikon F version
- No autofocus
- Intended rectangular coverage needs a DX crop
- Uncropped FX output has dark image-circle boundaries
Why we picked it
Buy the Nikon F AE version, model HD8M-N, rather than one of the physically different mirrorless mounts. It is the same design family sold as the Samyang CS II and is counted once here. Removing its detachable hood allows more of the image circle to appear in FX mode, but does not turn it into a frame-filling FX diagonal lens. Use DX mode for its intended rectangular coverage.
Sigma 10mm f/2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM — Nikon F (DX crop option)
Conditional DX choice if autofocus within the lens matters for a second camera in your kit.
- Tier 2: APS-C/DC diagonal fisheye
- 10mm f/2.8
- HSM autofocus motor
- Nikon F version; discontinued model
- Autofocus motor built into the lens
- f/2.8 maximum aperture
- Can be shared with a compatible Nikon DX DSLR
- Does not provide intended full-frame rectangular coverage
- DX crop leaves roughly 5.1MP on D700
- Used stock and motor condition vary
Why we picked it
The HSM motor distinguishes it from manual-focus budget fisheyes, while f/2.8 can help keep shutter speeds up in dim surroundings. On the D700, however, DC still means an APS-C design and the same crop-resolution compromise. This discontinued lens is a used purchase; compare the actual condition and total delivered price with an FX Sigma 15mm before committing.
What each one costs
Typical price, cheapest first. Tap a name to jump to that pick and its buy link.
Compare any three
| Nikon AF Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D | Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye — Nikon F | Samyang 12mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS Fisheye — Nikon F AE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $279–$359 | $136–$199 | $342.75 |
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Buying tips
- Choose the image shape first: use an FX diagonal fisheye for a filled rectangle, or the Sigma 8mm and Nikon zoom’s wide end for a deliberately circular picture with black space around it.
- Check Image area before judging a DX lens: the D700’s large FX file is 4256 × 2832, while large DX is 2784 × 1848; record a sample and decide whether that smaller output suits your print or screen size.
- Keep the horizon near the image center when you want it relatively straight; tilt the camera deliberately to curve it, and keep faces away from the frame edges when exaggerated stretching would be unflattering.
- Check the exact mount in both the listing and photographs: Nikon F is required, and neither Nikon Z nor Canon EF becomes suitable simply because the seller lists the same focal length.
- For the Nikon 16mm D lens, set and lock the aperture ring at its smallest aperture when controlling aperture from the D700; on a chipped Samyang or Rokinon, follow that model’s Nikon AE instructions rather than assuming manual focus means no electronic communication.
- Test a used lens at a distant scene and close subject, then compare exposures at f/2.8 or its widest setting and f/8; inspect front and rear glass for scratches, haze or fungus, and reject copies with sticking aperture action.
- Measure close-focus distance from the camera’s focal-plane mark, not the lens tip; an extremely short published focus distance can leave little physical clearance between the protruding front glass and your subject.
- Allow extra framing space if you intend to straighten a fisheye image in software, because that transformation stretches and crops the edges; for consistently straight architecture, a rectilinear wide-angle lens is the more appropriate starting point.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.