Russian fisheye lens with 8mm focal length and 180° angle of view — produces a characteristic barrel distortion and circular warp.
Technical Details
The lens is based on a 6-element, 4-group construction with multi-layer coating and produces the characteristic circular projection through a special optical design without distortion correction. Versions are available for Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, and M42 mounts, with the 8mm focal length corresponding to a crop-factor-adjusted equivalent of approximately 12.8mm on APS-C sensors. The depth of field at f/3.5 ranges from 0.5 meters to infinity, covering practically the entire image area.
History & Development
The Peleng 8mm was developed in 1995 by the Peleng company in Minsk, Belarus, and is based on Soviet fisheye designs from the 1970s. Originally conceived for scientific and military applications, it found its way into film production from the late 1990s as a cost-effective alternative to Western fisheye lenses like the Nikon 8mm f/2.8. Production continues to this day in small batches with some handcrafted components.
Practical Use in Film
Cinematographers use the Peleng 8mm for extreme wide shots, vehicle interiors, and experimental sequences, such as in Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream" (2000) for the drug-induced scenes or in skateboard documentaries for low-angle shots. The circular image area often requires post-production cropping or deliberate composition with the black border as a design element. The fixed aperture limits exposure control to shutter speed and ISO settings.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG or Nikon AF DX 10.5mm f/2.8G, the Peleng offers the authentic circular look at a third of the price, but with manual focusing and lower optical precision. Modern alternatives include the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Circular Fisheye or digital post-production solutions with rectilinear lenses. The Peleng remains the first choice for low-budget productions and filmmakers seeking the characteristic analog fisheye look without compromise.