Carl Zeiss no longer services the Contax AE lenses (MM lenses are still serviceable), so finding a 16mm AE in excellent condition is very important. Fortunately my copy had been sent to Zeiss just prior to the cut-off, so it probably was among the best performing ones. I would be apprehensive about buying Contax 16mm that showed any signs of abuse. Again, this is why I lean towards the Canon Fisheye. Also the Contax needs a Canon / Contax adapter, so another added expense on top the $900-$1,500 for the lens.

Steffan Rolhloff’s website has some interesting fisheye reviews. including the Contax 16mm. His review appears to concentrate on the star circles produced by the lens when stopped down. Definitely not your typical review.

ADAPTERS FOR CANON EF AND EF-S dSLR CAMERA BODIES

Feedback from readers indicates there are no adapter issues with the 16mm F2.8 Distagon-F on Canon dSLRs - including the Canon 5D. Adapters tested include Cameraquest and Fotodiox. I used this lens on a Canon 1Ds Mark II with a HappyPageHK focus confirmation adapter. The lens reached infinity and focus confirmation worked well.

Focus confirmation is not really needed since 16mm has considerable DOF. For focusing on near field subjects, the focus confirmation adapter was helpful. However, with 16mm the FOV is very wide and a considerable amount detail falls within each auto focus’ point, so the camera may not judge focus on the intended spot / area. For more on Contax/Canon adapters, click here.