Digital Home Thoughts: Panasonic Introduces 8mm Fisheye for Micro Four Thirds

"Today, Panasonic introduced the LUMIX G Fisheye 8mm/F3.5 lens, the H-F008, with a 35mm camera equivalent 16mm lens, the world’s smallest and lightest* digital interchangeable fisheye lens compatible with the LUMIX G Series, DSL Micro (DSLM) cameras."

Panasonic has announced an 8mm fisheye lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. Being a full-frame fisheye, it'll cover the entire sensor while offering a 180mm degree field of view, which is pretty much the standard ever since Nikon introduced the 16mm fisheye years ago. Now, what I have to say to Panasonic is...what are you thinking?

Seriously, the fisheye is a niche lens, prone to gimmicky overuse (especially by those who've discovered it for the first time). There are *huge* gaps in the Micro Four Thirds lens lineup if it is going to meet the needs and wants of its two main buyers currently: People crossing over from compacts, and those who are buying it as a lightweight second system.

For the former, Micro Four Thirds needs more zoom lenses. The kit is fine, but it's a bit boring and slow. There needs to be a faster (maybe f/4 constant) zoom lens in the 14-50 range, and maybe an extended zoom in the 14-60 range. A lightweight 35-150 might be appreciated as well, instead of the larger 45-200. Or maybe something that goes a little wider, like a 12-40.

For the latter group, I'm still waiting for my wide angle prime. Where's the 10mm or 12mm f/2.8? The portrait shooters want their 50mm f/2s. The street photographers want their 17mm f/1.4s. A longer telephoto prime might be appreciated too, like a 100mm f/2.8.

So many gaps, and what we get is a gimmicky fisheye. *sigh*