Searches for the best low-cost M12 fisheye lenses.

[nutsey]

Hi all,

I'm starting this topic hoping we can find several inetersting high-quality M12 lenses in sub-$20 price range for action cam users who want to improve the image quality or try to find a replacement for the stock lens.



The key features we should consider here are:

• Price. $20 and below.
• Dimensions. The lens should be as small as possible in order to fit the waterproof case and other accessories.
• Format. Largest possible sensor size without vignetting.
• Optical resolution. Megapixel count.
• F-number. Aperture.
• Horizontal FOV. Field of view.
• Distortion.
• Additional details (IR-cut filter, CRA etc).

Everyone is welcome to post here any links to interesting M12 wide-angle lenses as well as examples of their practical use.

[nutsey]

The 1st candidate: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4K-L...854220273.html

• Price. $19.80 (check the link above to confirm).
• Dimensions. The lens is really huge and heavy. It definitely would not fit any waterproof box.The length is 35.2mm and its front barrel diameter is 28mm. The weight is 25g.
• Format. 1/1.7" - 1/2.3".
• Optical resolution. 12MP.
• F-number. F2.0.
• Horizontal FOV. 113 degree for 1/2.3" sensor size.
• Distortion. -64%.

Hands on samples shot with the Firefly 8SE action camera (with my MODx FW installed):

4K30:


3K30 Ultraview:


2.5K60:


1080p120:



Pros:
High resolution. Good enough for 4K videos even with smaller 1/2.3" sensors.
F2.0 is brighter than most of stock lenses.
No contrast loss with back and side light in frame.

Cons:
The lens is too big for normal action cam usage. This is not a problem if you're planning to use it for something like timelapses or similar tripod shooting.
CA is quite visible.

[TwoBlues]

Nutsey, Did you receive my last email regarding the m12 lens?

[nutsey]

I've replied. Thanks!

[nutsey]

A RAW file sample (+DNG converted by this RAW2DNG tool): https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ig...ew?usp=sharing

Shot with the 3.2mm lens mentioned above, ISO100, +0.7 EV and center-weighted metering.

[gemmyy]

I would like to recommend this one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L6VYHMJ


150 degree wide angle
focal length 2.8mm
1/2.3 inch sensor
Aperture F2.5

It is a great lens replacement for Xiaomi Yi Lite Action Camera.

[nutsey]

Looks like a replacement lens. Can you recommend any lenses with better specs in this price range (~$20)?