Vintage Lenses

    Opteka

    The Opteka brand is a modern lens manufacturer primarily known for producing budget-friendly photographic equipment, including lenses, flashes, and other accessories. The company's focus has been on affordability and providing alternatives for photographers looking for specialized tools without high costs.

    Country and Year of Origin

    Opteka is based in the United States and was established in the early 2000s. The exact founding year and details about its origins are not widely publicized.

    Key Founders

    Information about the key founders of Opteka is limited, as the brand operates more as a distributor and designer of lenses rather than a traditional manufacturer. The company appears to have focused on sourcing lenses from overseas manufacturers and branding them under the Opteka name.

    Optical Designs and Innovations

    Opteka is known for producing fisheye lenses, mirror lenses, and wide-angle lenses at affordable prices. Their designs often replicate established optical formulas, making them accessible to photographers on a budget. The "Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Fish-Eye CS" is one of their most recognized products, particularly among amateur and semi-professional photographers.

    Major Product Lines

    • Fisheye Lenses: Popular for their dramatic wide-angle effects, such as the 6.5mm f/3.5.
    • Mirror Lenses: Compact telephoto lenses using catadioptric designs.
    • Wide-Angle Lenses: Designed for both full-frame and APS-C cameras.
    • Accessories: Including flash units, filters, and tripods.

    Markets and Branding

    Opteka lenses are sold globally, with a significant focus on the U.S. and European markets. Their products are popular on online platforms such as Amazon and eBay, making them accessible to a wide audience.

    Mergers, Acquisitions, or Rebranding

    There is no public information indicating mergers or acquisitions involving Opteka. The brand operates independently, focusing on distribution and marketing.

    Manufacturing Locations

    Opteka lenses are typically manufactured in Asia, particularly in countries like China and South Korea. The company relies on third-party manufacturers to produce its designs, which are then sold under the Opteka brand.

    Current Status

    Opteka is still active today and continues to release new products. The brand caters to photographers looking for cost-effective solutions for creative photography needs.

    Interesting Facts

    • The 6.5mm fisheye lens is a favorite among YouTubers and vloggers for its unique perspective.
    • Opteka's marketing strategy heavily relies on online sales platforms and social media outreach.

    Collaborations

    There is no evidence of direct collaborations between Opteka and major optical or camera companies. However, they may share OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) relationships with Asian manufacturers.

    Impact and Legacy

    While Opteka has not made groundbreaking innovations in lens technology, it has played an essential role in democratizing access to specialized lenses. Their affordable offerings have allowed hobbyists and beginners to experiment with fisheye and mirror lenses.

    Marketing and Target Niches

    Opteka targets budget-conscious photographers, particularly those looking for niche lenses. Their products are marketed toward amateurs, students, and enthusiasts rather than professionals.

    Brand Evolution

    Opteka has maintained a consistent branding approach, emphasizing affordability and functionality. Their design philosophy focuses on simplicity and practicality, with minimal changes in their logo or brand identity over time.

    Browse Opteka lenses

    Opteka Lenses

    Opteka 500mm f/8
    Opteka 500mm f/8
    ~$75
    Opteka 500mm f/8 is a manual focus super telephoto lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 8 aperture blades, with this amount of aperture blades you will be satisfied with the result.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>300 mm long, with this size carry only if you use it. With a lens filter diameter of 67 mm commonly filter size, provides a range of filter options. Weights 640 grams so it is a heavy lens, consider using its own lens bag.
    Opteka 500mm f/8 Mirror
    Opteka 500mm f/8 Mirror
    ~$54
    Opteka 500mm f/8 Mirror is a manual focus super telephoto lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has no aperture blades, this is among the rare lens which does not have aperture control function, works always wide open.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>87 mm long, requires consideration if you want to carry in the camera bag. Weights 360 grams so plan ahead, carry only if really necessary. With a lens filter diameter of 72 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options.
    Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Fish-Eye CS
    Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Fish-Eye CS
    ~$91
    Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Fish-Eye CS is a manual focus fisheye lens for aps-c cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle. Average brightness in this league Full frame equivalent focal length is 9.0 mm.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 414 grams so plan ahead, carry only if really necessary. 75 mm long, requires consideration if you want to carry in the camera bag.
    Opteka 650-1300mm f/8-16
    Opteka 650-1300mm f/8-16
    ~$124
    Opteka 650-1300mm f/8-16 is a manual focus super telephoto zoom lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has no aperture blades, this is among the rare lens which does not have aperture control function, works always wide open.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 2000 grams so it is a heavy lens, consider using its own lens bag. With a lens filter diameter of 95 mm finding lens filters in this range can be expensive consider using Cokin P system if you really need one. 470 mm long, with this size carry only if you use it.
    Opteka 650-2600mm f/8-16
    Opteka 650-2600mm f/8-16
    ~$54
    Opteka 650-2600mm f/8-16 is a manual focus super telephoto zoom lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 95 mm finding lens filters in this range can be expensive consider using Cokin P system if you really need one. 470 mm long, with this size carry only if you use it. Weights 2000 grams so it is a heavy lens, consider using its own lens bag.
    Opteka 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF
    Opteka 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF
    ~$49
    Opteka 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 8 aperture blades, with this amount of aperture blades you will be satisfied with the result. Wide open, subjects located outside the depth of field are shown very blurred.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 72 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options. Weights 513 grams so plan ahead, carry only if really necessary. 87 mm long, requires consideration if you want to carry in the camera bag.
    Opteka 85mm f/1.8 Aspherical
    Opteka 85mm f/1.8 Aspherical
    ~$73
    Opteka 85mm f/1.8 Aspherical is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Wide open, subjects located outside the depth of field are shown very blurred. Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>70 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 55 mm commonly filter size, gives you a variety of filter options. Weights 380 grams so plan ahead, carry only if really necessary.