I have an AOI DLP04P semi dome port in an AOI UH-OM1-II housing, and I'm wondering if there are any options for something wider than 12mm other than the 9-18? I guess I could consider a 9-18 for the right price but I have the feeling it will be a let down compared to the sharpness of the other lens I'm using (12-45, 30mm and 60mm macro). I'm already packing 3 ports so I'm not wild about a full dome port, especially as I am currently mainly shooting macro. I have a Rokinon manual focus 7.5mm fisheye, but it sits too far back from this port.
Alternatives to 9-18 for 4" semi-dome
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Hi,
My two cents...
I had a setup ( Olympus E-PL5 + PT-EP10 Underwater Housing + Zen Dome WA-100-EP) which I used for several years with Olympus 9-18mm. I believe the AOI DLP04P semi dome port is similar in terms of size and optics with the Zen dome.
The 9-18mm lens is nothing special for underwater, it does better with Close-Up +2 diopter specially in the corners. I also have the 60mm and it's a great macro lens, no experience with your others lens. Not usual but you can shot the 60mm macro with your dome (I have done it with Zen dome) and so reduce the number of ports while traveling, you will lose some magnification.
With your setup there is nothing wider (rectilinear), you can use the Olympus 12mm f2, it's brighter/faster however there is some vignetting. I do recommend the Olympus 8mm f1.8 fisheye, it's nothing short of fabulous, very bright/fast but it does require a new port
Another alternative is going with wet lens, like the Nauticam WWL-1, I never tried this route.
Best regards
My two cents...
I had a setup ( Olympus E-PL5 + PT-EP10 Underwater Housing + Zen Dome WA-100-EP) which I used for several years with Olympus 9-18mm. I believe the AOI DLP04P semi dome port is similar in terms of size and optics with the Zen dome.
The 9-18mm lens is nothing special for underwater, it does better with Close-Up +2 diopter specially in the corners. I also have the 60mm and it's a great macro lens, no experience with your others lens. Not usual but you can shot the 60mm macro with your dome (I have done it with Zen dome) and so reduce the number of ports while traveling, you will lose some magnification.
With your setup there is nothing wider (rectilinear), you can use the Olympus 12mm f2, it's brighter/faster however there is some vignetting. I do recommend the Olympus 8mm f1.8 fisheye, it's nothing short of fabulous, very bright/fast but it does require a new port
Another alternative is going with wet lens, like the Nauticam WWL-1, I never tried this route.
Best regards
OP
Right people say good things about the WWL-1, but it's neither cheap nor light.With your setup there is nothing wider (rectilinear), you can use the Olympus 12mm f2, it's brighter/faster however there is some vignetting. I do recommend the Olympus 8mm f1.8 fisheye, it's nothing short of fabulous, very bright/fast but it does require a new port
Another alternative is going with wet lens, like the Nauticam WWL-1, I never tried this route.
Furnari
Contributor
If you really need wide rectilinear, the Panasonic 9mm f1.7 might work but you'd be zooming with your fins.
OP
I'd be interested in fisheye as well if it would fit the port. But yes, this lens looks interesting, especially the close focus distance of 9.5 cm. Fixed focal length for (presumably) better image quality is a fair tradeoff, it's a bit cheaper than the 9-18 where I am as well. I'd still want to try it in the housing before buying. Maybe in January in Tokyo.
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