Question Backscatter GoPro Sharp Wide Lens Pro

[arkstorm]

Has anyone had an opportunity to try out the Backscatter GoPro Sharp Wide Lens Pro?

Back in the days when I used to dive with a DSLR inside a housing with a rectilinear wide angle lens behind a dome port, my favorite shots were CFWA (close focus wide angle).

I am curious if the Sharp Wide Lens Pro would get close to that image quality at what would be a fraction of the price?

I realize one difference out of the gate is that the Sharp Wide Lens Pro would be a fish eye as opposed to rectilinear lens but I am ok with that.

Here's a link to the product...

Backscatter Underwater Photography & Video

www.backscatter.com

 

[td275]

I absolutely love my lens. It really allows more light in. Additionally I love the way it connects to the GoPro housing, with a slot to put in filters. The lens comes with a dummy cord. So burping it when you start the dive is super easy. The provided a nice cover for it. I did not use it one dive and it got a scratch. I called backscatter and the told me there is an a film over the acrillic. So they would have to replace that outer lens. Haven’t sent it in yet, but the claim $100 and a quick turnaround.

I do more video than stills. So here is a screenshot of one video. I can provide more if you would like.

 

[arkstorm]

Thanks for the response.

That's a bummer about the scratch on the lens.

Did that happen during the dive or in the camera bucket?

I thought that entire lens was glass so I'm a little surprised to hear it got scratched.

 

[arkstorm]

Also, I'm wondering if anyone had an opportunity to compare this lens with the much more expensive Inon UFL-G140 SD?

 

[td275]

Thanks for the response.

That's a bummer about the scratch on the lens.

Did that happen during the dive or in the camera bucket?

I thought that entire lens was glass so I'm a little surprised to hear it got scratched.

Actually I was not clear (pun intended). I put the camera in the bucket, someone too it out and put it lens down on the table. I know, I know. As pissed as I was, I just had to trust backscatter would help me out. One call and they were so nice and helpful. I just need to mail it into them. From now on I will have full control of my camera. Screw the bucket. I’ll clean it myself back on shore.

 

[td275]

Also, I'm wondering if anyone had an opportunity to compare this lens with the much more expensive Inon UFL-G140 SD?

The lens I am referring to is this 140 lens. Super package deal. I am very impressed with the results.

 

[DesertEagle]

I absolutely love my lens. It really allows more light in. Additionally I love the way it connects to the GoPro housing, with a slot to put in filters. The lens comes with a dummy cord. So burping it when you start the dive is super easy. The provided a nice cover for it. I did not use it one dive and it got a scratch. I called backscatter and the told me there is an a film over the acrillic. So they would have to replace that outer lens. Haven’t sent it in yet, but the claim $100 and a quick turnaround.

I do more video than stills. So here is a screenshot of one video. I can provide more if you would like.

Absolutely correct about burping the lens. Here is one of my first clips with the lens. I took the filter out for the next clip and saw the water bubbles. This was the only “ruined” clip. I remembered to burp it each time.