Canon FX Macro options compatible with minidome?

[ChyLn]

Hi all,

I currently have a Canon 5DM3 with a Tokina 10-17 (realize this is for crop frame, but it's fine from ~14mm onwards) in a nauticam housing with the Zen 100mm mini-dome. I recently read a few threads that mentioned it's possible to use a short macro with the minidome without need for adding extension rings, swapping ports, etc.

My question: the Canon 60mm f2.8 macro is for cropped frame only... so I'm debating between Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro and Sigma 50mm f2.8 Macro as options. It seems that the Sigma is not internally focusing and may have issues as well... Has anybody had any experience with this particular combo?

Also, my wife is using the A7RV+90mm macro so we already have a dedicated macro setup. This is me looking to add some macro capabilities ideally without needing to lug around an extra port/dome so if we end up doing blackwater/muck diving I can do some light macro with roughly same setup.

 

[David Haas]

Both Canon and Sigma 50mm macro lenses should work with EF mount but I think the Sigma would go to 1:1 where the older Canon 50mm f2.5 would only do 1:2 unless you added an extension tube.

Then the Canon would be limited to shoot between 1:2 - 1:1 the whole dive.

Long time Canon shooter.....

DH

PS - Macro lenses may not focus well behind your small dome port. Most use a flat port but at least it would be a stubby one depending on your housing brand.

 

[Marshmellow]

Macro lens work great behind domes. They actually cut down on chromatic distortion that one gets from a flat port. I actually grafted a 67mm swing mount onto the shades of my Nauticam 4.33 FE port and can use diopter wet lens for increased magnification when needed. The downside of using a dome for macro is you lose the 25% magnification factor of a flat port, but my diopters and the Sony 90M on my cropped Sony a6500 covers that loss easily. Using this modified Nauticam 4.33 port, I shoot the Canon 8-15 FE, Kenko 1.4TC, Zeiss Touit 12mm rectilinear, Zeiss 16-70, and Sony 90M, all using the small and light 4.33 N120 port for a nice travel rig. For a superlight setup, I just take the Zeiss 16-70 and Zeiss 12 touit. Good CFWA, medium wide angle for critters, and super-macro at the 70mm end of the zoom, all with just two lens and one port.

You might be able to create a similar system using an internal focusing macro as mentioned above or macro-zoom like the Sigma 17-70 along with increasing the magnification with a TC. I used to shoot Canon with the Tokina 10-17 with a Kenko 1.4TC, a very popular setup, so you might just be able to swap in a macro lens and get 1:1 magnification or better. Getting it all to work optically in your Tokina 10-17 port will be the challenge to get the macro lens close to the ports end.

There are quite a few good articles on using macro lens behind a dome, along with using to TC's and internal diopters to increase super-macro magnifications for muck diving.

Good luck,

M

 

[ChyLn]

Hi Marsh, Thanks for the reply -- it's super helpful! I'll look around for some of the articles on using TC + fisheye. I'm assuming I would need to add an extension ring of some type to the dome in that case?

I actually ended up trading up to the Canon 8-15mm in a ZenUW minidome still, picked up the Sigma 50mm f2.8, and have been using it. It's an adequate setup but the lens leaves some to be desired and the minimum focusing distance is still quite long to the point where it is struggling with smaller subjects.

I'd be curious to how you were able to graft the swing mount onto the front of the dome port.

Thanks again!

 

[Marshmellow]

Nice upgrade to the Canon 8-15. I just wish it wasn't so heavy in combination with the TC and Metabones adapter. Be nice if Sony came out with a quality fisheye rather than using the adapters, especially a light APS-C model.

The crafting of the swing mount was no easy task, but accomplished with standard parts using the Nauticam swing designed for the Port 72. Basically one just uses the hinge connected to a large reduction 105-77 filter reduction ring, along with other rings and a shade to prevent light from the flashes getting in. Probably not necessary, but helps protect the dome and it was cheap and fit perfectly. The end piece that holds it to the dome body is part of the Nauticam swing. The hinge is attached to the shade wings which are quite strong. The hinge has spring detents so it'll swing up and out of the way and stay there in a couple positions. I've attached photos to show the design and size of the rings, etc.

In regards to macro, since you are using a Metabones, or something similar, you might find the Canon 60 macro of good use. I use a Sony 90mm macro with homemade focus gear, which really isn't used much since I let the autofocus get me close and than just use the rock and lock technique to get the shot. I added a photo of my macro lens with the gear that works on the N85 to N120 Nauticam adapter with focus knob. All the lens I use take a combination of 20, 30 or 50mm extension (20+30 combined).

Have fun if you have the patience to take this on.

Marsh