Canon T2i - Next Lens

[furby076]

So I have the Canon T2i and using the standard 18-55 lens.

I dive ship wrecks (North atlantic) but also hunt for small critters (Carib, San Diego, etc).

I am thinking my next lens should be a wide angle and use that as my default (instead of the 18-55). Looking at the Tokina 10-17 fish-eye.

I am still new to all of these lenses so would like your opinions...should I go for the wide angle first, or the macro? I think the macro would limit me to bigger shots (e.g. if I run into a group of seals)

Regards

 

[bvanant]

The two lenses you should think about are the tokina 10-17 it is great and the Canon 60 macro for shooting the tiny stuff like nudis.
Which housing are you using.
Bill

 

[furby076]

I am using the Nauticam 550d. If possible I would like to get a dome that can be used for both lenses...and if possible on top of that a glass one

I have the case setup for the 18-55 canon lens

 

[doctormike]

I have a 7D in the Nauticam housing. Right now, I use the Tokina 12-24 with an 8 inch dome port, and a Tamron 60 mm macro. I agree, wide angle is the way to go, either with the one you mentioned or the 12-24. Macro would be another good lens to get. Of course, the order in which you acquire these would depend on your primary interest and your budget. Here are some north Atlantic shots with my gear.

I als recently got into video with my 7D, the T2i also has HD video. Best with the wide angle and dome port... Here is some of that...

Have fun!

Mike

 

[bvanant]

The Tokina 12-24 is a neat lens, but my vote is still for the 10-17. The close focus distance is a lot shorter so you can do some CFWA stuff with a small dome and you can use it with a larger dome for really wide stuff. Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to get a single port that is optimized for both wide angle and macro. Macro ports are typically flat ports designed for shooting small stuff, while the dome ports are designed for wide angle shooting. Macro ports are quite inexpensive while domes are typically a lot more money. I am using a Zen dome on my Nauticam 7D housing but Nauticam also has both glass ($1400) and acrylic ($500) ports.

Bill

 

[doctormike]

The Tokina 12-24 is a neat lens, but my vote is still for the 10-17... Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to get a single port that is optimized for both wide angle and macro. Bill

Bill is correct on both points.... If I was buying another wide angle, I would get the 10-17 now. OTOH, the 12-24 is a bit more useful topside - have shot a number of events with it.

 

[Magrone]

What about the Canon 10-22mm or, the widest available lens for cropped DSLR's, the Sigma 8-16mm? Neither would be good for macro but they would be ideal for photographing wrecks if the curved distortion of the fisheye is a bother. I have not tried either one, but they both get great reviews for topside and UW. You can find some useful info on this site. Best Underwater Lenses|Underwater Photography Guide

I am waiting on the Tokina 10-17mm that I recently bought for my T2I, but these were the other lenses i was considering.

 

[doctormike]

FredMiranda.com is one of the best sites for comparing lenses, etc... Here is the direct link to their extensive review pages...

 

[Cp111]

I am using the Nauticam 550d. If possible I would like to get a dome that can be used for both lenses...and if possible on top of that a glass one

I have the case setup for the 18-55 canon lens

You've gotten some good advice so far in regards to the Tokina 10-17mm and Canon EF-S 60mm.

I'd recommend the Zen Underwater 100mm dome for the 10-17. Awesome little dome, coated optical glass, and great for CFWA. If you want to do over/unders or want more flexibility to use other wide angle lenses, go with the 200mm or 230mm.

For the 60mm macro, since you are already shooting with the 18-55 (assuming you are using the compact base+15 here) you don't need to buy a separate port - you can use the 60mm with the compact base+15.

Cheers,
Chris