Clarification between Inon UFL165AD vs FIX UW28LM52

[cageybob]

Trying to decide between these two lenses for a FIX S100 and want to make sure my understanding is correct.

Inon $608 ($508 + $100 adapter)
pro: bayonet mount,
con: more expensive, needs AD adapter for housing (more expense) 35mm lens (vs 28mm),

FIX $399
pro: 28mm (i.e. less vignetting (or less zoom to avoid), correct?), less expensive
con: screw on/off

So, for an extra $209, I get easier/fast lens switching, but lose a little field of view due to the need to zoom to avoid vignetting. Is my thinking correct?

Also, am thinking closeup lenses also (UCL165AD vs. FIX's drop down diopters) but can't find specs or user experience with the FIX lenses.

 

[peeweediver]

Just used the FIX for the first time. Correct on those points. Can't speak to the Inon. The Fix does take a bit of screwing on and off then screwing on to the lens caddie. But, I only took it off once per dive if even that. That was because my recent trip had very little macro. I'd be curious how the bayonet mount works. If it's really quick and money is not an issue, that may be the way to go. I don't mind hovering and doing my screwing on and off, but if I did it to take a picture of something that was even slightly moving, I'd probably miss the shot.

Rob

 

[Nemrod]

I have both. I use both. If underwater lens changes from wide angle to normal to macro are in your plan, then go Inon bayonet AD. If you see yourself staying with what you install at the pre-dive check, then go with the Fisheye/FIX screw on.

N

 

[Interceptor121]

I think you are making some confusion here. A wet lens is not there just to expand field of view but also to eliminate image distortion and not introduce artifacts.
Usually fisheye lens HAVE barrel distortion and this is a feature however there are other two very important things to consider:
1. Sharpness of the lens
2. Chromatic aberration (fringing)

So let me rephrase your points slighlty and point you to some links

Inon $608 ($508 + $100 adapter)
Inon UFL-165 AD test pictures
pro: better sharpness, near to zero chromatic aberrations, bayonet mount easier to change lenses in water
con: more expensive, slightly loss of field of view (but still more you can lit with two strobes by the way)

FIX $399
http://www.deepshots.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/fix_UWL_28M522.jpg
pro: less expensive, can be mounted without adapters, small chromatic aberration
con: softer corners, heavier in water, uses threaded adapter that can be fidgety to change in water

So is the increased flexibility and sharper lens worth loosing a few degrees and spending $208?

It depends on the kind of pictures you take, I was in the Philippines and it was macro all along, in my last trip to Raja Ampat it was incredibly useful to change lenses quickly

When it comes to diopters in terms of quality the best are the reefnet subsee that in both cases would required some form of adapter however the Inon come very close and are stackable so give more flexibility

Trying to decide between these two lenses for a FIX S100 and want to make sure my understanding is correct.

Inon $608 ($508 + $100 adapter)
pro: bayonet mount,
con: more expensive, needs AD adapter for housing (more expense) 35mm lens (vs 28mm),

FIX $399
pro: 28mm (i.e. less vignetting (or less zoom to avoid), correct?), less expensive
con: screw on/off

So, for an extra $209, I get easier/fast lens switching, but lose a little field of view due to the need to zoom to avoid vignetting. Is my thinking correct?

Also, am thinking closeup lenses also (UCL165AD vs. FIX's drop down diopters) but can't find specs or user experience with the FIX lenses.

 

[cageybob]

Inon lenses on their way along with a FIX ADFM52 adapter.

 

[Interceptor121]

Get also a double lens caddy to park the lenses on the arms...

 

[cageybob]

Yup. That was also part of the order. Thanks for the tips

 

[Nemrod]

Again, I have both, I find the FIX UWL-28 to be as sharp as the Inon UFL165AD. If it were not needed to zoom to 35mm for the Inon 165AD it might beat the FIX UWL-28 in the corners but in practical use, it does not. The Inon lens also tends to have ghost reflections, been discussed many times. This issue can be dealt with by keeping the strobes well back and by being aware of light entering the lens from a bright source from in front and above.

The primary advantages of the Inon UFL165AD is the fast bayonet AD mount, changing lenses underwater, very small and compact size, ability to focus right to the dome (the FIX UWL also focuses right to the dome). The UWL-28 is smaller than the UWL-04 it replaces but not as small as the UFL165AD. Again, I have all of these and have used them all with the S90.

No lens:

Inon WAL100 plus dome:

Inon UFL165AD:

FIX UWL04-52:

Inon UFL165AD:

FIX/Fisheye UWL28-52:

N