D80 and 18-200mm VR DX

[alcina]

While Alcina got some nice shots, I'd say that is only going to work in very clear water.

Jack

I assume that's in ref to the 18-200 and not the 60mm macro FWIW all but the shot of the school of fish were in viz from 3-6m so not what I would class as "good viz" but certainly not the worst I've ever been in either.

Great ideas on where to start with lenses so far. You can, of course, follow the Pink Link in my Sig to the Sticky as it has a compilation of various lenses taken from all the threads before this on the same question. There are links and suggestions on where to look for images from specific lenses in there, too. Sometimes it's helpful to get an idea of what you can do by seeing rather than reading. We probably need to get more links to images...

The Tokina 10-17 is the new "It Girl" of lenses for UW and those who have it adore it. You'll need two strobes, really.

 

[bigfrog23]

one housing company that might should have a port for this lens is Aquatech the make really nice housing for for a rang of cameras and lenses and they specialize in housing for surfing they make one for the canon 70-200 f2.8. i think that here housing go down to around 100 ft or so the are nice and light weight.

 

[SharkyJillian]

I just got the D80 and am putting it in the Sea & Sea housing. I LOVE it topside and can't wait to get it in the water. I have the Tokina 10-17 FE as well and my strobe. For now my Sony and Ikelite will have to do under the sea

 

[alcina]

they specialize in housing for surfing they make one for the canon 70-200 f2.8. i think that here housing go down to around 100 ft or so the are nice and light weight.

OMG! I'd have to hit the gym for six months to have arms strong enough to hold it on/near the surface LOL That's not the lightest lens on the planet Very cool option...

 

[bigfrog23]

OMG! I'd have to hit the gym for six months to have arms strong enough to hold it on/near the surface LOL That's not the lightest lens on the planet Very cool option...

LOL
you think it would be heavy holding the housing they also make a 20 inch arm for it with remote trigger so you can hold it out of the water and shoot. i could not even imagine how heave it would be like that i have the 70-200 and it get heavy lugging it around all day at a weddings. if you get a chance you should check them out there pretty cool i love my not so LCS they have it all. and the best part is that they are right next to light and motion. i can get lost in there for days

:focus:

p.s so were not completly off topic they make housing for nikon also and have one for there 70-200 2.8 lens as well; it might work for the 18-200 lens as well.

 

[spyder]

Thanks for the suggestions, lots of reading/looking. I went back to the camera store yesterday and basically had them unload the showcase trying lens. Has anybody used the Nikon 24-85mm? Its made for film so really a 36-127(?) but seemed to be pretty decent in it's range. Focuses down to about a foot or so and the extension on zooming doesn't seem that big soe maybe will fit in a dome? New to all this....

 

[bigfrog23]

i find that that with my camera i need a lens that is at-least 17mm or wider to get a decent wide angle shot. my camera has a 1.6x crop factor. Also it is a plus if you can find a lens that focuses to within a 6 inches of you subjects. a foot is acceptable if you are diving in very clean water but if you are like me and live were average vis is around 4-10 ft that you need a lens with a closure focusing distance, probable a wider lens as well my 3 standard lens are now a 10-22 a 17-40L and a sigma 17-70mm with macro capabilities . i would recommend the sigma lens i have several L series lenses form canon and this lens is just as good. it is also a great starter lens because it does every this i put mine in a 8 inch dome port and it works very well i would take a look at it. also i am not one to shoot with any thing but canon lenses but this one holds its own especially under water. these lenses go for around 250 to 350 on ebay and they are made for digital cameras. check it out you will not be disappointed.

 

[alcina]

spyder - can I ask why you are looking at several lenses that are not commonly used underwater instead of some tried and true (and well supported) lenses? Nothing wrong with being an innovator, but when you're getting started it might pay to stick with known quantities and add lenses later.

I wouldn't be without the 17 end on my Sigma 17-70 macro - heck, I wouldn't be without this lens.

 

[spyder]

Alcina - just wasn't impressed with the Nikon 60mm from a build stand point. Seemed loud and rough. Played with a 105mm but seemed too long for general purpose. The 28-85 seemed to be more in line. I'm not structured enough to say I'm only going to do macro or otherwise. Don't think (or I missed it) the Sigma 17-70mm. Back to the shop and see if I they have one. Or maybe I'm on a search for the holy grail.

 

[alcina]

Hehehe - I hear ya. That Sigma is just a gem. If you do a search you should find a few threads about it (I really need to add to the lens area in the Sticky...need some more links) as I know it was just discussed not too long ago and photos were added.

I know it lets me shoot nudibranchs, crabs, fish, manta rays and whale sharks. It's sharp so sometimes I can shoot something smaller than what fills the frame with the aim of cropping (I call it "shoot to crop") when I get home and the results are gorgeous. I am also using it tons on land (who knew). Love it.