D90 Set up

[Scuba Dancer]

I am about to make the big purchase for a new start in underwater photography and have decided on the Nikon D90.

From all of this research, my head is hurting.

Could someone out there just spell it out for me?!

Beginner looking to get seriously into it:

What set up do I need?

I am thinking about either the Ikelite housing or Aquatica. Any recommendations.

But mostly, what are the bare essentials that I will need to start with. Lenses, strobes, ports, etc.

THANK YOU for doing the research.

 

[tom1563]

i just picked up an aquatica housing for my d90 its alot less bulky than the ikelite. as for starter lenses macro: 60mm or i like the 10-17 tokina just preference on what you want to shoot. check out the 110a sea &sea strobe

 

[scottfiji]

the last section in my underwater equipment chapter has a checklist for dSLR buyers..that should at least get you started. The underwater camera shops will all put together an itemized list for you.

congrats on your upcoming d90 purchase.

Scott

 

[jcarv66]

Hi Scuba Dancer,
exactly my choise of camera...Nikon D90. I had to wait a long time to put it underwater. I bought the Hugyfot housing (ex-ce-llent!), and I already tried two lenses:
- Tokina 10/17, a fantastic and versatile lens for wide angle;
- Nikkor 105mm...still struggling with it. I find it difficult to use, but I'll manage it!

I want to try the 18-55 I have from another camera.

Anyway...here's my "Premiere" of the Nikon D90 / Hugyfot housing, in Porto Santo Island, Portugal...

Underwater Photography by Jos Carvalho :: Fotopic.Net

 

[marcaumarc]

I have the D90, 60mm macro and tokina 10-17 fisheye in the ikelite housing with two ds-51 strobes. I like it a lot! The ikelite housing is big and heavy, but fine to work with underwater. I have the ULCS strobe arms.

 

[jcarv66]

the ULCS are really good ,aren't they? I remenber testing them in an u/w course. amazing...

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Be sure to factor the whole cost. Adm. Linda found that a Aquatica housing
was actually cheaper than an Ikelite because she would need to buy new
strobe codes for the Ike, while the Aquatica was available with Nikonos
bulkheads and she could use existing strobe cords.

The ULCS arms are good, just don't clamp them down REAL HARD. You
need to tighten the clamps enough to stay put, but loose enought that you
can move them. And you need to replace the O-rings on the balls every
couple of years. I got a bag of 50 from McMaster-Carr for like $8. At
the local HW stores, $8 would get about 6.

 

[AussieByron]

I shoot my D90 in an Ikelite housing. I am happy with it, except for its heavy, and the port system is in need of much improving. My next housing will be Aquatica or similar.

I personally recommend, like a few others the following lenses:

Tokina 10-17mm
Nikkor 60mm Macro
Nikkor 105mm Macro

I would buy the 10-17mm and 60mm first and then the 105mm later (unless your macro subjects are shy then get the 105mm first).

As for strobes I really like the look of the new ikelite ds160's. Yes they are big and heavy compared to something like the z240's but they have alot of power. The DS160's also fit both ikelite and Aquatica housings (need to order the aquatica housing with ikelite TTL). If your budget allows you get two strobes especially for wide angle work. Also a spare set of batteries. Maybe the Sea & Sea 250pro might be another option (havnt had much to do with these strobes sorry)

Both Ikelite and Aquatica have a 8 inch dome port but Aquatica also offers a 9.25 inch mega dome which is a awesome looking dome with the price tag to match.

Nice LED focusing light is a must for your macro setup is another recommendation.

Regards Mark

 

[Scuba Dancer]

Thanks to all for the help! Unfortunately, due to my location, I couldn't get the Ikelite in time and couldn't afford the Aquatica. Therefore, and I cringe saying this on the Nikon Niche, I bought a Canon with Sea and Sea housing...

I still have Nikon envy whenever I see one.

Thanks again though!