E-330 & Sigma 105 images

[Fire Coral001]

Jim,

Thanks for the information on the Sigma 105mm.
I took the plunge into dSLR and got the E-330 the middle of last year after my Oly 5050 was stolen (thank goodness for insurance!). I have only used it topside so far and have the "kit" lenses, the 14-45mm, and the 45-150mm.

I'm now looking to get a couple of additonal lenses as well as an underwater housing for the 330. For macro, I've been looking at information on the Zuiko 35mm and 50mm lenses, and the Sigma 105mm and 150mm. Your results with the Sigma 105mm look quite good, so I'm leaning in that direction.

I have a few additional questions that I hope you or someone else can advise me on:
I currently have a Sea & Sea YS-90 TTL/Auto Duo strobe that I had used with the Oly 5050. Will this work okay with the E-330? Can I combine this with an Ikelite 125 strobe to have dual strobes or do I need to get two Ikes? What about TTL?

 

[SwimsWithSharks]

I have been struggling with a similar question. Particularly, whether to get the Oly 50mm or the Sigma . This was the response I received to a question about the 2 lenses: "The short answer is to wait a couple more months for PMA and see if Oly finally releases the 100mm macro. I liked the Sigma 105 but it has limitations such as not being able to switch to manual focus. I found it difficult to get focus lock when I was down to 1:1 (even using the Fisheye focus light, surge might have been part of the problem). I did get some good results though if you can't stand to wait and have extra money lying around.

I would definitely get the 50mm macro, it is an excellent portrait and macro lens especially with 1.4 teleconverter (more $$ )."

JLyle is an excellent macro shooter and has done well with stacked macros on his 5050. I just don't think I have Jim's skill at macro, so I am inclined to go with the Oly 50mm for versatility and usefulness topside. My understanding is that the 50mm is a superior piece of glass compared to the 35mm. I will probably add a Woody's diopter and am seriously thinking about the 1.4 teleconverter because it can be used with the 50 and with the 40-150 (although I might have to manually focus with the 40-150 and 1.4).

I have used DS-125s for awhile and like them. You will definitely get TTL with them. I think you can get a converter to use your Sea & Sea and get TTL (check with Ryan or Richard at Reefphoto.com). Mixing is probably a more difficult question so, again, I would recommend checking with Ryan or Richard. I am assuming use of an Ikelite housing. I am not all that familiar with other housings and the setups.

 

[jlyle]

Jim,

I have a few additional questions that I hope you or someone else can advise me on:
I currently have a Sea & Sea YS-90 TTL/Auto Duo strobe that I had used with the Oly 5050. Will this work okay with the E-330? Can I combine this with an Ikelite 125 strobe to have dual strobes or do I need to get two Ikes? What about TTL?

To add to what swimswithsharks (Jim) has said:

Your Sea & Sea strobes will work with the E-330, but if you want TTL you will need to add a converter. If you go with the DS-125 strobe, you can take full advantage of Oly TTL in in Ikelite housing. If you buy the Olympus housing, you will need a converter.

Like Jim, I think your question about mixing strobes is too complex for me. Call Ryan or Richard at reefphoto!

 

[Fire Coral001]

Many thanks to both of you.
I think I will have to call Ryan or Richard to find out if I can/should either mix strobes, buy another Sea & Sea to have two matching strobes, or buy 2 DS-125s. My single YS-90 is barely used so I hate to have it just sit on a shelf. It may also depend upon both the expense and ease of converting the Ike housing for YS-90s, buying 2 DS-125s or converting the Olympus housing for YS-90s.

As for lenses, boy it's tough when you like the capabilities of several different lenses (magnification vs max apertures vs min focusing distance vs price, etc.) but don't have unlimited funds.
I guess I should consider selling the housing, W/A, and stacked macro lenses from my 5050z, since I no longer have the camera.

Karen

 

[SwimsWithSharks]

As for lenses, boy it's tough when you like the capabilities of several different lenses (magnification vs max apertures vs min focusing distance vs price, etc.) but don't have unlimited funds.
I guess I should consider selling the housing, W/A, and stacked macro lenses from my 5050z, since I no longer have the camera.

Karen

Yeah, it is tough. I have gone from deciding to buy the 7-14 to the 11-22 to the 8mm and that is just in the last 3 hours. Right now, I think I may go with the 8mm. The 11-22 doesn't get me that much more than the 14-54 and I like the f/value, focusing distance and coverage of the 8mm. But ask me again in a couple of minutes.

I also have a spare 5050 that I might be selling if you wanted to have a backup. I have two 5050s and two housings and can't really justify it with having the 330 as well.