E-M10 IV Macro and Wide Angle on the Same Dive?

[BoltSnap]

Why 30? Won’t the greatly decrease macro working distance compared to the 60 mm?

The 60mm lens is often not suitable for larger animals because it doesn't handle them well. When using the 60mm lens in areas without small macro subjects, I have to back away from the subjects to fit them in the frame. However, doing so allows more backscatter in the shot. I also have to increase the power of the strobes to reach the subject. Other marine life obstructs the view, and other practical issues arise. A 30mm lens would be a much better tool for this scenario. In Libya and Egypt, where I dive, the 30mm lens is more useful than the 60mm for many shots and subjects. For blackwater diving, you need the 30 mm lens. I haven't done blackwater photography yet, but I'm planning to in the near future. I consider both the 60mm and the 30mm to be essential. I want to get the 90 mm lens too, so I'll have all the macro lenses I'll need for any potential macro photography scenario.

 

[rmorgan]

I think the 12-40 is outstanding for mixed dives. First, it’s excellent glass. At the long end, the images are quite croppable to faux macro, and at the wide end, it’s sharp in the corners. The downside is, it needs a dome. I also use it for blackwater, although I may be alone in that.

 

[ACHiPo]

The 60mm lens is often not suitable for larger animals because it doesn't handle them well. When using the 60mm lens in areas without small macro subjects, I have to back away from the subjects to fit them in the frame. However, doing so allows more backscatter in the shot. I also have to increase the power of the strobes to reach the subject. Other marine life obstructs the view, and other practical issues arise. A 30mm lens would be a much better tool for this scenario. In Libya and Egypt, where I dive, the 30mm lens is more useful than the 60mm for many shots and subjects. For blackwater diving, you need the 30 mm lens. I haven't done blackwater photography yet, but I'm planning to in the near future. I consider both the 60mm and the 30mm to be essential. I want to get the 90 mm lens too, so I'll have all the macro lenses I'll need for any potential macro photography scenario.

@BoltSnap thanks! That makes sense.

 

[ACHiPo]

I think the 12-40 is outstanding for mixed dives. First, it’s excellent glass. At the long end, the images are quite croppable to faux macro, and at the wide end, it’s sharp in the corners. The downside is, it needs a dome. I also use it for blackwater, although I may be alone in that.

@rmorgan This pro lens seems pretty reasonable used. Of course a port and dome adds up!

 

[ACHiPo]

Having given up underwater photography and thinking about restarting, that is my plan. Add those expensive Backscatter combined strobes and video lights and a AOI UWL-03 lens for the GoPro (yes, you need this! ) and you have the golden ticket in my opinion, but it comes at a golden price.

I have the Backscatter wide sharp wet lens for the GoPro—buy once cry once I hope! And two HF-1s.

 

[MB NZ]

I have the Backscatter wide sharp wet lens for the GoPro—buy once cry once I hope! And two HF-1s.

You are clearly a very intelligent person.

 

[js1221]

@rmorgan This pro lens seems pretty reasonable used. Of course a port and dome adds up!

The 12-40 f/2.8 needs an OM-D port, so you would have to get a PEN to OM-D adapter to use it. It would also require front loading the lens. The 12-45 f/4 PRO has a slightly smaller barrel and can be used in the PEN housing without an adapter or the need for front loading. It uses with the DLP-04 port, and that port can also used with the 60mm, 9-18, 12-50, and 14-42 (not the EZ). The 12-45 F/4.0 is also less expensive then the 12-40 f/2.8. Of course, none of this answers your question about switching between macro and WA on the same dive.

 

[grantmac]

Does PEN offer a port for the 12-50 which allows the macro(ish) mode?

 

[bvanant]

Sadly no. There was (long ago and far away) an expensive ($800 ish) Nauticam port that allowed you to actually move the focus ring on the lens forward to access the macro mode. No such AOI port that I have ever seen.
Bill

 

[grantmac]

Yes I have that Nauticam port. Extremely versatile but eye watering expensive, mine came with a housing.