Getting Started

[H20Bubbles]

So I already own a Canon 20D with Canon 85mm and Tamron 28-75mm lenses. I would love to start taking u/w photos and and wondering where do I start. Like normal photography, it seems the options and gear is limitless. However, what is needed to get started?

I am looking at the Ikelite housing, ports, and strobe.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Warren_L]

There's almost no upper limit as far as what you can spend. But if you have a budget in mind, that would be a good start. The 28-75 might be ok, but you may want to consider a good wide angle lens and a good macro lens. Ike housings are decent and fairly affordable. If it's in the budget, add to that a strobe or two and some dome ports, arms, and you're in business. I have a complete Ike setup and really like it. There are other housings you can get, so check those out too.

 

[alcina]

I'd say go Ikelite. Excellent housings, great port selection, fair pricing and fabulous customer service and support.

Ryan at www.reefphoto.com ryan@reefphoto.com can help talk you through what you will need to get started.

The 28-75 if there is a port for it, might make a good recon lens. It won't do particularly wide and you won't be able to get super close ups, but it's going to work OK for middle of the road type stuff, I think.

Before I jump in and say "check out buying X" tell me what you like to take photos of as that is going to narrow the choices down considerably.

Also, you are going to HAVE to buy a strobe with this set up so make sure you budget for that (don't forget the synch cords).

The other option is to NOT house your 20D and head for one of the great digital cameras like the Oly 5050, the Canon A series, Fuji's 900 or 810, the newer Oly 350 etc. Faster learning curve on these babies and a small fraction of the cost. Don't think they can cut it against the big boys? http://www.underwaterphotography.com/photo-contest/WorldChampions/2006.asp

Also check out the results in the SB gallery from calypsonick, PhotoTJ, SeaYoda, Dee and many others... The shots in my gallery at www.OceansByAnderson.com are all pre-dslr, too.

And the whole thing clips off easily, too

DSLR is great...but it isn't the be all, end all IMHO.

 

[H20Bubbles]

Warren, I am fully aware that there is no upper limit. I mean that is what hobbies are for.

In looking around, I have seen the Subal and Aquatica housing but have to admit that they are out of my price range right now. Given the Ikelite's reputation it seems a decent housing for the $$ and would then still allow the money for the strobes, ports, and perhaps another lens.

As far as the budget, it seems that a minimum investment of around $2,000 is what it is going to take between the housing, ports, and strobe - choosing the Ikelite solution.

I guess my question is/was more geared towards... what is the minimum recommended components to get a good start. I can always buy more as my skills and budget improve.

 

[Warren_L]

$2000 is cutting it close. Between the housing and port, it will be close. Add a strobe, arms, and other miscellaneous items and you're in the $2500-$3000 range. Definitely not cheap. The only other piece of gear I've spent more on for photography is my rebreather.....

 

[Diver Dennis]

Strobes are something I don't think you should scrimp on. The thing about buying good strobes right off the bat is the can be used for the next housing you might get. I agree with Alcina. DSLR is good but as with any camera you have to know how to use it. I have a Canon Rebel XT which is fine for my purposes. I've seen so many great pictures taken with P & S cameras that are better than some of the high end DSLRs. It's crazy to get caught up in the megapixel race when most U/W photographers will never blow up photos larger than 8 X 10.

 

[alcina]

Minimum:

housing, port for the lens you are going to start with, focus/zoom gear (if needed), tray, handle, strobe arms, strobe, synch cord, 1GB card minimum

 

[H20Bubbles]

Before I jump in and say "check out buying X" tell me what you like to take photos of as that is going to narrow the choices down considerably.

Also, you are going to HAVE to buy a strobe with this set up so make sure you budget for that (don't forget the synch cords).

The other option is to NOT house your 20D and head for one of the great digital cameras like the Oly 5050, the Canon A series, Fuji's 900 or 810, the newer Oly 350 etc. Faster learning curve on these babies and a small fraction of the cost. Don't think they can cut it against the big boys? http://www.underwaterphotography.com/photo-contest/WorldChampions/2006.asp

So what am I interested in shooting? Given that I am just starting it is hard to say. I love the macro photos, but also love the wider angle panoramas. In my land photos, I tend to take the same kinds of photos.

I have to admit that I love my 20D and hadn't even thought about the option of buying another point and shoot and fitting that for the uderwater photos.

 

[alcina]

Ike housing 20D $1275, Ikelite port $150 - 180 ish, Ike 125 kit with EV controller & arm $925... just some ball parks...

 

[Diver Dennis]

Canon 10-22mm WA. Alcina, I don't think Ike has shipped the 8" port yet have they? I still use the 6".