Going to Socorro - lens choice

[js1221]

Looks like I’m going to Socorro in December. This will be my first opportunity to photograph manta rays and whale sharks. Also, she schooling hammerheads and hopefully dolphins. Primarily I shoot macro and fish portraits but I do have a wide angle setup that has seen little use. I really would like my best chance to get some good photos on this trip so I’m looking for thoughts from those who have been there or to similar locations.

I shoot an Olympus E-M1 Mark III, in an AOI housing. I have the Olympus 8mm lens and the 4 inch dome port. In addition, I have the 14-42 EZ, the 12-45 4.0 Pro, the 12-50 and the 9-18. I was wondering if I would improve my chances of getting more good photos if I were to get the AOI UWL-09 Pro or the Nauticam WWL-1 wet lens? For everything I’m hoping to photograph, I’m I good with just the 8mm or would the wet lens improve my chances? Is there a big difference in the quality between the AOI and the Nauticam; there is a significant price difference.

Thanks

 

[tursiops]

If you don't shoot really wideangle for the mantas and whale sharks you will wish you had.
The WWL-1 is awesome, and you can carry it unmounted until you find the mantas. It works well with the 14-42EZ.
I have no experience with the AOI UWL-09 PRO. See Wide Angle Wet Lens Options

 

[MB NZ]

I love the Olympus 8mm lens, but you do have to get close, real close to your subject.

 

[Ministryofgiraffes]

i would agree with the sentiment ref the WWL-1, lots of options also for the mantas to come very VERY close in Socorro.. probably would avoid the WWL-1 on Roca Partida dives if it's choppy as the current an be a little fierce. Not sure what the airport customs sitch is with Mexico and lenses nowadays... it's been a while since I last went.

 

[BoltSnap]

If you are talking about the 8mm fisheye lense, I doubt they are great lense for what you want to shoot. I'd consider the rectilinear 8-25mm lense before the 8mm fisheye.

 

[js1221]

If you are talking about the 8mm fisheye lense, I doubt they are great lense for what you want to shoot. I'd consider the rectilinear 8-25mm lense before the 8mm fisheye.

Unfortunately the 8-25mm uses the O-MD ports, and my equipment is set up for the PEN.