In search for 40D housing + options...

[nvert]

Hello everyone!

Ok...6 mos ago I upgraded from a Canon S80 to a 40D. Not sure what I was thinking but I am having load of fun shooting topside but going under :snorkel2: has me under.

I am comfortable shooting full manual with both cameras as well as using full manual on my D2000 strobe. More background info, I have the Inon Wide Angle lens attachment for the S80 as well as a Macro lens. I realize these won't work with a DSLR housing.

With the S80, I use the Canon housing + Inon D2000-w strobe on a ULCS system. I'm happy with the results but with my new 40D I'm shopping for a user and ergonomically friendly housing (NOT Ikelite!, which I've already tried and hated).

Currently I have these 3 Canon lenses: 10-22mm; 20-135mm; and 70-300mm and would like to use at least one of them if possible.

I'm looking for a housing package that I can add to with time. I'd also like to use my D2000 if possible, adding a 2nd strobe if the Inon will work with the 40D. TTL is not a priority as I use the manual settings on the strobe.

What different companies and options do you suggest for housing, ports, etc (I'm a bit at a loss with all the different options)? Presently, I'm talking with Ryan over at ReefPhoto but just wanted to hear what some of you guys suggest too.

Thanks,
Brad

 

[M_Bipartitus]

I can't speak for everyone, but I suspect you'll find more ikelite users here than other brands. You may consider searching wetpixel.com there are more active pros over there, and they have the money for the expensive housings.

 

[Selchie]

Brad,

You're situation sounds a lot like mine. I too was using the Canon S80 with Canon housing, Inon D2000 strobe, ULCS tray & arms plus WA lens (used a lot) & Macro lens (used once). I loved the small package, easy to use & transport. I was satisfied with the quality of photos and swore I would never upgrade to dSLR.............until Ryan showed me the Rebel XTi and Seatool Housing early 2008.

Last spring I purchased the Rebel XSi and Seatool housing as soon as it was available in the summer. It's compact and from an ergonomic aspect easy to use. My fingers are short so this was important for me. I was able to use the same tray & arms and the Inon D2000 strobe. Good thing, because I had to get some ports & lenses. The kit lens (18-55mm IS) and 60 mm lenses use the same port. I also bought the 100mm lens (requires an additional port) and the Tokina 10-17FE plus dome port. Besides the local quarry to practice, I used it for one week in Belize. Although I'm still learning the pluses & minuses of each of my lenses, I'm pleased with the ease of use and the quality of pictures, plus I get more fish head shots now. Shoot in raw, something you can't do with the S80.

In preparation for my upcoming trip to the Philippines, I just purchased a second strobe (Inon Z240) and a focus light.

Although the system is expensive and bigger & heavier than my S80 set up, I'm not sorry I made the change. I'm a happy user of the Seatool Housing.

You can't go wrong with Ryan at Reef Photos & Video.

Kathy

 

[diverrex]

Brad,

You're situation sounds a lot like mine. I too was using the Canon S80 with Canon housing, Inon D2000 strobe, ULCS tray & arms plus WA lens (used a lot) & Macro lens (used once). I loved the small package, easy to use & transport. I was satisfied with the quality of photos and swore I would never upgrade to dSLR.............until Ryan showed me the Rebel XTi and Seatool Housing early 2008.

Last spring I purchased the Rebel XSi and Seatool housing as soon as it was available in the summer. It's compact and from an ergonomic aspect easy to use. My fingers are short so this was important for me. I was able to use the same tray & arms and the Inon D2000 strobe. Good thing, because I had to get some ports & lenses. The kit lens (18-55mm IS) and 60 mm lenses use the same port. I also bought the 100mm lens (requires an additional port) and the Tokina 10-17FE plus dome port. Besides the local quarry to practice, I used it for one week in Belize. Although I'm still learning the pluses & minuses of each of my lenses, I'm pleased with the ease of use and the quality of pictures, plus I get more fish head shots now. Shoot in raw, something you can't do with the S80.

In preparation for my upcoming trip to the Philippines, I just purchased a second strobe (Inon Z240) and a focus light.

Although the system is expensive and bigger & heavier than my S80 set up, I'm not sorry I made the change. I'm a happy user of the Seatool Housing.

You can't go wrong with Ryan at Reef Photos & Video.

Kathy

I'm thinking of upgrading my G9/Canon housing with the G10/Patima and wet lenses (WA & macro) or perhaps taking a similar route as you. I count up 4 lens and 3 ports you have, is that right? Do you use all of them? Just trying to figure out what I may be in for if I go a similar route. At least I already have the ULCS tray/arms, D2000 and Z240.

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

For the 40D to fit your needs, I would definitely take a look at both the Sea & Sea 40D, and the Seatool 40D housings. Both are fantastic, compact and very ergonomic. If you want to use the D2000, then the Seatool would be the way to go as it allows use of Fiber Optic cables. However, some of us dealers will also work with you if you want to upgrade your D2000 to a hard wired strobe. Great packages can be put together for the 40D to fit your lens needs and budget.

 

[nvert]

Thanks for the advice and input. Def got some decisions to make SOON! Going on a trip first week in March!!!

Brad

 

[Selchie]

Diverrex,

Yes, that's correct, I have 4 lenses and 3 ports. It gives me a good set of options depending on the dive location. I have used them all, but mostly the Tokina 10-17FE for WA and the 100mm for macro. I was pleasantly surprised with the kit lens in Belize with mid range objects. We had a couple of dives with a lot of surge & a lot of particulates in the water; the 18-55mm was just right for those conditions. If I had to choose what to buy first and add later, I think I would have bought the 60mm &/or kit lens first (they both use the same port) and the 60mm takes very nice macro images, the Tokina 10-17FE & dome port next, followed by the 100mm & port. The choice of lenses depends on the type of diving & type of photos you like to take. I was lucky in that I was able to purchase all lenses & ports at one time. The downside to having them all from the beginning (if there is a downside) is that I haven't fully explored the capabilites of each of the lenses.

Kathy

 

[bvanant]

If wide angle is your thing the 10-22 will be fine. If you want macro, get either the 60 mm macro lens or the 100 mm macro. Both are 1:1, the 60 is also good for general fish portraits. You have several options besides the Sea & Sea and the Seatool. Aquatica is a great housing, I have the Subal housing and there is a Nexus version as well. Both Mike and Ryan are good guys and can sell you a system that will grow with you; it all depends on what you want to shoot and how much you want to spend. One thing to keep in mind, if you are shooting wide angle, you need much bigger strobes than if you are only doing macro. Since the goal UW is to keep the water between you and your subject as thin as possible (get close) the long lenses are not always too useful.
Whichever system you get will most likely be one you will keep for a while so think of it as an invesment, not just an expense.
Bill