L&M Super Macro Lens

[BDSC]

Hello All.

I have been shooting uw video for almost two years now but have yet to get serious about doing macro work so I am thinking of getting a L&M Super Macro lens to go on my 2009 Stingray + housing. Has anyone had any experience with this lens, what do you think of it, and any tips for shooting macro would be appreciated.

Thanks in Advance!

 

[Highliner]

Hope someone answers. I have the same question. Thanks

 

[ronscuba]

I don't have any experience with Light & Motion, but do have some experience with macro UW video.

UW macro video is really tough. Keeping the camcorder still and subject in focus is a challenge. It can be extremely frustrating. You need a tripod or a place to rest your camcorder on, like a sandy bottom or rock. Then you need to position yourself to be able to see your viewfinder and not trash the reef/sea life.

If you have a flat port, I suggest experimenting with a diopter (close-up lens) screwed onto the camcorder before spending big bucks on a dedicated wet macro lens.

A diopter allows you to use the zoom on your camcorder at closer distances. Without a diopter, most camcorders will not focus on fully zoomed subjects closer than 24 inches. Diopters come in different strengths such as +1,+2,+4,+6,+10. A stronger diopter is not necessarily better. Stronger diopters have a smaller depth of field, meaning focus distance is more limited. I typically use a +2 or +4. You can buy a +1,+2,+4 set by Tiffen for $20.

Experiment with it topside to find the focus depth of field. For example, depending on your camcorder, a +2 will let you fully zoom from 10-20 inches away. A +4, maybe 8-11 inches. You will want to get a feel for this distance topside so you don't waste time underwater.