Lens Advice, Plz

[divengolf]

I'm putting together a kit for a D70 and Aquatica housing with Ike strobes. I have a Tokina 10-17 and a Nikkor 60 (AF-S) version.

I'd like to acquire an "in-between" lens or a general purpose lens that I can use when I don't know what to expect. Some have suggested that my 60mm will fill that need. Other have suggested that I might get a mid-range zoom like a 18-35 or a something similar. Originally I was going to get the 12-24, but that might not be long enough.

Opinions, plz.

 

[AussieByron]

Sigma 17-70mm Macro........perfect general purpose lens.

 

[divengolf]

Sigma 17-70mm Macro........perfect general purpose lens.

There are three different versions of the macro lens their web site. Which would you recommend or exclude. Are the HSM or OS features important UW?

It appears that all will work with the DX sensors. Correct?

Thanks.

Harry

 

[AussieByron]

I think the biggest issue is getting one and having it fit into a port. I believe the first version (one i have) was very popular as it fitted into Ikelite ports as the HSM version didnt. So you might have a problem trying to find it.

If your shooting Aquatica I dont think you have a problem as the port diameter is so much wider compared to the Ikelites. So it will come down to either the HSM or OS.

Regards Mark

 

[divengolf]

I think the biggest issue is getting one and having it fit into a port. I believe the first version (one i have) was very popular as it fitted into Ikelite ports as the HSM version didnt. So you might have a problem trying to find it.

If your shooting Aquatica I dont think you have a problem as the port diameter is so much wider compared to the Ikelites. So it will come down to either the HSM or OS.

Regards Mark

Mark,

I have checked the Aquatica lens list and all versions work with my 8" dome port. Just different zoom gears.

Two questions, plz:

1. Is the Sigma 17-70 better glass than the Nikkor 18-70? I note that the Sigma has a Macro feature that the Nikkor does not, plus it has a slightly wider FOV at the short focal length. Not sure how much difference those features make? Also the Sigma is faster at f2.8; The Nikkor is a F3.5 lens.

2. If I go with the Sigma, are there any negatives in going for the HSM/OS version? It's only $100 (List) more than the HSM only or non-HSM versions. And I'll try to pick one up on EBay which will reduce the difference, I hope.

I appreciate your posts on wetpixel as well.

Thanks for your assistance.

Harry

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Mark,

I have checked the Aquatica lens list and all versions work with my 8" dome port. Just different zoom gears.

And maybe a different port spacer. The length of the port spacer
is critical to sharpness. Aquatica's web site lists which port spacer
is required for each lens (I think in a few cases, the camera body
may affect it too), though the website is a bit obtuse.

 

[divengolf]

And maybe a different port spacer. The length of the port spacer
is critical to sharpness. Aquatica's web site lists which port spacer
is required for each lens (I think in a few cases, the camera body
may affect it too), though the website is a bit obtuse.

Chuck,

Yes, they do require different extension rings. Is the difference due to the position of the virtual image and the min. focus distance for each lens?

Can you point me to a link that discusses this. I've searched without success on SB and wetpixel.

Thanks.

Harry

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

The different extension rings are due to different locations of the "entrance
pupil" of the lens. This is the point from which the lens appears to look
out at the world, and you want the entrance pupil at the center of the
dome's sphere shape so that the lens is looking out perpendicular to the
dome.

Some folks say "nodal point", but I believe "entrance pupil" is correct.
If you google "entrance pupil" "dome port" you should find some good
info. BTW, the panoramic photo folks care about the entrance pupil too,
because it needs to be directly over the point the tripod head pivots
around.

I don't think the extension ring has anything to do with minimum focus
distance or virtual image location. Those influence the diopter you put
on the front of the lens.

The length of the extension ring makes a big difference in sharpness.
Adm. Linda started off using a ring she had that was close to correct
(within 1/2") when she started shooting the Nikon 12-24. The pix were
quite soft. When she got the right ring, they got a lot better.

 

[AussieByron]

Mark,

I have checked the Aquatica lens list and all versions work with my 8" dome port. Just different zoom gears.

Two questions, plz:

1. Is the Sigma 17-70 better glass than the Nikkor 18-70? I note that the Sigma has a Macro feature that the Nikkor does not, plus it has a slightly wider FOV at the short focal length. Not sure how much difference those features make? Also the Sigma is faster at f2.8; The Nikkor is a F3.5 lens.

2. If I go with the Sigma, are there any negatives in going for the HSM/OS version? It's only $100 (List) more than the HSM only or non-HSM versions. And I'll try to pick one up on EBay which will reduce the difference, I hope.

I appreciate your posts on wetpixel as well.

Thanks for your assistance.

Harry

Hi Harry.

Honestly I havnt used the Nikon 18-70mm. As a matter of fact I rarely use the 17-70mm Sigma. For me it isnt wide enough for my shark shots and it doesnt focus as fast as my Tokina 10-17mm. On the other hand its hard to shoot good macro with the dome port with the sigma at 70mm. Sometimes the dome port just gets in the way and you cant get close to the subject.

Its one of those lenses which you buy and kinda not use much at all as you either go with the Tokina for your wide or the Nikon 60mm for the Macro.

The extension ring for the Aquatica is the #18453 which you mount on the 8 inch dome. This ring also is used to mount on the AF macro port (60mm) to use the Nikon 105mm non-VR. So the extension ring is a good investment either way.

Maybe you can borrow the 17-70mm of someone locally and have a play before you buy it. I think you might eb like me and have it sitting in the gear bag most times with a once in a blue moon outing.

Maybe the money could go towards something like the 100mm Aquatica mini dome for the Tokina?

Regards Mark

 

[Viz'art]

Revised lens charts recommend using the 18462 extension with this Sigma 17-70mm, I personnaly have the 17-70 HSM and do enjoy it, but as Mark say, it is definitely not my primary workhorse, more like a Scouting lens when you want to explore new territory, its got a decent field of view and a decent close up capabillity so in this aspect its a flexible solution.

the lens chart can be downloaded from our website http://www.aquatica.ca/subpages/catalog/lens_charts/nikon_type_1.pdf

About the 18-70mm altought we do support it, we found it to be a poor contender when compare to the Sigma 17-70mm (any version) and yes do get the most recent OS version, not the OS is useful u`w but it is top side, and this lens is quite a nice travelling lens on its own also.