Lens option for D90

[ejg62]

I am looking at purchasing the aquatica housing for the D90. However, I am curious what lens or lenses people us for under water. I have the tokina 11-16, 105 vr, and the 18-105 kit lens. The 105 may be too much zoom for the d90 and may consider the 60mm micro. I was told the tokina 10-17 is better underwater than the 11-16.

Feedback on what others use or thoughts is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[drgreenthumb]

My main workhorses are the same above and underwater. I have a d700 with a 12-24mm f2.8 and 24-70mm f2.8 (both nikkors). Prior to this set-up, I have used Tokina 24-70mm f2.8 atx proI before and was happy with the results.

I have also read good reviews and contemplated on purchasing the 12-24mm tokina atx proII because of 1) the lens can accomodate filters and 2) much more affordable than 2.8 nikkor counterpart! ($500 vs 1,850!)

I have also read good reports on both the tokina's newer super wides BUT always want others to "test drive" it for me. Im happy with my nikkor lenses so far.

 

[scottfiji]

hey Ejg, congrats on your upcoming housing purchase, you are going to have fun!

I did some writeups on Nikon Lenses here
Underwater lens choices for Nikon

I hope this is helpful..

Scott

 

[AussieByron]

I am looking at purchasing the aquatica housing for the D90. However, I am curious what lens or lenses people us for under water. I have the tokina 11-16, 105 vr, and the 18-105 kit lens. The 105 may be too much zoom for the d90 and may consider the 60mm micro. I was told the tokina 10-17 is better underwater than the 11-16.

Feedback on what others use or thoughts is appreciated.

Thanks

It looks like you already have a decent line up with lenses. I love my Tokina 10-17 but I cant comment on how it compares to the Tokina 11-16mm. For macro I use my 60mm about 90% of the time and the 105mm the other 10%. The 105mm is great when your shooting critters which are a little shy.

Regards Mark

 

[dbh]

60mm & 105mm Nikkors and a good WA FE (either Tokina 10-17 or Sigma 15mm) would be my recommendation (and what I use).

Dave

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Do you dive cold water? If not, the 105 for warm water for sure. The low
vis in cold water means you want to get CLOSE, so the 60mm MIGHT be
a better choice. Adm. Linda has good luck with the 105 in cold water.

 

[VJey]

Hi, for WA photos I prefer tokina 10-17, why?
- Angle of View: 180°-100° vs 104°-82° on 11-16mm
- Minimum focus distance: 14cm vs 33cm on 11-16mm
This make a lot of difference for undewater photo.

Macro photos I prefer 105mm VR but u can use 60mm without problem. 105VR is faster and sharper.

 

[scottfiji]

hey Vjey, how's the diving down there near Rio?

Macro photos I prefer 105mm VR but u can use 60mm without problem. 105VR is faster and sharper.

btw, I'm curious how you determined the 105mm is faster and sharper than 60mm

Scott

 

[bax737]

go the 60mm & 10-17mm matey ripper lens - with the D90 you can also video -have a look at some of the footage AussieByron had on the stuff in Byron bay

 

[VJey]

Hi Scottfiji, here in Rio de Janeiro the water temperature varies from 59°F to 71°F in shallow water (up to 65ft) and 48° to 59°F below 65ft. The visibility is varied according to weather can be 11in to 80ft.

Talking about the lens, the 105mm has VR, it also has a fast auto focus, and the the minimum distance focus is 1ft so get a little further away to take the same size as a 60mm, something very important in macro.

Of course this is my opinion.