Lens Recommendation for Shark Dive

[Chrisan]

Hey everyone, I'll be doing a shark dive in Mossel Bay, South Africa in a couple weeks. Actually it's more like a shark snorkel as some of the cage is above water so you can pop up and catch a breath. Anyway, I'm looking for any constructive thoughts on what lens to use. My equipment is a Sony A6500 in a Nauticam housing. I stripped the housing down to just the housing and handles. No strobes or anything. It's pretty compact. I'm bringing 2 lenses for this trip - a 19mm and a 50mm lens. I think the sharks will be pretty close so I'm leaning towards the 19mm lens. Good choice? Or should I use the 50mm?
Thx, Chris

 

[d^2b]

I generally prefer wide angle for sharks, since I want to minimize the amount of water between the camera and the shark.

 

[MB NZ]

19mm if cage diving. The sharks should be getting pretty close to you.

 

[Johnoly]

Good choice?

The Shark photogs in Jupiter say Shoot a normal 50mm 1st dive so you just get a couple of good keeper shots and don't go home with nothing. Sharks are skittish, unsure and distanced on the 1st dive. Back on the boat review your camera settings to see how the lighting is. On the 2nd dive change lens/setup to get the teeth & eyeballs shots for those hard to get unusual keeper pictures. Most are adding a GoPro on their strobe arms and pulling stills from it. Good luck!!

 

[tursiops]

19. Anything with a 50 will just be frustrating.

 

[BoltSnap]

Definitely not a 50mm.

 

[Chrisan]

OK thanks everyone. I'll start with the 19mm and will probably stick with it. I'll take the 50mm just in case. In case of what? I don't know. But it's a small lens. lol

 

[BoltSnap]

OK thanks everyone. I'll start with the 19mm and will probably stick with it. I'll take the 50mm just in case. In case of what? I don't know. But it's a small lens. lol

Have a great time there. Please report back and show us your pics!