MACRO or WAL??

[GONEHAWKN]

i have come to the conclusion that i will not be able to get both a Macro lens and WAL for my SP-350 before leaving for Maui.(new camera rig and drysuit purchase has just about emptied my dive funds) to those that have been shooting this camera with these lens' which of the two would you decide to buy if you had to narrow it down to one. keep in mind i have not gotten this rig wet yet, so other than land shots, i have not had the chance to use the macro settings on the camera underwater. is the macro good enough to say the heck with the macro lens and just get the WAL? i also do not have any particular type of shots i am going in after. i would just like to be as prepared as possible for what ever may come my way. thanks for any input any of you may have on this. oh, and Epoque lens were thrown out there as an option. anyone using these and what are your thought? thanks again in advance.

Bill

 

[jlyle]

We just came back from Cozumel and my wife shot her SP-350 for the first time. IMHO, you should wait on the WA and macro lens adapters. The SP-350 will let you do semi-wide and great supermacro. Shoot and learn your camera first.

Based on my experience with the 5050, buy the WAL first. Only one macro lens doesn't buy you much, you really need two of them. Buy Inon lens adapters, they're much better.

Of course, if you are planning on diving with whales...

 

[GONEHAWKN]

thanks for the input. your comments are well received.

Bill

 

[Warren_L]

I would agree with that too. Having owned the C5050Z (and the INON UWL-100 WAL and INON UCL-165 macro), I think it does a good job on macro by itself, but you'd definitely make the most of the WAL for wide angle scenic shots.

 

[justleesa]

I'll third that

 

[GONEHAWKN]

sounds like everyone is confirming my initial thoughts. thanks again. looks like i will be in the market for a WAL. that is of course if it's in the budget.

Bill

 

[alcina]

I agree, too. Unless you are specifically looking for a type of shot, I'd say stick with what you have first. You'll be surprised at the learning curve - it's not tremendously steep with digital, but it is there.

Learn to make the best of what your camera offers already and figure out what type of shooting you really enjoy. Then add more toys

Remember, if you add a WAL you will have to add a strobe, too.

Personally, I added macros first as little things are my passion and I have an ongoing love/hate relationship with WA

 

[GONEHAWKN]

Remember, if you add a WAL you will have to add a strobe, too.

got that cover'd. YS-110 on a UCLS amr set-up with the H/W bulkhead conversion done to housing(went with the Nikonis 5 pin cable)

Bill

 

[Gilligan]

I have both lenses but I use the WAL way more than the macro.

IMHO get the WAL first.

You can take good WAL shots using only ambient light. You have RAW on your camera so you should get good results.

I shoot mine in the JPEG mode (I dont have RAW) using manual settings.

I suggest you check lens prices with Yuzo Kanda in Japan before you buy. His prices are almost impossible to beat, even with shipping. He is very reliable and prompt. PayPal is the best payment method. Send him an e mail first asking the total price with shipping.

 

[PermanentlyNarced]

I agree, too. Unless you are specifically looking for a type of shot, I'd say stick with what you have first. You'll be surprised at the learning curve - it's not tremendously steep with digital, but it is there.

Learn to make the best of what your camera offers already and figure out what type of shooting you really enjoy. Then add more toys

Remember, if you add a WAL you will have to add a strobe, too.

Personally, I added macros first as little things are my passion and I have an ongoing love/hate relationship with WA

Totally agree with Alcina.

Use what you have for now. After using it for a while you will learn what type of pictures you enjoy taking and that will lead you to what type of lens to purchase. The camera does a good job without the lenses.

I have found that I love the macros. The smaller, the better. My WAL mostly just sits in the holder. But, it is there for when that whale shark should happen to bless me with it's presence!