Oly 9-18 - Flat port or dome?

[ChrisM]

I've read the discussion re corner sharpness in the dome port. Oly says the flat port that comes in the bundle (PPO EPO2) supports the 9-18. What are the differences between the dome vs/ flat image wise? Heading to Palau/Yap soon, have not shot this setup underwater at all (or anything in a couple years). Not looking to get that Nat Geo cover shot, just get back in the swing of things and take a couple nice pics to show the folks back home

Nothing like a looming dive trip to cause a frenetic outlay of cash, so if the flat port suffices, I can spend that $$ elsewhere.....

 

[Warmwater Wank]

Chris there are several threads I came across on this topic, since I have the same lens and questions about domes. The Ep02 flat port does "support" use of the 9-18, meaning it isn't too short etc., but it will not give you the same field of view as a dome. You would gain approx. 28 degrees of view w/ a dome vs flat port (in this case you would get approximately 100 degree FOV w/ the dome) and could expect the corners to not look vignetted etc. I'm talking myself into a 4" Zen dome, even though I'm told a bigger dome "is better" for technical reasons. (Hey, a bigger camera is "better" but not if you can't afford it!)

I had to conclude that w/ a new setup I already had enough challenges for one trip. New camera, a couple new lenses and never enough time to really learn it. I'm back to Bali in May for a shakedown session after which I suspect I'll come home w/ a serious desire to get a mini-dome. Meanwhile I bet the 9-18mm will be fun even w/out a dome. (My frenetic cash outlay decided to go towards a flip lens macro setup this time, the dome is in future.) Let us know what you decide and how it goes! // ww

Try this link, a lot of info specific to the 9-18mm and domes:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/th...s.html?highlight=zen+dome+wa-100+e-m5+olympus

 

[ChrisM]

Try this link, a lot of info specific to the 9-18mm and domes:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/th...s.html?highlight=zen+dome+wa-100+e-m5+olympus

Thanks. Yeah, that's the thread I was referring to. Honestly not sure I understand all the technical details being talked about (OK, I am quite sure I don't).

Sort of in the same boat. Last time I shot underwater was 2013, using a Canon 300D in an Aquatica housing, so entirely new setup, some intensive and potentially challenging diving, and I am just wondering how much I want to take on rather than just getting back into UW photography. And secondarily, how much I really want to spend and travel with.

On the other hand.... destination is not one I'm likely to travel to often - palau and yap, been 12 years since we were there last - so missed opportunities will abound

So if I am reading it right you are staying with the 9-18 and flat port?

 

[ggibson]

In my experience of using the 9-18mm with the flat port, it is doable, but the corners get smeared in close-focus-wide-angle situations. I'll post some examples, all at 9mm. The first shows how the anemone is a bit blurry towards the edges:

In other shots where the subject is towards the middle of the frame and the edges are at a distance, the smearing is much less noticeable:

Alternatively, if you place a close-focus subject at the center of the frame, the smearing doesn't matter quite as much (though it's there if you look for it):

 

[Warmwater Wank]

gg--Thanks for posting the pics, gives me an idea I do want a dome but it will be a down the road item. I liked the look on the shark pic btw, the middle values hold up nicely, nice look to the water. And yeah Chris, for now it's flat port city. I opted for a SubSee setup for macro, which blew the budget, so the dome goes on the proverbial list. (Hopefully Santa isn't reading all those reports...) // ww

 

[ChrisM]

Thanks for the pics as reference. I wold like to see pics with the dome to see what the issue really is, but the flat port issues do bother me