Panasonic 45mm Macro f/2.8 with AOI Housing/Port

[bvanant]

Here is a daytime shot with the 45 mm. With a focus light it is fine. I like the bokeh.

 

[BoltSnap]

Here is a daytime shot with the 45 mm. With a focus light it is fine. I like the bokeh.
View attachment 887409

When/why would you use it vs the 60mm?

 

[bvanant]

The 60 for me has a bit too much working distance if I am using the ring flash. Of course I could use it and turn up the power or iso but I like the size of the 45 port. Probably not very different, but I think the IQ is a bit better but probably not as sharp as the 60 (according to DXO)

So basically just laziness.
Bill

 

[BoltSnap]

ring flash

What do you use for that?

a bit too much working distance

Do you mean the minimum focusing distance between the subject and lens?


I'm getting more lenses over the coming few months. Should I have all three—60, 45, and 30mm—for different purposes?

(Thank you for being so patient in answering my questions. I appreciate your help)

 

[bvanant]

I have both the Oly and Pany 30, the 45, 60 and the 90. If we are doing a bunch of blackwater dives (only the 30s for that) then I leave that port on and shoot the 45 during the day, it is I think better IQ and it works well with a a diopter. If we are not doing BW then I shoot the 60 preferentially (with a CMC-1 or 2). If we are in a place like Komodo with teeny ladybug type beasties I will take the 90. So it all depends. At home here where it it cold and green I shoot the 30 pretty regularly but bring the 60/diopter along for teeny things. All that being said, you could just use the 60 for most clear water stuff unless you are in the black water cult.
The ring flash I have is an old Athena but I just got the Saga fiber flash and it works pretty well.

Billl

 

[BoltSnap]

Saga fiber flash

This one?

SAGA Fiber Optic Ring Flash - For DSLR Housings

The SAGA Fiber Optic Ring Flash can be manufactured for any type of underwater strobe. Built in delrin and 2mm diameter fiber optic.

www.backscatter.com

 

[bvanant]

Yes that one, I have the one for the YS D3 Duo that speaks RC mode. Works well for macro
BVA