PL2 Package Questions

[denniscloutier]

I have finally decided to try underwater photography. I have some experience in photography on land, but I've been holding off on getting an underwater rig because I wanted to learn to dive well first. I haven't taken many pictures in a long time (my land camera is a film slr!), so I am not very familiar with the digital world.

Based on the threads I have seen here and on reviews from dppreview etc., it sounds like the PL1 or 2 is a good choice for where I want to go.

So, I have found this package at Backscatter Photography that looks like a good deal:

Package Includes:

* Olympus E-PL2 PEN Camera
* Olympus PT-EP03 PEN Housing
* Olympus 14-42/9-18 lens Zoom Gear
* Sea & Sea YS-01 Strobe
* Sea & Sea Fiber Optic Sync Cord L-Type
* Ultralight Simple Arm and Tray

The quoted price from their website is $1,970. I'm thinking I should throw in a focus light (INON 550 w for an extra $344) and an Olympus macro lens for $235.

So, what do you think? Does this sound like a good kit for an underwater beginner with some experience on land? Does anyone have any seriously negative or positive experience with any of these parts? Or am I just whacked and I should be looking at something else entirely?

Thanks,
Dennis

 

[under water]

Hi Dennis,
Very similar to my setup, which I am very happy with although I use different strobes. I'm not sure which "macro" lens you are talking about? Do you mean the external wet lens.
The Inon 550W seems like a good option too.
The W/A lens will work with the standard port, but I would spend the money on the Zen dome, if you are looking for W/A. See the effect on this page.

Zen Underwater Pen Dome for Olympus 9-18, 14-45 in PT-EP Housings [zen.wa100.ep] - $499.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

and the discussion of it on this page Underwater Camera Articles: Olympus PEN E-PL1 & PT-EP01 Underwater Housing Review
Looking forward to seeing your pictures.

Scuba Diving

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

Hello Dennis,

Not a big fan for the Inon light because the beam is narrow and bright or the Olympus close-up lens.

These would be my choices with the Sola light being the first choice. I have not yet tested the ReefNet +10 lens yet but hear very good things.

I also strongly agree with U/W about the ZEN port, you can see some of my images with it at ZENUnderwater.com in the IMAGES gallery also attached. The port works very well with the 14-42 kit lens and the 9-18 W/A zoom.

Phil Rudin

Welcome to zenunderwater.com!

Light & Motion SOLA Photo 600 Lumen Focus Light (3 Red Levels) [lmi.850.0156] - $579.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

Inon UCL-165M67 Close-up Lens [ino.456212143162] - $169.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

FIX LED1000DX Light Set/Silver [fix.led1000dx.s] - $599.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

Fisheye FIX LED500DX 500 Lumen LED Focus Light [fix.500.led] - $299.99 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

Light & Motion SOLA Photo 500 Lumen Focus Light [lmi.850.0089] - $379.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

We still have openings for Cozumel Digital Fiesta.

 

[j1rubin]

the YS-1 has a focus light on it

 

[under water]

Hello Dennis,

Not a big fan for the Inon light because the beam is narrow and bright...
Phil Rudin

Hi Phil,
When I inquired, way back last year, with ReefPhoto, Ryan had the same thing to say about the sola600 vs the Inon LE-550W, but the W version of the INON LE-550 has a 75 degree dispersion without diffuser which is exactly the same as the Sola 600. Are you guys getting your lights confused? This is not the LE-550S.
LE Series LED flashlight [LE550-W]

Have you been able to look at these side by side to compare the light spread?
I might believe that the actual output, though each is reported at 75 degrees, is much more even with the Sola (which I do have). L&M have not yet published their comparisons.
LIGHT & MOTION || SOLA 600 PHOTO#

At the time I was entertaining getting 2 of the Inon 550W's instead of one Sola600.
Thanks
Frank

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

It appears the Inon light I used was the S version, because the light beam was not near 75 degrees and was like using a spotting light. At any rate I like the Sola lights and the ball attachment fits into my system without need of additional clamps or holders.

I still own the first version of the Fisheye FIX light which I have had for about five years now, with one battery replacement.

Phil Rudin

 

[denniscloutier]

Many thanks for the info. I'm looking into the Inon lens. The dome & wide angle lens definitely sounds like the way to go, but I think budget is going to force me to put that on the wish list for later. That extra is worth about $1,200 at Backscatter.

Is the focus light on the YS01 strobe sufficient, or is an a additional focus light a must?

Thanks again,

 

[BluewaterPhoto]

Is the focus light on the YS01 strobe sufficient, or is an a additional focus light a must?

Thanks again,

Since a strobe is usually not pointed directly at the subject, the built-in focus light in a strobe usually does not work well as a focus light. We usually suggest getting a separate focus light for macro photography.

Scott

 

[slowhands]

Focus lights really help the focus speed of the E-PL1 and its younger twin E-PL2.

Some niceties: It's really nice if the focus light goes off during the flash, so you don't have a hot spot. And a red focus light, or red filter option, is much less alarming to timid subjects. I've found they retreat from a bright white light, but don't seem to mind red. Some added things to consider...