The plunge into U/W dSLR

[DiveDocMD]

After taking 10 years worth of underwater pictures with a housed point and shoot I'm ready to take the plunge and take my dSLR into the blue. I'm looking for any guidence and recommendations for housing and ports for either a digital Rebel XTi or my 30-d. I'm favoring the Rebel since it has a larger CCD. I want to be able to use my Canon wide angle 10-22 lens.

Housing brand?
Dome size?
Strobe brand?

Thanks in advance for your insight.

 

[ptyx]

For what it's worth, I'm happy with an Ikelite setup on a 20D. The 'high end' housings were just too expensive.

I'm using the 8" dome port with the 10-22.

For macro, I'm using the 60mm EFS.

For fishes, I'm using the 10-55 shipped with the camera. It's not as good as the two other lenses by far, and could certainly use some more aperture, but I like the range and it fits in the port I use for the 60mm.

I use two DS125 which work really well - and have an amazing recycle time (about 1 sec on full, so usually less than 1/2 sec with TTL). Having two strobes really help with shadows in macro shots. Modeling lights are a must if you want to shoot at night.

The only think I wasn't happy with in the Ikelite setup were the strobe arms: they're either completely locked or too loose. I've recently upgraded to ultralight arms, but those haven't been in the water yet (maybe this week end!).

 

[DiveDocMD]

Thanks for the information. Very useful.

Which port do you use for the macro and regular lenses?

I met a diver a couple of weeks ago who shared your comments about the ikelite strobe arms. I'll keep that in mind as I outfit the setup.

 

[newmanl]

I shoot with a 30D in an Ikelite housing and I'm very happy with its quality and functionality - and it was priced in my range.

I use a 5503 6" dome port with my 28/1.8 and a Sigma 15/2.8 fisheye. I tend to stay away from zooms underwater, no real reason other than I like the confinement in creativity - meaning, less options with the lens means I might have to think more... doesn't always work! Although, I'm looking to add the Tokina 10-17 fisheye at some point.

For macro I use Canon's 100/2.8 with Ikelite's flat macro port (with manual focus, which I don't use...) - only because that was the lens I had to start with for topside shooting. It is a little long for underwater, particularly if you want to shoot subjects in the 2-3 inch range. With the 100 I have to get too far back putting more water inbetween me and the subject. Still, it seems to work for me.

A colleague of mine shoots with the 10-22 behind Ikelite's 8" dome (he uses a 20D) and it seems to work fine, however, some people recommend putting a diopter on the wide rectalinear lenses in order to sharpen the corners of the frame.

As for the Ikelite arms, I have no trouble with them. In fact, it is difficult to tighten them so tight that they do not move at all and that's a good thing, in my opinion. Underwater, if I need to make small adjustments I can do so without loosening the arm and risk having it flop.

I stuck with the brand and use a single Ikelite DS-160 at the moment - I couldn't be happier with it. It recycles fast and the light function really is bright enough to be used as a dive light at night.

Lastly, I think you'll be pleased housing either camera in an Ikelite housing - they are not the smallest housing for a particular camera, but they are simple to operate, easy on the pocketbook and seem just as capable (perhaps with the exception of depth) as other more expensive housings. Besides, when was the last time you saw a crappy photo and said, "That must have been taken with an Ikelite housing."? Yeah, me neither.

Okay, this is it, really. A few photos taken with the gear mentioned:

100/2.8 macro with flat port

28/1.8 and 5503 6" dome

15/2.8 fisheye and 5503 6" dome

Hope that helps.

Lee

 

[DiveDocMD]

Great info! Appreciate all the help.

Lowrey

 

[Maddog59]

Great info! Appreciate all the help.

Lowrey

DiveDocMD,

Don't forget there are more housing manufacturers out there other than just Ikelite! Some good, some not so good! Have a look at all the options before you make up your mind and think about the future and what you will want and need from your housing system! Obviously cost is going to be a big factor but also look at things like versatility of lenses and strobes that you are going to want to use. And weight for travel purposes and the like. Make a list and check it twice!:>)

And remember a housing is just a box to keep the water away from your expensive camera, some do it well, others not so well.

 

[ptyx]

Which port do you use for the macro and regular lenses?

I think it's the #5502 - but it's best to look at their port chart . They might have newer options.

 

[JackConnick]

Sea & Sea has an awesome RDX housing for the 500XTi. Lightweight, ergonomic and can use the full line of S&S ports, strobes, etc. Optical and hardwire sync means many more options for strobes, TTL converters, etc. Great build quality.

Jack