WAL questions

[Texass]

OK, I'm thinking of going cheap. Trying to transform myself into a drysuit AND digital diver at the same time is getting expensive!!!

Are there any special requirements for an underwater WAL or will a topside WAL also work? (note: spending $80-$100 on a POS isn't my idea of a bargain-I'd rather wait)

Thanks,

 

[DesertEagle]

You have to options.

1. If your camera accepts a wide angle lens, your housing will need a dome port attachment. Most likely you would have an SLR to use one. There are a few exceptions such as the Nikon Coolipix 5400.

2. Most digital housings allow for a conversion lens to be screwed onto the housing. Sea & Sea, Epoque and Inon make these lenses. You will see a lot of people in the forum using them and they can be quite good.

 

[Dee]

Refresh my memory, Des....what camera and housing do you have? INON and S&S both make good quality WA lenses that mount to the front of the Oly and Ikelite housings. They run $300-350.

Don't you knoe by now that cheap and digital don't go together!

 

[Gilligan]

Whichever WAL you get I STRONGLY suggest you get a lens dock with a leash. It is so easy for that WAL to slip from your hands while putting it on or taking if off underwater. This is a fairly inexpensive lens dock with a leash. The first time it happens you will grin behind your mouthpiece and exhale a sigh of relief because you had the leash. I have already done so.

 

[Dee]

YES....the Digital Lens Dock is a must! I've been using the leach system since my very first camera and I don't change lenses underwater without one attached. I couldn't tell you how many time I've dropped those lenses, no matter how careful I was. It's some of the best insurance you can have and you can't beat the price!

 

[Texass]

It's the ubiquitous Oly C-5050 w/ PT-15 housing.

It needs a WAL and Strobe REAL bad.

I've tried the INON site, but my Japaneese isn't up to par. I keep getting a "Someday we'll put some info here" message on their American site. From Yuzo's site I guess I need the Type 1.

We're looking at $250~$300 for the WAL plus another $500+/- for either the YS-90DX or the D-180. I need to get better info than the sites offer before I invest that amount.

That's why I'm picking y'alls brains.

 

[Dee]

I have the S&S YS90Dx and have always been extremely pleased with it. However, if I was buying today, or if I had an extra $500, I'd buy the INON D-180. Gilligan has one and he can explain the actual workings. It about the same strength and power my YS90 is, has similar controls, but I really want it for it's size..about half the size and weight of mine.

Try this for Yuzo's site....In English

I also have the S&S WA lens, 'L'. I haven't used in much on the PT-15 but so far from what I can see there's no blurring and only the tiniest vignetting on full zoom. I think it's about $50 cheaper than the INON.

 

[Gilligan]

Texass, the 5050 takes the Type 2 Inon WAL which threads directly onto the PT-015 housing. My C4000Z takes the Type 1 and required me to change the lens ring on my PT-010 housing.

Go to the Inon site and click on the UWl-100 link to check the lens types for the respective cameras and housings. Scroll down to the end of the document for the chart.

I have the Inon D-180 and am happy with it. I especially like its size and the built in focus light.
This is my make-shift handle and tray with the D-180 and the Inon WAL on a GB Undersea lens dock that I mounted on a piece of Plexiglas.

 

[BadFish]

I have the Inon D-180 and am happy with it. I especially like its size and the built in focus light.
This is my make-shift handle and tray with the D-180 and the Inon WAL on a GB Undersea lens dock that I mounted on a piece of Plexiglas.

Do you have an opinon on the Inon D-180s??

Thanks

 

[Gilligan]

The D-180S does not have the built in focus light. It has an LED light instead. I think the built in focus light in the D-180 is a big plus. I would not get the D-180S for that reason.