What lens?

[tom1563]

so i just bought a d90 and was wondering what lense would be good if you dont know what you will be seeing

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

For the Nikon cameras, I would suggest the following lenses for Underwater use: Tokina 10-17 for wide angle, Nikon 60mm and 105VR lenses for macro.

 

[Eskasi]

I 2nd that..... I don't use anything else really either....with the exception of the Nikkor 10.5 (which is VERY wide) and the Sigma 18-50 F2.8 HSM Macro.

I use the 60mm the most. Fish portraits and macro.

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

Yes the 60 is definitely my most used lens, especially out here in California. The new 60mm lens from Nikon is a beauty!! I love the 105VR, but with the 1.5x crop factor, your usage is very limited. When I am going for the nudies, there is no better lens than the 105VR

 

[rjsimp]

I think to answer the poster's original question about what lens to use when they don't know what they will be seeing would be a lense that is a zoom. Something like they mentioned the Tokina 10-17, Sigma 10-20, Nikon 12-24. These kinds of lenses will give you some options for wide and are great for critter shots if you can get close enough. They won't give you macro, but they will give you the ability to at least capture something small and definitely larger subjects.

As far as macro goes, you pretty much have to decide that is what you are going to be doing and set the camera up for that. I would go with the Nikon 60mm as the 105 is much more specialized and will be harder for you to use and get good results. The 60mm is more versatile and can be used for 1:1 photos, fish portraits, etc..

 

[dbh]

I put on my 60mm and put my "Woody" in my pocket when I don't know what to expect. I can shoot everything from a Nudi to 2/3 of a Reef Shark with those 2.

Dave

 

[rjsimp]

I put on my 60mm and put my "Woody" in my pocket when I don't know what to expect. I can shoot everything from a Nudi to 2/3 of a Reef Shark with those 2.

Dave

I hope you keep your "Woody" in your pocket!

Sorry, couldn't resist..

I also use the Subal diopter when I have my 60mm. I like the Subal one because it flips up when not in use and then just drop it down when I need it.

 

[tom1563]

for the 60mm what is the range like i no its not that far

 

[rjsimp]

When shooting the 60, you can focus down to where the subject is virtually touching the port. As far as how far back you can go, well, that is more of function of the subject, lighting, and how much water you want to put between you and the subject. The lens will focus on it.

You would have a hard time getting a full shot of a turtle or most of the larger reef fish with the 60, but you can do it.

 

[tom1563]

alrighty then for the Tokina 10-17 what does the fisheye do for you and does anyone know if sea and sea will come out with a d90 housing