Which Should Be My Next Lens?

[Laurie S.]

I have just begun diving with my Canon 70D with a Canon 100 mm macro lens. I do love it, but I would like to also do non-macro photography. What would you suggest is the next lens I should go for? I do have a Canon 18-55 mm lens. Would that be a good underwater lens, or should I be looking at something else?

 

[James R]

Does the 70D have a built-in AF motor? If so, look at the Tokina 10-17 fisheye! Great lens, allows really close focus for CFWA, etc.

 

[Stoo]

I agree with James... the Tokina is a great little lens. I understand that the Sigma 15 - ? is nice as well.

I'm a Nikon guy, and I will tell you that the Tokina is not as well built as a Nikkor lens. The rubber focus ring came unstuck on mine (it gets wedged right under the zoom ring) and this has happened to a friend with the same lens. Having said that, a little judicious use of some Crazy Glue solved that problem.

 

[James R]

I have the Sigma 15mm - it's awesome, but a FX lens, so it'll act like a 21 or 22 (based on whatever the Canon crop factor is). The advantage of the Tokina is that it works well behind very small domes, like the Zen 100mm glass dome port without modification.

 

[Stoo]

I've used the 10-17 under a (borrowed) mini dome and it is indeed a sweet little bit of kit. (although not so good for over unders, they say...)

 

[James R]

I would agree with that. Even my 170mm dome is very hard to use for over-unders! The 100mm I had with the 10-17, it was nearly impossible! I just bought an 8.5" dome, so maybe some luck with those soon!

 

[Laurie S.]

Thanks, does it matter that I have a Nauticam housing?

 

[James R]

Only that if you get the Tokina 10-17 the zoom gear you need is the Nauticam zoom gear. I shot the 10-17 in a Nauticam housing with a Zen 100mm dome, and was very happy with both.

 

[JohnnyC]

16-35 2.8L!!!!! Love that lens. Great for ambient light shots. Great for large reefs, over/unders, caves.

My next lens will be the 8-15 fisheye.

 

[Laurie S.]

Just ordered the Tokina.