Wide-Angle Woes: Need Help Choosing Setup for Crystal-Clear Maratua!

[rhang]

My 2 psi.

If you go with your choice 1 add a +2 diopter, it's a great option but is it super sharp all the ways to corners? It's acceptable . This is with a glass zen semi dome and the orginal EM-5 with 9-18 and a +2

View attachment 889594


I don't have the Oly 8mm M Zuiko, I do have the 8mm Zuiko with MMF-3 behind the 170mm Olympus dome that is also glass and it's nice that I can use it or the Oly 7-14 without changing anything but the lens with the focus ring. I shoot the 7-14 more and this shot of Edd was with 7-14 . I could also throw the Oly 8-25 in this and it is REALLY tempting.View attachment 889595

I also have the Pan 8mm on an older Pen housing that makes a GREAT super compact travel set up but is also a PITA to change ports so when travel with I am limited to only 8mm fisheye, and I'm weird in that it not my favorite look (most like it)

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So basically, I HAVE great options at hand.. you know what I am VERY tempted to do, because my gut is telling me I will get more enjoyment and also equal or even better quality? The silly 12-42 3.5-5.6 EZ behind a flat port and the AOI UWL-09 PRO (but I suspect the non pro would make me happy but hate acrylic domes because I do scratch them) with the quick release system that would also give me options like using a close up lens to change and adjust style of shooting which for reef diving is simply awesome. This is what your post made me immediately think would be the best answer to your question

Do I need to do anything at all? Hmmm.. not really but I have to say I really want to try both the 8-25 and the UWL-09 Pro routes. That is why I have some of my old strobes up for sale right now... because going to try both then see.

Hi, thank you for suggestion and sharing your beautiful pictures. Just to clarify, is the third picture taken with Panasonic Lumix G 8mm Fisheye?

 

[rhang]

Curious if you already tried the DJI Action cam with a viewfinder like this?
View attachment 889631

I have this exact setup for the DJI with the view finder magnifier. I doubt the magnifier will help as when doing macro, the X intersection on the view finder is about the size 1/3 the size of the critters

 

[rhang]

I might go another way entirely. Look at the Kraken

Kraken KRL-09S Underwater Wide Angle Conversion Lens​

Lets you dive with the 30 macro on board and gets you to 150+ degree wide angle and you can put it on a flip adapter. One thing to remember is that you will NOT get as good a set of colors as with the action cameras, they have spent a ton of time getting their computational software to get you amazing blues. we dive a lot with a great photographer shooting Canon 8-15 with an R5. Her husband shoots with a go pro. The go pro footage raw out of the camera is astounding (until you look at dynamic range and look closely at resolution); much better than the R5 (until you get done post processing).
So be aware that you expectations might be tough to get at.
Bill

That is indeed a great suggestion. Let me find out how much to get to purchase it here in Singapore.

 

[rhang]

Between these three, only the fisheye setup will deliver the wide-angle view that you're looking for; the other two are significantly narrower.

You might also want to consider a Canon 8-15mm on a Metabones glassless adapter - that will combine a full diagonal fisheye with zoom flexibility.

Yeah, seems like the 8mm guarantees the ultra wide angle. not to familiar with adapters and all so unlikely to go that option. Thank you anyway for suggesting.

 

[Barmaglot]

not to familiar with adapters and all so unlikely to go that option

Here is a detailed description of this setup: Fisheye Zoom for Micro Four Thirds

 

[rhang]

Here is a detailed description of this setup: Fisheye Zoom for Micro Four Thirds

Thank you for sharing the information. Wow the effects are really dramatic and with good flexibility. But this price is before buying the port and all. I'd probably be successful getting the rig together but my wife would probably ban me from diving after

 

[Barmaglot]

But this price is before buying the port and all.

Looking at Ebay, I see multiple 2nd hand 8-15mm offers for around $600. A glassless Metabones adapter (you don't need the more expensive speed booster for this setup) is another $200 or so.

 

[cerich]

Hi, thank you for suggestion and sharing your beautiful pictures. Just to clarify, is the third picture taken with Panasonic Lumix G 8mm Fisheye?

Yes it was the 8mm Panasonic.

 

[rhang]

Looking at Ebay, I see multiple 2nd hand 8-15mm offers for around $600. A glassless Metabones adapter (you don't need the more expensive speed booster for this setup) is another $200 or so.

Thank you for helping with some of the research, appreciated it.

I managed to find the following at my local pre-own market.

• Viltrox EF-M1 (NEW) SGD179
• Canon EF 8-15m (Used) SGD700

The risk is as follows:

1. Will the AOI extension ring with the AOI 4" dome fit this setup?
2. Assuming only 1 extension ring is required, the dome and extension alone will cost over SGD1k
3. Biggest risk is the need to tinker or someone who can 3D print the zoom gear and ensure compatibility with my AOI housing.

I think the total cost is estimated is similar to the about 8-25mm setup.

 

[rhang]

Yes it was the 8mm Panasonic.

is the dome 1 - 2cm from the strings?