Lenses to bring for wrecks in Red Sea (copied from wetpixels)

[horvendile]

So, finally I figured out why things seemed so quiet at wetpixels and found my way here. I'll start by re-posting a question I had over there, well past the big exodus I believe. Slightly edited it goes like this:

 

In a week I'll go on a wrecks-and-reefs liveaboard in the Red Sea. Wrecks will be my main attraction and I have of course started considering what lens(-es) to bring. I think I have a fairly good idea of what might be suitable but I'm open to thoughts that haven't occurred to me.

I'm using a Nikon Z7 in a Sea&Sea housing. Notable lenses I own and have ports for:

• Nikon 14-30/4 with S&S correction lens, and 230 mm zen dome
• Nikon 8-15 fisheye (have smaller dome for this if I want to do CFWA, have no zoom gear so it will be at 15 mm)
• Nikon 24-70/4
• Nikon 60 mm macro (F-mount)
• Nikon 105 mm macro (Z-mount)

It's likely I'll want to bring few lenses, for space and weight reasons.

For a long time I was considering bringing only the 14-30 and be done with it, but now I figure maybe I'll throw in the fisheye too. Though wrecks may be what the 14-30 is mainly for?
The 24-70 fits in the same dome and extension ring as the 14-30 but I don't see when I would use that on this trip. Possibly topside.
Macro - well that would be for some of the reef dives I suppose. But as stated, the wrecks are what I'm going for. The macros will stay home unless I'm convinced otherwise.

 

So in case it's not clear, the question is: would you advise something else, and in that case, why?

[TimG]

Hey!

 

For me Red Sea is fisheye country and I use either the Tokina 10-17 on my D500 or the Nikkor 8-15. I'd use either of those for the wrecks or reefs.

 

When I was shooting a D800 I only used the Sigma 15mm. So on your Z7, I'd go with the 8-15 set to the 15mm end with a small dome. Nice for travelling.

 

Maybe it's just me and I'm spoiled by Lembeh and the Philippines, but I've never found macro worthwhile in the RS. So to keep weight down, I don't take a macro lens but do take a Z6III for topside with, usually, either the Z 24-70mm or 24-200mm.

 

I couldn't see a use for the 24-70 underwater.

 

Have a great time!

 

[Pooley]

Hi, 

 

I suppose the main question between the 14-30 and the fisheye is will the fisheye distortion bother you for the wrecks?

 

Obviously, the fisheye will get you closer so potentially better IQ with the less water to shoot through but if you really don't want that bendy look then you're going to have to go with the 14-30

 

I know we have this constant battle with weight allowances on airlines but the weight of a small wide angle lens should be manageable regardless, I often put things like that in my pockets until I'm through security, so if you're taking the big dome I'd also take both lenses

 

The Red Sea does have macro stuff, but not to the same level as macro oriented areas - there are some nudibranch, gobies, blennies etc but I find that unless you're at a specific site with specific targets then its more of a 'fishy' place so depending on your style, the 60mm might get more use than the 100mm

 

I'm not sure I'd bother taking the 24-70, it would easily be my last lens out of that lineup to take

 

Mike

Edited March 5 by Pooley

[horvendile]

Thanks for the replies! Ok you have me convinced, I'll bring the fisheye too. I'm fairly certain - no, I think - I will most often not want the fisheye look on the wrecks. But I'll try it, I might like it!

 

The 24-70 would likely be for topside, should I bring it. I could switch it out for my 24-50 if I want to save on weight.

(I think the 24-70 might have a place for sharks I don't expect to come right up to me, but that's another trip, don't expect any sharks here)

 

As for weight allowances my bet is on not getting my hand luggage weighed. It mostly works out. When it doesn't, and it turns out my meek bag weighs 17 kg, it can become kind of sweaty. Has happaned once.

[Pooley]

If you're doing a wreck based itinerary I'm guessing its one of the more northern routes?

 

If so I wouldn't expect much in the way of shark action

 

Hope its a good trip

 

Mike

[horvendile]

4 hours ago, Pooley said:

If you're doing a wreck based itinerary I'm guessing its one of the more northern routes?

 

If so I wouldn't expect much in the way of shark action

 

Hope its a good trip

 

Mike

 

Thanks! No, I don't expect any sharks at all. Northern route, yes.