Hey all...I want to upgrade. Been using GoPro and Insta360 x 3 for a few years now and getting OK-ish results. I have a few sweet trips lined up the next few years (Socorro, Cocos Island, Palau) and want to up my game.

I currently have a Nikon Z8 with a few pretty nice lenses. I think the only one that would work underwater would be my z14-24/2.8. I don't have a 24-70...have never really gelled with that range. My goal is large wildlife, expansive shots. I am not super into nudibranchs, sea horses, etc. Think sharks, rays, whales, etc. Any issues with a Z8/14-24 rig for what I am looking to shoot? I would like to avoid another lens if possible. But if

Before I go this route....any recommendations for "intermediate step" options? The Z8 route is spendy and if something much cheaper will get me most of the way there, that would be great to explore.

Best!

I'm sure folks will come up with intermediate steps suggestions.

My only thought is that an intermediate step is exactly that. It doesn't stop the hankering or aim to go the whole nine yards and get that Z8 system. And then you have a mainly redundant intermediate step which could be hard to sell.

Unless I've missed something (entirely possible) I've not heard many good reviews of the 14-24 for underwater use. Nauticam recommend (they would, wouldn't they) the kit lens (!) Nikkor 24-50 with the WWL-C; and I have read many good reviews of this combination. Maybe worth looking at before jumping for that intermediate solution?

Thanks. Yeah, I agree on the whole "intermediate" step thing being a just more money spent before getting what you really want. Gonna start another thread on Z8 Lens. Thanks!

Yes it is spendy to take anything full frame UW, you can save a lot with a smaller sensor system and IMO it's good enough for what most people us their photos for. Most people don't go with rectilinears and big domes due to the size and hassle for travelling. You can also use less powerful strobes with smaller systems as you don't need to stop down as much. a m43 or an APS_C system would be a massive step up from a go pro for still images.

Big animals is generally WWL/WACP or fisheye territory, if you want a compact rig you can use a m43 8mm fisheye lens behind a 4" dome. If you want some flexibility for that shark that won't come close enough a WWL or one of he fisheye zoom options is worth looking at.

Looking at some options in Nauticam a Canon R7 housing is $1800 less than a Z8 housing while an OM-1 is $2800 cheaper. The domes are potentially cheaper in smaller formats depending which way you go and in m43 in particular the lenses are significantly smaller lighter and cheaper.

I'd suggest throwing together a spreadsheet and pricing up a few systems down to the lenses, domes, zoom gears and strobes in each sensor size range and seeing how you feel when comparing the prices.

I'm with Chris on the M43 or APS-C. I switched back from FF (Nikon D800) to APSC (Nikon D500) to get away from the massive lenses and ports. Can't say I have seen any difference in image quality.

But... you already have the Z8 which, I believe, is excellent. So...... I'd be very tempted to check out that 24-50/WWL-C combination. Relatively small and compact; or an 8-15 a 140mm port.

Thanks. I actually had a D500 that I gave to my daughter....I just have a hard time buying an underwater rig for a 9 year old camera system.

I think my initial path is going to be a 8-15 + the 140mm port.