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One thing to look out for is that, for regular users (say, diving more than once a week), Weefine and Kraken products are indeed well made and do work well (despite some design quirks like button ergonomics), but unfortunately they do not seem to last very long. I've had repeated issues with Kraken Hydras, as have a lot of other users I've met, and unfortunately they are not really reliable in the long run.The first year or year and a half is fine, but after that repeated button issues, electronics issues, and leaks are quite common. It's as if the material used for some parts is just not resistant enough for regular underwater use. And this is comming from someone who does everything he can to maintain his equipment. Seafrogs product seem very similar in design, but in a slightly lower quality tier from what I've seen, so this could be even worse. It's annoying because I really like Kraken and Weefine products, and the price is acceptable, but if you have to factor in a longevity/reliability of under two years, pricing becomes unviable unless you're sponsored by them for replacements.

As an update, I now have 2 Wurkkos DL40 for bonfire diving (I wanted beam lights to point out, Japanese "light trap" style). Quality is ok, as is power/battery life (they use two 26650 batteries per light). I contacted Wurkkos to buy from them directly but they were unable to match Wurkkos Aliexpress prices shipped. This seems to be a constant with Chinese brands btw, the "official store" on Aliexpress (eg. Seafrog) is cheaper shipped than the manufacturer's website price / direct. We'll see how long they last.

Alex Mustard did a video on the the choice between 32 and 40° versions. You should be able to find it on the underwater photography show channel. The short version is Alex thought he would prefer the higher magnification 32° version but ended up liking the wider 40° version as it was easier to see all of the information, search for the video to see the details. As Dave says you could also look for an old version 45° viewfinder and use the EVF shrink function to save some money the corners might be a bit soft in that but it's usable.

That one looks like the original 45° viewfinder, the difference between the two versions is the nosepiece that fits into the housing. This is the manual which shows the difference, one of which is the 32203 has alignment pins while the 32205 has a flat section cutout. Your looks ike a 32205: https://www.nauticam.cn/upload/portal/20190124/201901241132017209.pdf When you say it's too short what exactly do you mean? Does the nose go in the viewfinder hole far enough to fit the retaining o-ring? If not you need a different nosepiece. I believe this collar adapter is what you would need to turn your 32205 into a 32203: NauticamViewfinder Collar Adaptor for 32204 (from A153408) and 32...Allows for the 45/º viewfinders to be adapted from MIL to DSLR housings. Instruction Manual PDF DownloadAgain you would need to confirm this with Nauticam or a dealer. If someone can confirm they are using a 32203 on a Z8 housing this seems to be what you would need to adapt it.

Hi Dave, I have been using the attached 45 viewfinder with my Nauticam OM-1 housing and wanted to use the same viewfinder with a Z8 housing however it does not appear to fit well as it is 'too short'. I have seen different collar adapters online but I am not sure which one I need as I dont know the exact model of my viewfinder, it could be a na-32205 or na-32203. Does anyone know what collar adapter I need for it to work with a Nauticam Z8? Thanks

Here is an old tread about the viewfinder issue (it seems both 0.8:1 and 1:1 work on Z8, but 0.8:1 is recommended; better ask there again):

i don't have any infinity focus video underwater, sorry.

Unless they are at some place at the website I have not found, the answers are not on the website. The information on viewfinders is muddy and technically incomplete. Oh, they say both are great and one of them is sometimes better for some cameras. Ok. Granted, they don't mention the Z8 among the cameras benefiting from the 0.8 but then again they don't always update the information on their site. They don't say anything about flip adapters for WWL-C. This is a very big purchase for me and I want to make as few guesses as possible. Unfortunately, my experience is that product websites in the diving industry are at best enthusiastic - and then Nauticam's is one of the better. If I want more information then I can ask the manufacturer (and they forward the questions to the reseller, it appears, but he doesn't have the technical information), or I can ask here. Well, I'm doing both. And in the end I hope to make an informed decision.

Which model is it? A friend of mine bought two of latest hi-power Sea Frogs. Everything ok so far but we will see in the long run. I've seen the more expensive Weefine equivalent and the mechanical quality is gorgeous as my monitor but I didn't have the chance to test their light underwater.

Were you able to take a picture of it?

Don't you have a clip at infinity focus?

Not much Gopro labs firmware v2.00.70 Glowdive adapter with AOI UWL-03 lens

Update on my experiences: Out of the two warranty replacement Seafrog Mk-02s one broke in one week or so of use. I still have one, but have not used it much. Seafrogs has made several new models since then (all more expensive, roughly the same capability). If someone has used those, it would be interesting to hear of the reliability. My brand expectation for Seafrogs is now very negative. I have been happy (enough) with LetonPower 4*18650 unit as my primary GoPro light. One had problems with machining quality of battery compartment, but all in all they have been reliable enough. They have similar 3*21700 model as well (and units with usb-c charging which I do not want to have). One of the three Archon units with single 18650 battery got broken electronics (probably due to physical hit in rough weather shore entry). Two still going strong after all the years. I ordered one Wurkkos DL08 to test as possible upgrade; slightly larger 21700 battery and more powerful LEDs. Not received that one yet.

I'm not sure why you asked the questions since you have all the answers. Just read the Nauticam web site.

As someone currently considering the 8-15 Canon this is definitely very on my mind. However I did just pickup a Zen dp100 for Tokina at a good price and I'll grab a Tokina in the meantime. Given how poor our vis usually is I doubt I will be limited in IQ and from what I've read the Tokina offers some interesting crop opportunities on FF.

Why would I want the 40 deg version? Does the 32 deg (32213) not cover the whole EVF? In that case, I would totally agree. The reason for taking the WWL-C off is to be able to shoot @ 50 mm through just the flat port, in case there are shy sharks semi-close by. That's a realistic scenario on my next trip. And secondarily, to be able to put a CMC-1 or similar there. Not as a complete macro solution, but nice to have the option. I already have the 24-50 since several years. Bought it for topside use when I want a small and light casual zoom.

On viewfinders; you will want the 40deg version - SKU # 32214. But the older, less expensive, retired model will also work if you can find one used. The Z8 has an option to slightly shrink its EVF so the older viewfinders don't clip. You don't need a flip adapter for the WWL-C, and in fact there is essentially zero reason to ever take it off under water. The 24-50mm zoom allows the WWL-C to shoot standard wide angle all the way to near macro. So don't bother with a flip or bracket to hold the thing underwater. Be sure to check the used lens sites before purchasing the z24-50mm lens. It is usually available in excellent condition at about 1/2 retail cost. I've used KEH.Com to buy many of my lenses with great satisfaction.

New update! I'm now investigating the Nauticam path exclusively. One thing not entirely clear is the choice of viewfinder (pun not really intended but I can also just run with it). Nauticam's modern 40 degrees 0.8:1 or the 32 degrees 1:1 seem to be the best choices, but not really sure which one of them. Since Nauticam says they developed the 0.8:1 with certain EVF:s in mind, they should be able to tell me whether the Z8 is one EVF which would benefit. I hope they will also tell me of differences between exit pupil and eye relief. I don't know how else I would choose between them. I have no way of testing before ordering. On using S&S ports on Nauticam, Nauticam says that "The port mount to lens mount spacing in NA-Z8 is 66 mm". I just measured on my S&S housing, and down to a mm or so it's the same. At least if you count from the outer part of the port mount. That should mean that I could EITHER get a Nauticam N120 Bayonet ring for Sea & Sea ports - one of these I suppose https://www.uwcamerastore.com/nauticam-n120bayonet-ring-for-sea-sea-ports-30203 for each port I want to keep and it should work on the Nauticam housing. OR one adapter for all ports, such as https://sagadive.com/en/product/aro-de-extension-adaptador-seasea-nauticam/ The latter would add 20 mm, so any port currently requiring 20 mm or more of extension should be fine. Of those two alternatives, when looking at my current ports, changing the mount of the port seems better. The first alternative, I mean. Nauticam has also advised against using flip adapters for the WWL-C. They don't think the flip adapters guarantee exact enough positioning of the wet lens. Well, what do I know. I guess it'll have to be a (double) bayonet holder on a strobe arm, then.

Which keyword system / taxonomy do you use? For end-user, having two (or more) ”competing” keyword structures could cause quite a mess, so finding acceptable keyword structure feels to me like critical first step.

And what did you change?

This morning tested for the first time the UWL-O3 with mission 1 Pro.. Focus is now acceptable until 15cm

@Chris Ross Thanks for all of the detailed information and the links. I may have an opportunity to buy a Nauticam rig from a user that already has done the hard work of getting the 8-15 set up. If that falls through I may look into Isotta more. I didn't realize how large their port is.

Answering my own question now that I have been diving with the EMWL for 3 days. Another diver in my group has made a custom zippered neoprene pouch that fits the EMWL fully set up (base, reflex, optic) with SS clips on each end. I've been able to borrow from them and have put the fully set up kit in the pouch and clipped to both sides of my chest D-rings. Back entry in - camera down and before I get near the sand of muck diving in Lembeh Ive vented and attached to bayonet adapter on macro port. I do the reverse to exit the water via boat ladder. Definitely getting the sewing plans to create an identical carry case.

Sure hope this 7artisans actual release would make Laowa to release theirs soon. Wishlist is of course that its almost exactly like old Tokina 🤣