hsakols

Hello, A few weeks ago, I returned from a liveaboard trip in Indonesia, where I used a OM Systems OM1 camera, AOI Pen Housing, and the AOI 8 inch glass dome port. I also had 3 backscatter strobes and the 60mm macro lens and port. The Olympus 8mm 1.8 is quite sharp and is capable of close focus. However, at times, I was frustrated using the 8-inch dome port. I found that I couldn't focus quite as closely as I would have using the 4-inch dome, and there were times when my close-up images were difficult to light due to the size of the port and the shadow it cast. I am still working on perfecting my strobe placements, so part of this could be attributed to my technique. Another problem I encountered was that at times the 8mm fisheye was too wide, and it was so easy to get bright edges. Again, I'm sure much of this had to do with my strobe placement. I'm am now thinking about how I will approach my next tropical trip. I'm considering adding the Olympus 8-25 f4 zoom, which should be compatible with my dome port. At times, being able to zoom in even a little bit might be advantageous, and, of course, it is a rectilinear lens, which can be both good and bad. However, I have read numerous reports that suggest using the 8mm fisheye is the best option. I have also considered going with the AOI 4-inch glass dome; however, I hate to buy a new, expensive port, especially when I have the old Olympus 4-inch dome for the 8mm lens. Unfortunately, AOI has told me it won't be compatible with the new pen port system. Others on this forum suggested that the 4-inch dome was the way to go, but the salesman I purchased from convinced me to go with the 8-inch. I was told it would render a better image and is the way to go for over and under-shots. All this being said, I find that when I'm out diving, it is best to have two choices, macro or wide. Throwing in a thrid option makes things more confusing not always knowing what will work best. The most significant improvement I hope to make is more practice and training. Luckily, I have two more trips coming up this summer.

I have the AOI DLP 11 8-inch glass dome port for my Olympus 8mm 1.8 lens. The AOI port chart indicates that I can also use the Olympus 12-100, which I own. I'm curious if anyone has used this lens underwater. If you already use an ultra-wide / fisheye, are there situations in which you prefer having 12mm? I'm unclear if I would need a port extender for this lens.

I just received my AOI housing for an OM-1 and the 8 in. glass port. I went with the 8-inch port because I do like over and under compositions, but now I'm wondering if it is just too big. From what I understand, I don't lose image quality by going with the 4-inch port. Would there be any other reason other than over and under shots to choose the 8 inch port over the 4 in.? Can I focus closer with the 8 in.? I'm coming from an Olympus housing with the Olympus glass port, which isn't nearly as large. I have to decide whether having more drag with the large port is worth it for the options it gives me. Yes, if I had more experience, the decision would be more clear. I will use the setup in Indonesia and closer to home in the Pacific Northwest. Any advice or personal experience would be appreciated.

Have any of you gone from using an EM5iii to an OM-1? What appeals to me is the longer lasting battery and perhaps a brighter screen. I've read articles that the EM5iii / OM-5 focuses more accurately in low light than the OM-1. Is the auto-tracking on the OM-1 a game changer? It seems that using a fisheye lens would be less critical. Yes, I'm sure I'm over-analysing all of this. I'll be on a liveaboard for my first trip to Indonesia. Otherwise, I'm diving in the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Thanks for the responses. I'll be diving in Indonesia and want enough with my 8mm 1.8 lens to cover animals like manta rays, sharks, etc... Also, I want enough coverage for extensive clear water reef scenes. I already have a YS-D2 but I think it will be easier having two of the same strobe. Yes, the backscatter strobes are heavy and powerful. Wouldn't I want all the juice I can get, and just use the YS-D2 for macro? Also, do you find a significant improvement using RC over TTL? Thanks again for all the help. When I'm not diving the tropics I will be in the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest, where maybe I don't need as much power because of the subject matter.

I'm putting together a dual-strobe setup with my Olympus system. I already have a YS-D2 strobe. Would it work to add a backscatter hybrid, or should I stick with two of the same models? I'll be using the Olympus 8mm 1.8.

I finally got the answer to my question. Yes, I can use my Olympus ports with the AOI EM5iii / OM-5 housing, but AOI is moving away from the OMD mount. If I upgrade my camera to an OM-1 or OM-2, I must purchase new AOI ports. My Olympus PPO-EPO2 glass dome port for the 8mm 1.8 lens was expensive. I must decide whether to upgrade my camera and ports or continue with the old system.

Yes, the AOI OM1 housing has the Pen port mount, while the AOI OM 5 has the OM-D port system. I'm still unclear if an Olympus Port will fit the AOI OM-D port system.

Hello, I'm so happy to have found this forum! I am getting ready for a dive trip to Indonesia. I have an old Olympus PT-EP08 housing with the flat port it came with, and the PP0-EP02 dome port that I use with the 8mm 1.8 pro. The EM5 mark one works, but I want the newer sensor and more accurate and faster auto focus. I am now looking at AOI housings for either the OM-5 or OM-1. It looks like if I go the OM-1 route, I will need to buy entirely new system because it has the newer mount. My questions are: 1. If I purchase the AOI housing for the Olympus EM5iii or OM Systems OM-5 can I still use my old ports? Also would I be able to add another Nauticam Grip for two strobes? 2. If I went with the OM Systems OM-1 what ports would I need for usiong a 60mm and 8mm lens. I would want a glass port. I hesitate with this because of the cost of an entirely new system. Thanks, Hugh