JayceeB

Could this be a 'Barred Conger Eel' ? https://www.reeflex.net/?show=galerie&galerieID=76175&galerieCode=63b408cd650c5

I had the A7C. The camera and housing were very compact, but it required a fair amount of buoyancy to get neutral. In the end, I’m not sure big arm floats and a small housing really saved much in the space department. Personally, when I travel, it is the weight that is more challenging to manage than size. Also, the viewfinder on the A7C is small. I’d recommend seriously considering that when comparing to your D500. When I decided to move on from the A7C, a quality viewfinder was high on my list of upgrade requirements. As for image display in the viewfinder, I’m not sure I could live without that now, as you can review your shot and adjust for another without taking your eye off the subject.

This is what I use. https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Specialty-Tools/Compact-Blowers/0884-20

I owned the Sony A7C + 28-60+WWL1B and my unscientific perception was that the sharpness of subjects 10’ and further was not as crisp as I was previously getting with my Oly MFT 12-40 in a dome. I often shoot dolphins and sharks that are not always close. I ended up switching to Canon, but when I did, I opted for the 14-35mm in a 230mm dome instead of water contact optics. I prefer this setup over the 28-60+WWL-1B. Also interesting, is that I find myself using the 35mm end of my 14-35mm far more often than the wide end, and am considering adding a 24-70mm lens +180mm dome as my standard setup. I would sacrifice corner sharpness for the smaller/lighter dome, as most of my dives are shore diving. I think this zoom range is overlooked by many as we tend to be taught that fisheye/wide-angle + macro are the two setups you should ‘focus’ on. I also own the 8-15 fisheye, and love this lens, but it is only brought out for special occasions like CFWA on colorful reef scenes, or if I’m traveling and need to lighten my kit weight. -Jaycee

I've used the 14-42+WWL-1B as well as the Oly 12-40mm PRO in a 6" dome. My preference would be the 12-40mm. I know they aren't the same field of view, but the 12-40mm was a lovely lens and covered most of the type of shooting I do. I found that the majority of my WWL-1B shots were zoomed in, but realize this is a personal preference, and not for everyone.

I have learned a lot from the generous members of Wetpixel and am more than excited to see that some of those same members have taken the initiative to keep our community alive. Thanks again for your efforts, and I look forward to participating in Waterpixels going forward. -Jaycee