Pomacentridae

I am curious as to what focus light do you use, that they have so many different modes? Mine are usually just Flood and Red Light.

Correct, Cinebags is no longer available, but the Kraken would be the direct replacement. They are exactly the same in every way (layout and size) but I have been told that the Kraken one is now of better quality. The cinebags one for the price had some hardware durability issues and really could have done some refinement. My gripes with it are: Stitching: I had to redo the stitching on the pockets, bungee loops, and handles as the stitching came off. Material for eyelets and bungee ties: Eyelets were normal metal and corroded. I had to replace them with stainless steel. Bungee ties frayed and pulled out of the bag, I had to sew them back in. Drainage holes: The accessory pockets don’t have a water proof zipper, so sea water is bound to enter the pockets and don’t drain (they start to smell bad). I needed to punch drainage holes for the accessory pockets. I wish they just used the old plastic mesh for this so the pockets don’t hold moisture. I am always having to wipe the inside of the pockets to dry and store at the end of the day. Everything else about it I love: the layout is well thought out and usable, accessory pockets for everything, base material is super durable and water repellent. It does fold flat. But is still like 2 or 3 inches thick when folded flat (Lots of material). But it makes it easier to fold flat and store in your dive bag versus an AO cooler.

I think the “personal rinse tank” is many things. As a bag it can serve multiple roles: it’s my travel bag, boat bag, and rinse tank. I always bring it because it covers those three functions. I’ve used both the AO and Cinebags versions. I am the same. On crowded boats, I avoid the communal rinse tank since people often toss gear in carelessly. Heavy systems can easily damage mine, so I set up my bag in a quiet corner of the ship — away from foot traffic. That way, I can safely soak my camera without worry. Its main value, though, is as a protective boat bag. It shields my gear from impacts on the boat and keeps essentials organized—prescription dive mask, computer, phone, gloves, food, water, and camera—all in one place. For that alone, I think the soft cooler is worth it. In practice, I use it about 10% for transport, 80% as a boat bag, and 10% as a rinse tank.

Hi All, this is a general question to compare notes on how do you conduct night dives, as I am curious at how others do it. What dive/focus/modeling lights do you use? How have you set them up on the camera? How do you use them for navigation, search and modeling? On my own journey these are my notes: In my first setup, I used a single focus light (Light and Motion Gobe 1000 Wide) mounted on the hotshoe as my navigation, search, and modeling light. This worked well for navigation and search since the beam aligned with my camera’s view — I simply pointed the camera toward where I wanted to move or search. However, in murky water the in-line light illuminated suspended particles, causing the camera to struggle with focus. Additionally, because the light was hotshoe-mounted, it blocked my line of sight whenever I looked over the camera to visually recheck the subject. For my second setup, I moved the focus light off the camera and mounted two lights on the strobes (aligned with their direction) — Light and Motion Sola 1200 Photo. This gave good cross coverage and avoided illuminating particles directly in front of the lens. The drawback was navigation and subject search—because the lights weren’t aligned with my vision, it was difficult to peer into crevices or see far ahead when navigating. My third setup I decided to just have a single focus light (Light and Motion Sola 1200 Photo) on a triple clamp at the base of my strobe arm. This kept it clear of my line of sight when looking over the camera and angled enough to avoid lighting up particulate matter. For navigation and subject search, I decided to use a separate hand mounted dive light (generic dive light). This allows me to move freely without constantly maneuvering the camera — keeping it light and nimble until I find a subject, at which point I bring the camera into position. I am now thinking of optimizing the focus light to just light up the immediate working area and minimize disturbing subjects (red or low lumens) — the Sola 1200 is too bright on both the red and white light. I am thinking of getting one of the inon focus light as I heard they can go very dim. Any suggestions here would be happy to hear. While the dive light can be bright and provide good long range illumination — again any good suggestion on dive light would be appreciated. I am looking to the OrcaTorch D570-GL Light with Laser Pointer at the moment, thinking a laser would be helpful in pointing out subjects.

I’ve been using the nitecore BB blower for the past 4 years. Very happy with it as I do not need to wait for stuff to dry and you can really force out water from all the crevices.

Thanks for this response Chris. Your first paragraph made me realize since I am mostly in Anilao that that 20° - 33° range is more useful to me, as I typically shoot fish in the small range and have the occasional larger individual like that trumpet fish you mentioned. And that EXIF at 2m I would think does wonders on the DOF. Okay I am sold haha I will pull the trigger on the MFO-3.

Hi All, I typically use the Olympus 60mm as my primary lens: I love the lens and shooting fish portraits. But the slight issue I have with it would be the focus hunting of the (hoping it was better but just living with the downside) and sometimes i find the 60mm lens too zoomed in especially for larger subjects. I am now considering getting the Nauticam MFO-3 wet lens to help remedy these two issues. I heard the MFO-3 is basically provides x0.5 magnifications (widens the view) and helps with focusing faster/reducing focus hunting. And like the idea of having it on a flip diopter and can switch between 20° to 33° However, I also have the WWL-1B with the 14-42mm EZ lens which I use for wide-angle shots. I note the FOVs are: Lens/Combo FOV Olympus 60 mm 20° Olympus 60 mm + Nauticam MFO-3 33° Olympus 14-42 mm 29° - 75° Olympus 14-42 mm + Nauticam WWL-1B 50° - 130° The FOVs of the Oly 60mm + MFO-3 combo and the 14-42mm overlap at 33° FOV. The question I have now are: Does it make sense to buy the MFO-3 when the 14-42mm seems to provide the same FOV? Why not just use the 14-42mm lens for those larger subjects when doing fish portraits? Does the MFO-3 bring something else to the table? I am open to hear cases for and against. Thanks, P

Hi All, I am planning a couple of dive trips to Indonesia (Raja Ampat, Lembeh, Wakatobi areas). I was hoping to get some leads on dive packages or centers who cater to underwater photographers. I am not sure how to go about it because most of dive packages and centers I have found online don’t seem to have that focus — and cater mostly to the typical divers who dive for diving. Thanks, P

I have an Olympus 60mm and do mostly fish portraits. One issue I have is focus hunting. Does anyone have experience using the MFO-1 or MFO-3 with these lens combinations and did it help with faster focusing?

Wait what!? You can directly charge the battery with a USB-C cable? I feel like I have been living under a rock. One reason I did not like batteries was the need for a bulky charging cable. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into this light. The UI not sure if I can like it. But you've given me a search term that will widen my potential net of focus lights i.e. the USB-C charging 21700.

I've been a light and motion fan for the longest time for my dive and focus lights, mainly because they are self-contained and no fuss. You just dry them and charge (no need to open them up, no battery changes, no need to take care of o-rings, etc.). I love the simple operation as well with the intuitive magnetic switches and interface. But since L&M have closed down, I am now looking for alternative dive lights and focus lights that are also self-contained and simple to operate. I would greatly appreciate if someone could point me to a similar product or offering. So far, I have not found any other lights or brands that operates with the same self-contained philosophy.

Hi Chris, Thanks for this, I flipped onto that page and inward lighting seems to be exactly the technique I am looking for. Excited to try it out in the pool to see if I can get the results I need. I will try the beam limiters as a secondary option -- as you pointed out it would be difficult for active fish. Thanks P

Thank you I appreciate it. Got and read the book exactly what I am looking for.

Hi there, Is there a guide to light or strobe placement? Asking this question in case someone has a good reference I can read up on -- techniques, styles or tips. My specific question has mostly to do with fish photography. I want to just light up a fish to have darker/black backgrounds, but I always tend to have spill over which lights up either the background or lights up backscatter. The fish I shoot are typically damselfish or wrasses and they hug the reef quite closely with not many opportunities for a clear mid-water shot. So, I am thinking of putting a hood (like a snoot, but not as narrow as a snoot) onto my strobes to reduce the spread or angle of light from my strobes. Are there any thoughts or tips about this? Thanks, P

Maybe stupid question but do you fly with your o-rings in place or not? i usually fly with my o-rings in place. And do notice there is a bit of vacuum in some of my plastic cases when we land due to the pressure change. Not sure if there is potential for fatigue or damage.

@Grm thanks for the photos! Looks awesome

Thanks for this! The shark safari day tour sounds perfect! At least I know what we are shooting. I will touch base with the operator see if I can join. Worried by this caveat they have: "Must have done at least 2 dives with Tec Diving Mauritius previously to assess for diver skill and comfort level." I don't think I'd have the time for that on this trip, but they seem to offer other nice dives. Will also look into Passe St. Jacques, seems to be near my work site -- this might ultimately be my go to.

Hi All! I got a quick 2-week work assignment to Mauritius! That means I have 1 weekend to go diving. But since this is for work I can only pack light. I plan to bring just my camera, mask, diveskin, snorkel and fins (I understand it is tropical so similar to coral triangle?) Then just rent the dive gear when I get there. I can’t bring my whole camera setup so need to pick between wide angle and macro/fish portraits. Anyone have guidance on what subjects are a must to shoot in Mauritius? Also what dive sites or locations are a must dive? And why?

Another one for cuteness. Bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) Female Parrotfish (Scarus sp.)

Here is my entry, my favorite damselfish photo that captures their fiery and beautiful personality. Speckled Damselfish (Pomacentrus bankanensis)

Hey Chris! Thanks for setting this forum up. It feels really fresh!

Hi Kraken de Mabini, When are you visiting? I think we'll be good dive buddies, that typically is my dive profile as well -- 90mins, 10-15m depth 4 dives a day. I normally do the unguided dives as I just prefer to loiter in a spot the whole day. I think it depends on what you want to shoot. If no stairs, the ones I frequent are: Arthur's place (Large snappers, mantis shrimp, rhinopias) Anilao Photo Academy (great macro spot) Dive and Trek (Large schooling fish like jacks and mackerel) Bauan Divers (love the coral garden and anthias and damsel fish) All are on the west side of Anilao and I just shore dive from these locations. On the East side of Anilao, unfortunately the ones I know on the east side like Nap Sack are closed.

Hi All, Aaron here from the Philippines. Happy we have a new forum to discuss our passion. A bit about me, I started off as a young kid snorkeling with a compact camera in 2002. I have always loved the sea and its creatures, and my passion is documenting their life stories -- life stages/transitions, behavior, habitat, etc. As you can tell, I really love damselfish 🐠. Cheers, Pomacentridae