Johno1530

I'm going to go with the Retra's as the Kraken are very long and I'll struggle to fit them in my bag.

Hi, Is this still available?

Hi All, I'm also looking at getting a Canon 8-15mm for my setup. Would the metabones mk I (Mark 4) do the trick or do I need the mark 5? Thanks

You can get the bouyance collars for the Kraken and I'm just looking at the Retras with the booster attached and they are negative 150g each, so the 300g of the Kraken are not massively heavier.

Thank you. I'm still very torn as the kraken's do look good, but they are very heavy and I would be adding a lot of weight to my rig (worried for the flying aspect). I have just flown with Qatar and they weighed my carry on in both directions 🙁. I wasn't that much over as I put a lot in jacket pockets before going up to the desk. The jacket weighed about 10kg 🤣 but they didn't even blink as it was in my trolley lol Airlines are getting very strict on it these days or I'm just very unlucky.

Hi Dave, Thanks for the reply. I already have the backscatter MF-2, I would like another set of strobes. I take your point though about the extra money being spent on something else. I really like the LCD screen on both strobes. The quality of light of the Kraken seems to be really nice as dkes the Retras. I only thought that from a macro perspective the Kraken maybe a little too big after reading what Alex Mustard has to say. Thanks for your advice, it's appreciated 👍

Thanks Tim, that's great to hear. The Retras are clearly great strobes and we're my initial choice and they weight about 500g last, which as we all know makes a difference when lugging dive and camera gear around the world. I'm off on an Alex Mustard course in June and want a spare set (will relegate my sea&sea strobes).

Hi all, I am considering either the Retra Max Pro or the Kraken KR-S160. I want a circular flash, as I already have the Sea&sea YS-D3'S which have a straight flash (will be a 2nd/spare set) I was leaning more towards the Retra but after reading some of the comments on a few threads on here, I'm not quite sure that the price difference is worth it over the Kraken strobes. I like the light spread on both strobes, and whilst price is not THAT important, it's always a factor but certainly not my main focus. I have the chance to get a brand new set of Retras for $2844 + 20‰ VAT ($3400) and that's with the boosters as well. Or, I can get a set of Kraken strobes (I don't use TTL) for around $1820. So, there is a fair bit of difference, which would mean I got get a better dome. I want the strobes for macro and wide angle shooting and have read that the Kraken may not be the best for macro. What are people's thoughts?

Thanks for the reply Chris. I only considered it as I like astrophotography as well, but underwater is much more important for me. I'm using it with the Sony A7r5. I think I will look at the canon 8-15mm instead. I have the WACP-C but I'm going on an Alex Mustard workshop in June and wanted to try some splits. Thanks for the abuse, it's appreciated.

Exactly why I cancelled my trip to Socorro Islands. Guess Mexico is permantly off the holiday destination list.

Hi All, Has anyone used the Sigma 14mm f1. 4 for underwater wide angle? I'm looking for a new wide angle lens and this is an option. I'm looking at using it on land as well. Thanks John

No probs

Hi, is this still available and do you happen to know if it's the newer version or the older one? Thanks

Thanks All, it would appear that it's getting worse and when I asked the dive operator for a current update, I got a standard response. I have decided to cancel my trip to Socorro as I am unwilling to get scammed and think it's better to just forget about Mexico, cut my losses and move on. It's a shame as I was really looking forward to diving there but not enough is being done to stop this practice. A holiday is supposed to be relaxing and all of this sounds anything but. I don't need the hassle. I will just look for somewhere else to spend my money.

I could but a TG6 or 7, but it would mean spending more money for something it I will never use again and I feel a bit reluctant as I have paid so much for my current setup and want to use it. I do have a Seafrogs housing & domes, which are far cheaper.

Yep, for sure and I cannot say that the scuba company have been part helpful. Just stock answers, nothing about what they are or have been trying to do about it. I have drafted some 'Invoices' but it's if they believe the prices. I really don't know what to do.

Hi all, Just got back from Sipidan and had a fantastic time diving. Scuba Junkie were fantastic and the diving was amazing. Saw a black Marlin but unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough on the trigger. I'm sort sorting out the finer details (Possible) trip to Mexico, flying into Cabo San Lucas and was wondering if anyone had any FURTHER information on the criminal camera tax on underwater housing since the last post. I have contacted the liveaboard company, but unfortunately, they haven't replied, which is making me question if I even want to go. I'm due to pay the final £3800 for the trip within the next week. I'm already in for £1700 (flights and deposit). I'm wondering if I should just cut my losses and cancel the trip and go to a country that doesn't want to scam me. Any new advice, issues or knowledge would be very helpful. Thanks John

Absolutely unreal. What an experience to have. Video is great.

So, for us from the UK, I contacted the relevant authority about a Carnet and got back the following: You do not need a Carnet, but they will issue one at a cost of £410.40 and can be issued in 2 to 3 days. The issues comes and this will be for All countries, is that Mexico require a 40% security to be taken by the issuing country and a minimum of $2000. You then don't get this deposit back if they don't stamp your forms or some other mistake. Not sure who holds the money I.e. Mexico or the issuing country but doesn't sound great. Just for peoples info.

Amazing Chris, especially the Mandarins, they are my absolute favorite fish. Beautiful.

I think I will just purchase a carnet, which is approx £315 just to be safe, but it will mean that I don't go back to Mexico until they stop stealing off divers/underwater photographers.

It is certainly a good idea, I would just worry if it got lost, stolen or broken. Surely, they would also see housings and ports on any x-ray.

Signed and shared with friends & family. Thanks for taking the time to do this Romik 👍

I absolutely agree Romik, it is disgusting. The Cenotes (Where, I dived in June with my camera and full underwater kit) are beautiful and certainly worth diving, but I have heard Cabo San Lucas is much worse that Cancun, so clearly the law is being applied differently between areas of Mexico. This behaviour would simply NEVER be an issue in the UK as there would be up-roar and rightfully so. I know a Carnet takes the fun out of things and I certainly don't want the cost or hassle, but if I want to dive Socorro, which I do then I may have to pay it. I'm not sure I trust my credit card company to reimburse me as a charge back. It's also A LOT of money at 2 or 3 thousand dollars. The Carnet for Mexico only lasts for 6 months not a year, I believe. I have never needed or heart of one until recently on Waterpixels. Once I have done Socorro (If I actually decide to go) I will NOT go back to Mexico until they change this rule, but it would appear that the government are happy about tourists not going on diving holidays, which will eventually hit the tour operators and liveaboard operators.

Thanks Mark, I was looking forward to it, but I may very well cancel the trip sue to the current Mexican stance against underwater photographers. Shame, but there are plenty of places in the world to spend my money 🙂