Tinman

I've got a Tokina fisheye for use with my Nikon DX systems. I never developed a fondness for it because I wasn't impressed with the field of view curvature, but that's just me. I did pick-up a Nikkor 8-15mm fisheye to use with my Nikon FX system. I think it will work better for me with a small dome for close focus wide-angle. If you get a good housing, zoom control shouldn't be an issue. With the Tokina fisheye, a lot of photographers use it with a teleconverter to increase the versatility of the lens. -Tinman

Small sensor size is one of the drawbacks of the TG Series. This particular drawback is one of the reasons that some upgrade to other cameras as their skills develop. When TG users ask me how they can get better images from their cameras, I usually start with talking about the importance of lighting equipment. I've worked with some underwater photographers who basically decided they were serious enough about underwater photography to just invest in professional level equipment from the start. These folks had an "I want it all" mindset and have done well. Starting with a point & shoot type camera would've been a waste of time and money for them. Why spend money on a system that's not going to take you where you want to go? It's hard to beat the flexibility that a zoom lens gives you for wide-angle underwater imaging. My go-to lens when I was doing a book project a few years ago was my Nikkor 10-24mm zoom. This lens even worked well to capture close focus wide-angle shots of sea horses. Since making a jump to a full frame camera system, my Nikkor 17-35mm is my most commonly used lens. The only fixed focal length lenses I use underwater are my Nikkor 105mm and 60mm macro lenses. For what it's worth, the 60mm is quite good for capturing images of small to medium sized skittish fish. Your posts and commentary seem to indicate willingness to jump in the proverbial 'deep end of the pool' with a Sony system. If that's where you're at, start assembling a system and jump in! (LOL) -Tinman

As others have pointed out, there are lots of options if you want to upgrade from an Olympus TG Series Camera. I've worked with quite a few divers who use cameras from the TG Series and they do just fine. I just presented a photography contest award to a TG-6 user. This particular entrant's entry was a runner-up for the top award in the contest. Her image was remarkable. There are some downsides to the TG Series. If you're wanting to get really serious about underwater photography, you'll find a camera that will allow you to shoot in manual mode may help you. One particular photographer contacted me to request help with assembling a Nauticam/Nikon D850 system. She is seriously into macro photography and had become frustrated with the limitations associated with her TG Series camera. An Indonesian guide recommended that she ditch the TG and get a Nikon D850 system. Sure, her Nauticam/D850 system is lots bigger than her old TG Series, but it's also lots more versatile. Upgrading camera systems has dramatically impacted the quality of her images. Lots of options to upgrade from a TG Series are available from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic and Olympus. One of the issues you need to consider involves what you are planning to do with your images. -Tinman

Recently helped a friend upgrade to a previously owned, unused Nauticam NA-D850 System. We're in the process of selling pieces of this system that he already had. Offered here is a Nikkor 105mm Micro f/2.8 G IF-ED Lens with a Nauticam focus gear ring. The lens is in mint condition (beautiful lens w. pristine glass) and was probably never used. It came without a Nikon Lens Bag, but I've got an extra one that I'll include. Buyer is responsible for shipping costs. Asking $450.00 USD.

For what it's worth, Ikelite's weekly newsletter has a write-up from a Nikon D850 user who recently moved to a Nikon Z8. The writer is enthusiastic about the Z8. His article might be worth a look if one is considering making a move from a D850 to a Z8. It's available on the Ikelite Underwater Systems website. -Tinman

I had a couple of issues where the autofocus on my Nikon 60mm Micro quit working during dives. My autofocus issues resolved both times immediately by simply switching the camera off and turning it back on. I'm not sure why the lens did that. -Tinman

Of course... looks like all the cool kids are here! (LOL) -Tinman

Thanks Buddha! My website is: www.cortezbluephotography.com -Tinman

Thought I'd better shift to this new forum before Wetpixel goes completely belly-up. I started diving in 1989 as a public safety diver in a small Colorado mountain community. Wildlife photography has been a passion since I was in junior high school. We re-located to southern Arizona fourteen years ago following our first retirement to get within easy range of the ocean to seriously pursue underwater photography. The Gulf of California is close and wonderful. Thanks to those who've worked on getting this opportunity organized! -Tinman