Troporobo

That area does have skeleton shrimp, but I gotta say that I don’t see any “shrimp parts” in this image. Usually the legs at least are noticeable. But it could be something I don’t know about.

Thanks for the ideas. I like those ULCS adapters! I should have clarified that I want to make my own paracord accessories and all my acquisitions are done online since I’m back in a place without supplies.

Perfect, thanks all!

I really want to use shackles not bolt snaps. Has anyone found a US supplier like these?

I really want to use shackles not bolt snaps. Has anyone found a US supplier like these?

That’s a really cool image of a frog!

There is only one in Fiji, the Nai’a, and by all accounts it is excellent. I’m planning a trip with them for next year. I just had a quick look and they’ve got space on several cruises in the next 3 months https://www.naia.com.fj

Thanks for the offer. I’m sometimes tempted, just need to get over the hurdle

Hello neighbor! I’m north of you in the islands. I learned to dive in the Sound at Edmonds and enjoy the photos and videos from others there but am now strictly a warm water diver.

Excellent indeed. There are many great sequences here. The variety of shrimp species is wonderful, the spiny lumpsucker and bobtail squid are delightful. I did know the Sound has pipefish! I really enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing.

Inspired by the recent thread on essential spares, I went looking for a new Olympus FL-LM3 flash since I have had two failures in the past and I am now located a long way from any supplier. I found that it is discontinued, as is the FL-LM2 used by other model cameras, and not available from any of the usual online retailers. I was able to find units on Amazon Japan and Amazon Global UK that could be shipped, so that is solved for now. If you are an Olympus user without a spare, it would be well worth considering picking one up sooner rather than later. Maybe physical stores have a few units laying around, if any are close to you. Otherwise, it will eventually be necessary to upgrade to an electronic trigger.

I can answer your second question, assuming you mean a Nauticam housing, as that is the system I use. (If you meant an AOI housing, you need to move to the OM-1 mk II as the original OM-1 housing has been discontinued) For the 60mm macro lens, you need the N85 Macro Port 65 (#36163). For the 8mm PRO lens, Nautical recommends the N85 140mm glass port plus (#36048) plus the 17mm N85 extension ring (#36617) or you can use the N85 4.33" acrylic dome (#36132) plus the 20mm N85 extension ring (#36620). I do not feel the need for a focus ring for either lens as I never use manual focus FWIW, EM-1 mk II systems are coming up for sale from time to time. That's what I use, and I haven't upgraded as I don't see a big advantage to upgrading yet.

Amazing photos! This is an experience I must have some day. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Yeah, that’s always the issue with such initiatives. I hope they implement the plan and the funds go where they should. Hopes are not enough though, and we’ve been disappointed before. It would be very interesting to know what monitoring and enforcement provisions are in the deal.

Nicholas - Good move getting a strobe. You’ll be amazed with the results compared to available light. The problem you’re solving is not the “low light” sensitivity of the sensor, it is the changing light spectrum at depth. No amount of sensitivity can make up for the absence of red below about 10m, followed by yellow then green as you go deeper. Sure, you can use white balance adjustments but getting the colors right when capturing the image makes all the difference.

I've just come across this, though it has apparently been in the works for a while. A most welcome bit of good news! From the report: "The government of Indonesia announced this week a deal to redirect more than US$ 35 million it owes to the United States into the conservation of coral reefs in the most biodiverse ocean area on Earth. The “debt-for-nature” swap will fund coral restoration in two key areas of the Pacific Ocean’s Coral Triangle — the Bird’s Head and Lesser Sunda-Banda seascapes, which encompass three-quarters of the world’s coral species and more than 3,000 types of fish, turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins . . . " Raja Ampat debt-for-nature swap

Thanks a lot Bill, these two articles are very helpful. I think I’ve got it now.

OP: How about we keep politics out of this forum? Diving and photography are my refuge. Please keep it that way.

This is a brilliant thread that should be pinned - so many great ideas! I agree with all recommendations so far. For me, learning the hard way that strobe triggers are unobtainium in most destinations made carrying a spare essential. Plus, ALL the batteries and ALL their redundant backups. Finally a good multitool goes with me everywhere - never underestimate what you can bodge together with a blade, some wire, and a set of pliers!

I’m curious why adding a closeup lens would work this way for wide angle. It’s not explained in that old thread. Can anyone elaborate?

Agreed, an excellent sequence!

Given the original question, I’d hate to give up RAW files, especially if shooting without lights. I’d suggest a compact and one good light, either small strobe or reasonably powerful continuous light depending on use case. I’d probably choose the Olympus TG7 for its excellent zoom and macro lens.

That looks potentially like a replacement for the Inon S2000 for macro work. I really liked them for getting into tight spots and still regret selling my pair

Easter 2025 will be on April 20. If you’ll be there the week on either side, but especially the week before, it will be very busy. I’d recommend talking to the resort about arranging a private banca and guide rather than a group boat, if possible.

It’s possible, as Whiskeyjack notes, but there’s not much point as there are not better places to stay nearby, and the cheaper places could just as easily arrange diving. Doing so only makes sense as a day trip from Manila, if you can endure the traffic both ways in one day!