Ikelite housing for the 5D

Now that Ike has announced the availability of the 5D housing, it's time to put my shopping list together.

I plan to house the following lenses:

Canon 16-35 f/2.8

Canon 15FE

Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro

and possibly a 50mm Macro

Assuming the new ports are available, my first choice would be to use the following ports:

8" Dome #5510.81 (for the 16-35 and the FE)

Flat w/focus #5508.45 (for the 100mm Macro)

The Ikelite port list does not specify a yes/no for the Canon 15FE / 8" dome combo. What do the dashes mean? That it's not tested? perhaps not optimal? Someone posted that they received an e-mail response from Ikelite that the 8" dome would work with the FE, but I'd like to learn more about how they mesh.

I'm going on a trip in early January. Ike, will those ports be available in that time frame?

This will be a large order (I added it up... eek)... 2 strobes, arms, enclosure, ports, the FE lens, spare parts... are there shops that you have found to be willing to discount on large orders?

Speaking of spare parts, any suggestions on things I need to make sure end up in the spare parts box (I already have the duck tape!).

I tried the Sigma 15mm fisheye in the Ikelite/Aquatica 8" dome port using the 20D and it did not vignette. It doesn't stick into the port very far, so there is a chance it will vignette with the 5D.

The Sigma and Canon fisheyes are virtually identical.

Cheers

James

Dashes usually mean not compatible on Ike's port chart.

I have a fealing that the sigma FE is going to vignette on the 5D in the 8" dome.

I plan to try it in the 5503 dome since I allready have it but am uncertain if it will work.

I think this one is going to be trial and error to find the right port.

Other than the difficulty with port choice for the Sigma FE, your list sounds good to me.

I'd recomend starting a tool kit in a water proof case (does you no good to have the tools and find they are rusted out). Screwdrivers, pliars alen wrench set. Get spare o-rings for port, body, and buttons. Some extra C-clips for the buttons. And a set of spare port locks.

Make sure you get at least one backup sync cord.

And if you can afford it would be great to have a backup camera body.

As far as where to buy. No one is going to give you a bulk discount for buying 1 kit. You are spending a lot of money, but you are not buying in bluk. Buy 10 kits and you could probably manage a discount.

Would recomend buying from one of our sponsers. -->

They are knowledgable and can make sure you dont forget anything.

If you know exactly which parts you want, B&H will be cheaper but they cant answer any questions.

Heh, I don't think I'm ready to bulk order yet

I have a 10D that I hope to be able to jury-rig into the enclosure if something goes wrong with the 5D. Did I forget to mention that flood-insurance is already on the shopping list?

I'm housing the Canon 15FE, but James already mentioned that the Sigma and Canon are very close in size and will likely share the same fate in the 8" dome. My reasoning behind wanting to do that is to get both the 16-35 and the FE in the same dome (I also like that the 8" works with many other lenses). On the other hand, perhaps 2 5503 size domes would be just as easy to pack and be cheaper than the 8" to boot.

The notes on the 8" dome description page mention that there will be a mount which moves the dome closer to the housing.... I expect that would resolve the FE issues. No mention on when though.

I believe the new Ike 8" domes are out for beta testing now. I can't wait to see what they've come up with.

Cheers

James

Woops. Didnt see the canon FE part. I assumed sigma because Ikelite claims the Canon FE will vignette in the big dome even on a crop camera so definatly a no go on the 5D.