Switching from Nikonos RS

Hi all,

I'm a professional nature/landscape photographer, and my gear bag currently has a Canon 1Ds and 1D MII in it. I sometimes shoot underwater, having been diving for 10 years, and I have a wonderful Nikonos RS system (RS, SB-104, 28mm and 50mm lenses), although I used to shoot with a Nikonos V. However, I'm having a really hard time going back to film, and I've been thinking of switching to a digital underwater system for a trip I'm taking in August to the south pacific.

As I looked around, it looks like all the 1-series housings are insanely expensive (more than my 1D!), and I am strongly considering buying a Digital Rebel XT (currently ~600 at B&H) and a housing for it (is it amusing to anyone else that it's cheaper to buy a new camera and full setup than it is to buy a housing for a 1Ds?). I'm leaning towards the Ikelite housing and DS-125 strobe, primarily for the TTL support, but I'm curious to hear what people here think! I will mainly be using my Canon 16-35 L lens, but I'm also considering buying a Canon 100mm macro lens (I shoot with the 180mm above water).

I'm also curious if anyone here's used a housing, Ikelite or otherwise, to do in-water sports work, such as for surfing or kiteboarding. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks!

The 350D and Ikelite housing is about the lowest cost way to go digital. If cost is an issue you can still use your SB-104. You don't really need TTL with digital.

The 16-35 will not be as wide as you're used to on the 350D. You may want to have a look at the Canon 10-22 or Sigma 10-20. The Sigma 15mm FE is also a good wide angle lens for this camera.

The 100mm macro is a great lens. The USM is fast enough to focus on little darting fish.

Yeah, I know all about the 1.6 multiplication factor. However, the Canon 10-22mm lens and the Sigma lens are nowhere near the quality I'm used to.

I was more curious about what people think of the Ikelite housings and operation underwater (as well as if there's something else I should look at). I've looked through the reviews on here, but I'd like to hear from other people actually using the gear.

Best,

Josh

Written a while ago, but applies. I'm certain Ikelite has fixed any and all of the very minor issues I mentioned in the review.

Canon 20D and Ikelite eTTL2 Housing Gear Report. I think the search engines still like it...

You are not going to want to use any dive-intentioned camera housing for surf/watersports photography.