60mm lens & UV filter

Hello All,

I'd appreciate your advice.

For use with my Nikkor 60mm micro lens topside, I have attached a UV filter. Should it be the case that I have had this attached to the lens when I take it underwater, will having the filter on affect anything? (Brand is B&W if that matters?) I can easily take it off, but if it won't adversely affect any of my shots, do I need to? Will it help any of the shots? (This will be housed in a Subal with its flat port for the 60mm - and I don't believe it will be too long internally in the port unless I am wrong?)

On a separate note, I was thinking of experimenting with a +2.0 diopter with this 60mm lens as well for underwater (just to see the effects). Would there be a reason not to and/or is there a better diopter to use in combination with this lens underwater?

Thank you for your help and advice.

Paquito

There should be no problem using the UV filter underwater. The only concern would be if it causes the lens to hit the port at full extension. Focus the lens all the way out and make sure it still fits.

Most people try to remove any extra glass that could minutely reduce the quality. I don't think you will see any difference but the philosophy is to get the best image possible.

I wouldn't use a diopter with the 60mm. The only point of a diopter is to improve the magnification by allowing you to focus closer than you would otherwise. The 60mm already focuses incredibly close. Any closer and you would squish your subject with the port. It will also limit your infinty focus to very very close. I like to use the 60mm in the range of 1-3 feet. You don't want a diopter. Use a diopter with the 105mm.

If you do use a diopter use the double element type like the 5T or 6T (62mm thread for the 60mm). This one is discontinued so the Canon 500D with a 62-72mm or 62-77mm step up ring is the best bet.

Leaving a UV filter in place will have little effect, but it might just cause increased colour fringes in the corners on high contrast details (the flat port will do this to some extent due to chromatic problems caused by shooting through a thick piece of glass/plastic - it can be corrected to a degree in photoshop). You would need to know what to look for though so unless you require a very substantial print, its probably not a big deal.

Paul Kay,

What do you mean by a substantial prints, can you give me an example of the size you are talking about?

Would the quality of the UV filter help eliminate the filter's capacity to add to color fringing, leaving just the port to be factored in?

I try to use better quality UV filters not only to protect the lens underneath, but to gain clearer image quality through it versus the really low-end version of filter. Its not a concern for me to remove the filter before housing though I wasn't sure if it made a difference? Thank you.

Paquito