S&S Optical Glass Dome or S&S Fisheye Dome Port ?

i intend to use one of the follow, S&S Optical Glass Dome or S&S Fisheye Dome Port, with Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 , i will appreciate any of your help and advise.

Thanks.

Hi,

In fact, there are 3 different S&S dome ports.

Glass Dome Port

Compact Dome Port

Large Dome Port

Glass Dome Port is for real quality shot but, same size as compact dome & is not ideal for split shot & price will be about 3 times of compact dome. Compact dome is small & easy to carry. Good for general shot. Large dome port is big & bulky but, good for over/under split shot & you can get closer to object when compare with using compact port. Any of above dome port is good for 15mm Wide.

Sam

Hi,

In fact, there are 3 different S&S dome ports.

Glass Dome Port

Compact Dome Port

Large Dome Port

 

Glass Dome Port is for real quality shot but, same size as compact dome & is not ideal for split shot & price will be about 3 times of compact dome. Compact dome is small & easy to carry. Good for general shot. Large dome port is big & bulky but, good for over/under split shot & you can get closer to object when compare with using compact port. Any of above dome port is good for 15mm Wide.

 

Sam

if you had to choose between a compact dome and large dome port when shooting with a 10.5mm fisheye lens, and didn't care about over/under splits, which would you choose?

how much closer can you get with the large dome port, does it make that much of a difference? and what is the difference is size/weight?

thanks alot! I know the answers might be a little subjective

Scott

finally i think i shall preer S&S Compact Dome Port with Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM.

are they compatible or i should need a extension ring?

I have always been impressed with the image quality from the large Sea and Sea dome.

Alex

I have always been impressed with the image quality from the large Sea and Sea dome.

 

Alex

well i am really starting to confuse myself so let's reach a conclusion! i will ask you straight out Alex as you are a luminary in photography. What would you suggest

1. S&S Glass Dome Port + Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

2. S&S Large Dome Port + Canon EF 15mm f/2.8

or what ?

p.s. i am a bid fun of your photos

I don't own any Sea and Sea housings. So I don't have that much first had experience.

But my opinion is that the SS large dome is optically very good - one of the best domes around. And the only reason SS introduced the glass dome was that some felt that SS should have a glass dome because they are considered superior. But I would be surprised if anyone can see any improvement over the large dome.

I have seen many glass domes that are inferior to SS large dome. And if it was me I would get the large dome as opposed to the smaller glass one.

I would get a Sigma 15mm FE - as opposed to the Canon one. Cheaper and closer focusing.

But I don't use Sea and Sea or Canon. So you might want to wait for an opinion of someone who actually owns this kit.

Alex

if you had to choose between a compact dome and large dome port when shooting with a 10.5mm fisheye lens, and didn't care about over/under splits, which would you choose?

 

how much closer can you get with the large dome port, does it make that much of a difference? and what is the difference is size/weight?

 

thanks alot! I know the answers might be a little subjective

 

Scott

Hi,

Sea&sea web site shows;

Large Dome Port

• Dimensions (DIAxD): 242x104mm / 9.7x4.2inch

• Weight: Approx. 1,000g / 35oz

• Construction: Corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy (alumite coating, antireflection coating)

- Dome: Acrylic

- Hood: ABS resin

Compact Dome Port

• Dimensions (DIAxD): 174x79.5mm / 7.0x3.2inch

• Weight: Approx. 410g / 14.4oz

• Construction: Corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy (alumite coating, antireflection coating)

- Dome: Acrylic

- Hood: ABS resin

and I started with S&S compact dome + 16mm w/F100 film camera. Problem with 16mm

is (even though it covers 180 degree like 10.5mm does on digital) you cannot get closer

to object. I removed filter from the lens & it helped little bit but, not much. Solution was remove

filter (than little focusing problem on infinity) & use large dome port. I use large dome exclusively

on my film cameras.

I also, use 10.5mm with D200 & found it is different lens & you can get closer to object with

small dome. And with Kenko TC, you can use even smaller dome(Nexus offer 4 inch dome).

I think it is good to have both dome port but, compact dome is O.K. too.

Sam

I have them all!

My conclusions: Big acrylic best for edge-to-edge sharpness. The glass port is nearly as good but is better for tough swims, such as when photographing whalesharks. The compact port? Too small to use asa fruit bowl!

the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM is compatible whith the S&S Dome ports ?

Hi,

It is U$3,000.- "L" lens & is even not listed in S&S system chart. but, it covers 114 degree & you might need extension ring but, you should be able to use it with S&S dome port.

Sam