Canon 40D lens Options

Thanks guys i guess i will try the AF button since i use an ikelite housing. Also may be a canon 10-22 should be my next lens?

I started on this forum earlier in the week, and "decided' to get the G9. Then after reading some more, I "decided' to get the Nikon 300D. Now, after reading a lot from a lot of different places, and after holding the Sony A700, Nikon 300D, and the Canon 40D and considering prices of all three and my never having shot with an SLR before, I decided to "Settle" on the Canon. (I really like the idea of the splash proof Nikon but think the Canon will be easier to use...).

Anyway, it seems everybody is happy with their 40D and its ability to focus underwater. That is obviously a critical factor. I've never composed shots using a viewfinder, and thus did not like the Sony A700's inability to use live view (even if it seems that most people use the viewfinder underwater).

Ikelite just informed me that my flash was indeed broken - a circuit board had gone bad. That was my first experience with an external flash (destroyed most of my photos by overexposing). Funny thing is, if the damned thing worked as it was supposed to, I'd probably not even be buying an slr camera...

What is the "best" option for the housing? I have "saved" a bundle by talking myself out of the Nikon. I expect that I will be satisfied with a single decent flash. I have no idea if I need TTL or not, having only had 1 bad experience with a flash that happened to have been broken....

My next dive trip is in July. Going to bahamas. Hoping for some shark action. I would love a set up that gave me a decent lens for shark photography and which would also allow me to get a macro shot of something small. I understand that requires two lenses on an slr -- is that the case even if I get up really close to the shark?

I am going to go read my photography book, "Mastering Digital SLR Photography, 2d Ed. B david Busch...I know it won't answer these questions but hopefully it'll make me a more intelligent photographer....

Anyway, if someone has a spoon, and would care to comment on the best housing for this D40 camera, I'd appreciate it. I need to know what kind of port/domes I need as well as what kind of lenses. Lots of people favoring Tokina 10-17 Fisheye, and some the Canon FE 15mm. I haven't a clue what I can shoot with either lens, but if happened to be "Sharks and Nudibranchs" I'd be one happy camper...

Anyway, if someone has a spoon, and would care to comment on the best housing for this D40 camera, I'd appreciate it. I need to know what kind of port/domes I need as well as what kind of lenses. Lots of people favoring Tokina 10-17 Fisheye, and some the Canon FE 15mm. I haven't a clue what I can shoot with either lens, but if happened to be "Sharks and Nudibranchs" I'd be one happy camper...

Hi David,

I'm quessing you need to be careful how you weigh peoples answers to your question of who has the best housing. Lots of good ones out there and most folks tend to like the one they bought. (Helps us justify the expense). I love my Sea & Sea for the 40D, but I've never dove anything else for digital. Since you need to do something in a hurry I would recommend you head for one of the shops and compare in person. There are a lot of variables, kind of images you want to take, lenses available, ports, strobes, etc. A reputable firm will ask a bunch of questions before giving you some recommendations. If your in the US I have been impressed with U'W Phototech on the east coast, Reef Photo in Florida and Backscatter in CA.in no partcular order. All of these folks have nice shops with real stuff you can hold in your hands and compare. I didn't see what part of the world you're in so not sure where to point you.

As too your Sharks and nudibrach lens, I guess it depends on how close you want to get to the Shark . If that magic lens exists, I haven't heard of it. I'm falling in love with the Tokina 10-17 and I'm finding it will do an amazing job getting much closer for smaller subjects than I expected. But for the killer macro nudibrach profile you're still going to need the 60mm or the 100mm. If you click on the Sea & Sea link to the right, you can see take a look at their system charts that list the availble ports etc. just to get an idea. Good Luck

Steve

Thanks, Steve. I'm in New York. I have a colleague that does a lot of UW photography and moonlights at B&H. Once they open again, I will pick his brain and perhaps let them pick my pocket. I take it the Tonika 10-17 does a good job with the big life? I am more than happy having lens that lets me shoot fast swimming sharks and gives me a"good" but not "stellar" macro shot. I have to grow into my future camera, and don't drool over the idea of having a plethora of lenses for the "perfect shot"

Thanks, Steve. I'm in New York. I have a colleague that does a lot of UW photography and moonlights at B&H.

Steve

......if happened to be "Sharks and Nudibranchs" I'd be one happy camper...

Then lenses I use with my 40D are Tokina 10-17 & 12-24, Sigma 17-70 and Canon 60 & 100 macro. Out of those the three that get the most use are the 10-17, 17-70 and 100.

just got back from the Solomons - decided to try the 60 M on my 20d instead of the 100 for better autofocus

60 is marginally better autofocus, and a pretty good fish lens -- but the working distance in my Aquatica macro port is only about 2 inches at 1:1 - too close to the subject to get any light in, and for many subjects just too close

i had hoped that the aiming light on my Inon would be enough for focusing, but it is not. my conclusion is that the 100 is the better choice for macro - and i need a good focus light

part of this trip also included a shark feed in Fiji and whale sharks in WA. the 10-22 worked well

Oh man if I lived close to B&H I'd be in there all the time. Be prepared for a major step up in size, cost, and work involved in going from the G9 to the 40D. Have your friend show you some choices. There are some stellar images being made with the mid range cameras. At the same time don't be too freaked out by the size of the DSLR housing, it handles really nice in the water. Have them add up all the costs of the different rigs for you. Ports, arms, lenses, etc. for you to make an intelligent decision. Have a great time and enjoy!

 

Steve

All - Have purchased a Canon 40D to replaced my drowned CZ5060. Have been using with a Canon 17-85 lens topside with good results as we all wait for the housings to be released. Personally I have my eye on the Aquatica... but we'll see. Now looking for advice on two specific lens categories (trying to spread out the cash bleed....) wide angle and macro.

 

Advice and counsel much appreciated!!

 

thanks,

 

r

The 60mm Macro will work wonders

The 60mm Macro will work wonders

A agree on the 60 and the Tokina 10-17

Bill

A consideration - r.e. a decision between the 60 and 100 mm macro lenses, I think it depends where you are doing most of your shooting. I like my 60 locally because of the close minimum focal distance in local murky water. That said, I think the 100 mm is a more versatile lens overall it does give you a longer initial minimum focal distance than the 60 which works in clearer water with skittish beasts - to increase magnification with retained autofocus, you can add a teleconverter, or you can add various dry (or wet) diopters - and the latter will reduce your focal distance, as well (I have been using my 100 and a +3 dry diopter a lot more than my 60 mm lens recently). Furthermore, if you think there is a chance you might go to a full-frame Canon camera ever, the 100 will be useable, where as the 60 EF-S lens will not. YMMV.

For wide angle, Tokina 10-17 is my fave.