S&S Dome questions and Macro Lens questions, help me choose!

Hi all,

 

Once again, after more and more research, I am getting even more lost because of options and choices....If I could get some advice on the following questions, I would be most grateful;

 

1) Is the Optical Dome port from Sea & Sea very much heavier than the standard Acrylic Domes? I have to fly to all dive destinations and would like to plan my gear allowances. The Optical dome is much more expensive too. Are the benefits truly worth it and what may they be? I am planning to use it with a Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 Macro HSM lens with the gears from FIT. What's your vote (if you were in my shoes and why)?

 

2) I was all set to purchase a 105mm F2.8 Macro VR Lens by Nikon......I am changing my system from a Sonly Alpha to Nikons D300 and liked using the 105mm by SOny/Minolta. After much thought, I am wondering if this is indeed a good choice for me. I will be diving all over the world....but a lot of it will be in Asia...Mabul Island, Sipadan, Palau, etc. Muck diving. with the vis so bad, should I be using a 60mm to get closer and reduce backscatter? Perhaps I could use a diopter and reduce distance to subject and increase magnification? (Is this true??) I am so lost....it cost so much to house these lenses....the DX port from Sea & Sea does not seem to be able to be used with the 60mm....I have enough to carry and would like to limit my travel camera bag to 1 dome and 1 Macro setup....should it be the 60 or the 105? I love Macro.....the really tiny stuff...

 

Your opinion is greatly appreciated

1) Is the Optical Dome port from Sea & Sea very much heavier than the standard Acrylic Domes?

 

Are the benefits truly worth it and what may they be?

 

2) I was all set to purchase a 105mm F2.8 Macro VR Lens by Nikon......I am changing my system from a Sonly Alpha to Nikons D300 and liked using the 105mm by SOny/Minolta.

 

....the DX port from Sea & Sea does not seem to be able to be used with the 60mm

 

....should it be the 60 or the 105? I love Macro.....the really tiny stuff...

Hi, I'm new to all this myself so please take what I say with a grain of salt. I've been researching the same issues for about a year now so I can help with some of your questions. There are some great discussions here on wetpixel that will provide some more info. Check out the pinned threads on "Getting more than 1:1 macro" in this forum. As to 60mm vs 105mm question, the answer seems to vary with your skill level and preference for subjects. Both lenses will give you the same 1:1 frame size. The 60mm requires you to be closer to the subject than the 105mm. The qeneral opinion here is that the 60mm is easier to use for the beginner. The 105mm lets you get further away from the subject for the same frame size. If your shooting the "tiny stuff" like blenny's that will be scared away it might be the way to go.

 

As to your optical port question, The answer as with alot of underwater photgraphy seems to be "It depends" I know that's not what you want to hear but I've come to understand that part of the fun is discovering what works well for you. Think of it as a treasure hunt. First, have you seen the latest system chart from Sea & Sea? It's hidden on the maintenance page of their English version site. http://www.seaandsea.com/system_charts.html

 

I'm not sure how the 18-50 will work behind a dome. Generally the cutoff for flat ports is about 35mm, right in the middle of your zoom range. You might want to look at the tokina 10-17mm. There are some great images being made with that lens. If your looking for wide angle that is a good way to go.

 

Glass vs acrylic. What I think I've learned; Glass is a little better optically, and won't scratch as easily but if it is scratched is hard to fix. Acrylic is less expensive and if scratched can be repaired. Great images taken with both. The correct answer is driven by your lens to a great degree.

 

That will get you started. A gerat option is to go down to one of the shops depending on your location and just ask what they recommend. I've found almost all are very knowledgable and do this for a living so they have the answers. Backscatter in Monterrey has been great with me, as has Underwater Photo Tech in NH. Ocean Optics in London has some great info on their web site. Use the search capability here on wetpixel too. It's a great resource. Have fun!

 

Steve

Steve.... you helped me more than you know....

 

I will bite the bullet....I was looking for validation on my choices....but you are right!

 

I will get the Optical glass dome....I have already gone so far as to decide on the DSLR route!....I will also go ahead with the 105mmVR...I loved this lens topside and would have bought it anyway...if I need a 60 for my kind of diving (as I may find out later), then I will just have to buy the lens and port and learn what to bring depending on where I go.....

 

I just hope I dont find a Manatee grinning 1ft away from my face when I have a 105mmVR at hand.....

Just take a shot of her eye and post it. Have Fun!

 

Steve

The optical glass dome is not a big dome. It has a middle-of-the-road radius. The big Sea and Sea acrylic dome (called the fisheye dome) is huge, and has a really large radius.

 

The fisheye dome performs better w/ digital wideangle lenses like the Nikon 12-24 and the Canon 10-22 in my opinion. It doesn't require a strong diopter (and can be used without one as well).

 

Cheers

James

I read that the Optical Dome comes in a case.....does anyone know what kind of case it is? is it solid enough for transportation in baggage? Is the dome heavy?

 

I wish all these ports would have covers bundled with them....kind of silly to have to buy it separately....