WTB: Complete Canon DSLR Underwater System

I'm a nature and wildlife photographer interested in getting into underwater photography and I'm looking for a Canon DSLR setup to get started. My ideal setup would be a 5D and housing, with a port and zoom ring for the 17-40, plus strobes. However, I'm interested in any of the newer Canon DSLR bodies (Rebel XT, Rebel XTi, 20D, 30D). I'd be interested in a 40D, 1D2N, 1Ds2, 1D3, or 1Ds3 if you were willing to sell super cheap. If you are considering the sale of a complete setup please let me know.

Just as a heads up, I'm on quite a budget. I just graduated from college in May and I'm working for a non-profit outdoor education company where my salary is very very low. I've always loved underwater photography however, and would love to give it a try, but I can't see myself using a slow-responding point-and-shoot. I'd like to spend under $800 for a setup, but could go higher for one of the higher end DSLR bodies. I'd be willing to exchange some prints as payment as well. View my website at www.karipost.com to see samples of my work.

I'm a nature and wildlife photographer interested in getting into underwater photography and I'm looking for a Canon DSLR setup to get started. My ideal setup would be a 5D and housing, with a port and zoom ring for the 17-40, plus strobes. However, I'm interested in any of the newer Canon DSLR bodies (Rebel XT, Rebel XTi, 20D, 30D). I'd be interested in a 40D, 1D2N, 1Ds2, 1D3, or 1Ds3 if you were willing to sell super cheap. If you are considering the sale of a complete setup please let me know.

 

Just as a heads up, I'm on quite a budget. I just graduated from college in May and I'm working for a non-profit outdoor education company where my salary is very very low. I've always loved underwater photography however, and would love to give it a try, but I can't see myself using a slow-responding point-and-shoot. I'd like to spend under $800 for a setup, but could go higher for one of the higher end DSLR bodies. I'd be willing to exchange some prints as payment as well. View my website at www.karipost.com to see samples of my work.

There is a 10D with ike housing on ebay going at a good price right now. (I have no connection to that listing)

Less than $800 for a body, strobes, housing, ports, gears, arms, and sync cords may be very hard to accomplish.IMHO

Less than $800 for a body, strobes, housing, ports, gears, arms, and sync cords may be very hard to accomplish.IMHO

Hell, $800 for a 5D and I'll buy two.

Bill

Hi,

I have an Aquatica housing (two nikonos Alarm, bulk head and TTL) and the Canon Rebel 300d body....I will be able to include one arm (two sections no clamps) and one YS-50 at your price. If you research the postings on this housing/camera you will find excellent reviews....many professional photographers are really please with the results.

Ed

Did you buy a housing?

Check out the www.hups.org website. A member has a Canon 20D for sell with Ikelite housing.

Thanks for the tip.

I still haven't purchased an underwater setup yet. I'm leaning more towards a 350D, 400D, 450D, 20D, or 30D housing and camera (still would love a 5D housing if it was affordable) because I think they'll provide a good balance between quality and value without breaking the bank, with decent enough high ISO performance and focusing ability. Also, if I flood one of these housings while just starting up (I don't think I would, as I'm extremely careful), at least I won't lose a very expensive camera. I'd love a Sea&Sea housing because thats what I think I'll eventually use, but I know they are more expensive so not entirely necessary for a beginner setup.

Once again, my ideal setup would be:

Canon 350D, 400D, 450D, 20D, 30D, or 5D Camera with Housing

Dome Port to be used with Canon's 17-40mm Zoom

Zoom Gear to be used with Canon's 17-40mm Zoom

Strobe with appropriate Strobe Arm

O-Rings and necessary Accessories

Other items I might be interested in include:

Canon 15mm Fisheye Lens with Dome Port

Canon 60mm Macro Lens with Flat Macro Port

Keep throwing offers my way if you can. I've wanted an underwater setup for quite a while and just never managed to bite the bullet and get one. I'm still looking for a killer deal, since my opportunities for underwater photography will be rather limited, but I still want to give it a try and always have the option of shooting underwater. Thanks!!!

you really should just buy a nikonos..........or win the lottery

you really should just buy a nikonos..........or win the lottery

I have absolutely no desire to shoot film at all, especially underwater where having instant feedback would greatly help me learn. I'm in no rush to get gear at all, I'd rather hold out and get a nice setup when I know I can use it. Right now, I have limited opportunities for photography as is, and even fewer underwater, but if I could get a setup cheap to play around with, I'd really like the chance.

I agree w/ the others, I think your expectations are too high. A used 5D still runs $1,500 or above. Not to mention a housing.

If you want to get a nice setup cheap - then I'd recommend an Ikelite 10D housing + camera. This is the first generation of Ike's new smaller housing. You can probably get housing+camera for <$1,000 on Ebay. Pick up a used Ikelite SS100 or SS150 on ebay for <$100. Those strobes are no longer supported by Ikelite though - but they are cheap and reliable.

Cheers

James