Lens selection for Sea & Sea 40D

Hi,

Anyone know what would a good macro lense be that fits the NX Standard Macro port in the S&S MDX40? I need to buy a lens and have narrowed my search down to Canon 50mm 2.5 or Sigma 50mm EX DG, however, I'm new to Dslr's and would like to hear if other people have used these lenses underwater?

Blueline

I'm not familiar with your port or housing, but if you are using the Canon 40D camera, have you checked out the Canon EF-S 60 mm macro lens?

Hi Blueline, I think the reason your getting some blank looks here is that the NX standard port is called out as recommended for the Nikon 60mm lens. I'm afraid you've confused us. The two macro lenses that are most highly recommended for the 40D are probably the Canon 60mm macro and the 100mm macro. I'm not familar with the dimensions of the Standard port. I'm afraid it's not "standard". It might work, I just don't know. You may want to check with Reef photo or Backscatter.

Sorry I'm no help,

Steve

Thanks Steve & Canuck,

I think I know what happened. Sorry newbie here.

S&S's chart showed a Canon 400 and a Canon 40D camera. I mistook the the 400 for 40D, even though it did list the NX standard port as compatible with Canon lenses. They recently updated the chart and it no longer lists the previous lenses with the respective focus gear/port items anymore. From what I see, I have to go with the Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro USM, a focus gear, and an NX Zoom port. My only question is whether when the lense extends, if there will be enough space within the port? I guess I can ask the place I ordered it from(not very knowledgable). This time I didn't go with Backscatter because I found the housing a little cheaper somewhere else. I know I should've checked with Backscatter.

Blueline

EF-S 60 is fine in Standard Flat Port (although there is a bit of dead space in the port), and and 100 USM works in Standard Flat + SX Extension Ring.

Easy to get confused. The 100mm macro lens doesn't change length when you focus, so that's not a problem. I'm using the DX macro port base and DX macro port 50 for my 100mm. The NX zoom port has a focus knob/ gear that you really don't need because the focus gear is already built into the S&S 40D housing. The guys like Backscatter and Reef photo and UW Tech I've worked with are all extremely knowledgable and love to help us out. All of the Wetpixel sponsors are great folks to work with. There are so many fine points and idiosycracies to understand with this U/W photography equipment that it's important to find a supplier you can work with who can help you come up the curve.

Edit; Ryan and I tied; There you go blueline; straight from the man at Reef Photo.

Steve

Hi Steve/Ryan,

Thanks for the info. I was told it's too late to revise my order for the port, therefore, I have to stick with the NX Standard Flat port. I guess to accomodate the Canon 100mm I'll have to buy the SX extension ring. Also, if the 60mm is going to be sitting a bit back from the edge of the port, would that create any problems(i.e. port may show up as part of the picture?) The 60mm is 2.7 by 2.9 and the Port is 5.3x3.9 I think, so it would be sitting 1 inch back, roughly. I was looking at the Sigma 105mm lens too, but I'm not sure since the lens extends, if it'll fit(even though I can use autofocus only). If the port does not have enough space to accomodate the lens when it extends, doesn't that cause scratching on the inside of the port?

Sorry for all the questions. I wish a store was nearby so I can look at the lenses/ports up close before I buy...

Steve, your pictures with the 40D are excellent...

Blueline.

We routinely have TB area customers combine a visit to our store with some Gold Coast diving...

60mm will not vignette.

Sigma 105 has terrible build quality and af speed. Save yourself the trouble and by the Canon 100.

Hi Ryan,

We usually dive at Boynton Beach w/ Splashdown Divers or PB w/ Abernathy. I'll make sure to come by one time and check the store.

Thanks on the info that the 60mm does not vignette. Basically, I'll probably try to buy both the 60mm, 100mm or just the 100mm with the SX Ext ring.

Blueline