Assembling a complete system...

I am working on assembling my first UW kit and want to make sure I am not forgetting anything as I lay out a budget...

Here's what I have so far...

DSLR Body (Nikon D3)

WA Lenses (14-24mm (not ideal, i know), 24-70, 16mm Fisheye)

Macro Lens (105mm (not VR))

Housing

Domes

Strobes x 2

Focus Light

Strobe Arms

Case to hold it all...

What am I missing? I feel like there is probably some stuff missing but don't know what. I am after a complete list. Small stuff included. I need to get a total budget worked up.

Thanks!

Best,

Drew

Hi Drew,

Cables to fire the strobes! Flat port for the 105mm. Extension ring for the 14-24mm. Flood insurance.

Here is a picture of a D3 in action (with a 105mm VR). So you can identify if there are any other bits you are missing:

It does depend on what you plan to photograph. Also, I'd say at your stage of the process that your dealer will be the most help.

Alex

Hey Drew,

Think about how to get your images home, maybe a portable hardrive, I'm assuming you have a laptop. You'll want a copy of Lightroom or similar program if you don't have one now. Oh yeah, don't forget to save enough money to be able to go diving when your new rig arrives.

Cheers,

Steve

Alex and Steve,

Thanks for the help. I should mention that photography is my profession topside so I have all that goes with that. Its just the UW side I am new to.

I look forward to it as it has been a dream for some time.

Alex, to answer your question. I have a project coming up that will be a lot of WA and diver portrait work but for my personal future work I will also include more macro stuff.

Best,

Drew

hey Drew, congrats on getting a new system

the small stuff will really add up!

here's a list:

zoom gears for your zoom lenses

plastic rear port covers (not always included with the ports)

neoprene port cover for the dome port

sync cables (cords) for your strobes

potentially a spare sync cord & spare strobe

rechargable batteries & charger for strobe and/or focus light

some housings will need an addtional "hot shoe attachment", arm and clamp to attach a focus light

descicants for housing

lint-free cloth for wiping off housing

various ball & joint clamps and housing/strobe adapters for your strobe arms; $$ - these will add up also

storm or pelican case

queen size mattress (to fall onto when you pass out from sticker shock)

hope this helps

Scott

Scott,

Thats what I was afraid of. I remember it was the little things that killed me when I switched to digital... Trying to stay ahead of the surprises this time.

Thanks!

Drew

Don't forget about spare parts. Spare EVERYTHING electrical/electronic, including strobe, chargers, hot shoe adapter, housing bulkhead connectors, sync cord, etc. Also include a complete rebuild kit for your housing (ALL the o-rings & misc stuff). This should all be minor expenses compared to your D3. Oh- maybe a backup body? One stays in housing & one available for topside shots. Just a suggestion on insurance - look for any peril any where, not just flooding.

Don't forget about spare parts. Spare EVERYTHING electrical/electronic, including strobe, chargers, hot shoe adapter, housing bulkhead connectors, sync cord, etc. Also include a complete rebuild kit for your housing (ALL the o-rings & misc stuff). This should all be minor expenses compared to your D3. Oh- maybe a backup body? One stays in housing & one available for topside shots. Just a suggestion on insurance - look for any peril any where, not just flooding.

Hey Drew,

I share your enthusiasm! I'm just getting into UWP too, and am also a topside pro. Something you might want to consider, as I did, is housing a D300 instead of your D3. I didn't want to house one of my D3s for a couple of reasons, after having asked around here first: the size and weight of it being a main one, and the cost were a flood to happen. I asked here also about typical ISOs underwater and the answers were usually very low, so I thought I might not need that feature of the D3... so I bought a D300 to house. Have you considered picking up a D700? Might be a good option. Of course, shooting with the D3s topside myself, I understand the appeal of taking that underwater! It'll be awesome!

Here are some pics of my new set up, in case you're interested:

http://coreymcnabb.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-toys.html

Looking forward to seeing some pics with your new gear!

Corey