5DII upgrade dilemma - 16-35II is messing me up!

In my prior post, I mentioned that the 14mm has limited utility/incemental value vs. the Sigma 15mm FE in uw photography (IMHO). However, I have to wonder if its lack of distortion might be FAR more valuable when shooting VIDEO (with the 5DII).

Since nobody has shot uw video with the FE vs. other lenses yet (as far as I know), I can't say...but it seems logical that the 14mm (being rectilinear) might produce images/scenes more pleasing to the eye than the FE...(?)

In my prior post, I mentioned that the 14mm has limited utility/incemental value vs. the Sigma 15mm FE in uw photography (IMHO). However, I have to wonder if its lack of distortion might be FAR more valuable when shooting VIDEO (with the 5DII).

 

Since nobody has shot uw video with the FE vs. other lenses yet (as far as I know), I can't say...but it seems logical that the 14mm (being rectilinear) might produce images/scenes more pleasing to the eye than the FE...(?)

Interesting question... the terrestrial film-maker guys I have been watching love having access to Fisheye (and other of "our" special lenses) via the 5dmki, so I wouldn't discount it's use UW... until we've tried it... very soon hopefully...

I have a complete Ikelite setup for my 20D and use the EFS 10-22mm with the 8" dome port. Great combination and works fine. But, I just bought a 5DII and want to use that UW instead. So, I was about ready to list my 20D, housing, 10-22mm etc on eBay when I learned from the Ike site that the 16-35 Mark II is not supported in an Ike housing. That stopped me in my tracks. I wrongly assumed that most all Canon FF shooters would be using the 16-35II for a WA zoom. I don't want to buy the Mark I version of 16-35 nor the 17-40 as they would duplicate the 16-35II (which works great on land). That leaves me with the $2,000 14mm 2.8. Is this the preferred WA lens for Canon FF folks?

 

This is going to be an expensive upgrade! My 20D gear (camera, housing, 10-22 etc) isn't worth much used. Any suggestions on how I can move to the 5DII other than not using Ikelite?

Since you are buying a new housing anyway( a 5D mark II) won't fit in a 20d housing) consider the Aquatica I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a prototype at Backscatter and I AM SOLD! it is the best price of all the aluminium housings at $2999.00 as Subal is $4350.00 and projected price for Sea and Sea is $3399.00 to $3999.00. AND you can use the 16-35mm II Canon lens in that housing.The gang at backscatter went above and beyond going over all the differences of the housing and considered my budget in helping make my decision.Thanx Backscatter

I'm in the process of upgrading from a 5D to a 5DmkII. I've been using the 17-40L on the 5D and it's a great WA, but you get soft corners below f18. Instead of cropping, I'll sometimes use the burn tool to darken the corners, bringing your eye back into the foreground in the process.

Most people I've seen on boats with full-frame Canons are shooting the Canon 100mm macro, Canon 17-40L and Sigma fisheye. Opinion on this board is that the Sigma focuses better than the Canon 15mm. The Sigma 15mm is my next lens (one of these days...)

...Most people I've seen on boats with full-frame Canons are shooting the Canon 100mm macro, Canon 17-40L and Sigma fisheye. Opinion on this board is that the Sigma focuses better than the Canon 15mm. The Sigma 15mm is my next lens (one of these days...)

I think those three lenses provide a solid kit that covers most of the bases (until you get into super-macro, which requires additional stuff - longer macro lens, TC's, etc.). My sense is that the reason so many of us use the Sigma 15FE isn't necessarily that it focuses (or otherwise functions) better than the Canon, but that it functions at least as well, and at significantly lower price.

The Sigma pulls focus a bit tighter than the Canon according to the specs – 8" versus 15" for the Canon. I'm close to buying one.

You also gotta have a Woody's/Nexus Diopter for your macro port to use as a doubler. I use that all the time, and love being able to "change lenses" underwater. And they're cheap (as underwater photo equipment goes...)