Midrange lense characteristics

I am using a D300 in an Ikelite housing. I use the Nikon 12-24, like it other than it is a little soft on the edges. I have not tried it with a diopter or in the bigger 8 inch Ikelite port. I also use a Tokina 100mm macro which I enjoy.

There is a lot of discussion about what a lense should do to make it work well under water. Good glass of course, but also close focusing ( what ever close is). But I also get the sense that a lense that both zooms and focuses internally is advantageous especially if it is behind a dome port.

Primarily I am looking for a lense maybe 35 and 70 or 80 mm.

Am I looking for the right thing and what specific lenses should I look at. I only get to shoot 1-2 trips per year so not a lot of time to just play with the gear.

Thanks I learn a lot in this forum keep up the good work.

Mike

I may be the only big fan of the Nikon 12-24. With Subal's large dome and the right ext. ring I find mine sharp. So you might want to try the 8" dome.

As far as your question. I shoot the Nikon 17-55. Fast and the best optics. Also focuses very quickly. Downsides are the cost, weight, and that it doesn't focus real close. Meaning no macro.

A cheap alternative is the Tokina DX 35 mm macro. Great for small to medium size shots. Fast. Good optics. Drawback is that it is not a zoom.

Since you are already shooting with a 12-24 go to the 60mm micro.