Decision: Macro Port? or New Lens + Zoom Ring?

Have a bit of a dilemma and am looking for a few pointers -

I have an Aquatica housing, 9'' dome, dual strobes.

I'm headed off for a trip in June and am torn between two purchase decisions:

1) Tokina 10-17mm lens and zoom ring (Rough cost, $550)

or

2) Manual focus Macro Port + extension ring (Rough cost $550)

??

Daylon

what lenses have you got now?

Well, right now I have the 105mm + focus ring... that's it. Was probably going to rent a 10mm fisheye for my upcoming trip if I went with the macro port package....

I'd hate to go on a trip and be 100% wide angle, or 100% macro, ya know?

what lenses have you got now?

Hi Daylon,

So let me summarize (and correct me if I'm wrong):

You have a 105mm Macro lens

You have a 9" dome port.

That's backwards!!! :-) Well - technically you CAN shoot the 105 in the dome but you may scratch the dome and you'll get really frustrated.

Let us know where you're going and we can help you decide if you should go WA or Macro centric.

Cheers

James

If you can only afford one lens, then give up a little on either end and go for a 17/18-XXmm lens with Macro capability, depending on your camera. Sigma has a few which are decent. These lenses will cover you from 77° and up to 1:2.3 macro and you can use it with your dome port with just an extension ring. Then you can add the 10-17 and macro port later.

Otherwise, you can sell the 9" dome port, buy the much cheaper 8" and get both the macro port for the 105 and the 10-17. I do HAVE to ask why you'd buy a big dome port with a macro lens?

I love my Tokina 10-17, but it is a very limited lens. It is best for non-moving subjects as you have to all but touch the subject with the dome to get a decent picture. It is a poor lens to try to get large pelagics or moving critters.

Hi Daylon, where're you travelling to? This might give you some idea as to what to go with. ie if it's a location that's great for macro, you might be better off buying a port, of if it's a location for WA with very little macro, well, you get the idea.

That's what I was hoping to use it for - grrr..

I'm heading to Cayman for 8 days (aggressor trip) - in late June - anyone know the local fauna during this time?

I love my Tokina 10-17, but it is a very limited lens. It is best for non-moving subjects as you have to all but touch the subject with the dome to get a decent picture. It is a poor lens to try to get large pelagics or moving critters.

Well, it USED to have an AF macro port and extension ring, but those were on loaner from the original owner, so I had to give em back. Already had the 105mm, so just bought a focus rin for that.

I'm thinking I'm going to go the MF Macro port + extension ring.. and if I have any money left over rent something like a 12-24mm for the trip for my WA shots?

D.

Hi Daylon,

 

So let me summarize (and correct me if I'm wrong):

 

You have a 105mm Macro lens

You have a 9" dome port.

 

That's backwards!!! :-) Well - technically you CAN shoot the 105 in the dome but you may scratch the dome and you'll get really frustrated.

 

Let us know where you're going and we can help you decide if you should go WA or Macro centric.

 

Cheers

James