Tokina 10-17 Mysterious Light Ring?

So I recently borrowed a Tokina 10-17 and took it on a dive trip with my Nikon D200. I use an Aquatica Housing with the 8" dome and bought the extension ring recommended for this lens.

Occasionally I was getting this light ring at the bottom portion of my images. It didn't matter if the image was ambient light or strobe lit.

Someone mentioned that it might be the reflection of the gold ring on the lens onto the port, but not positive.

Here's a photo example of what I mean:

Any ideas of what this could be?

Thanks and mucho appreciated.

~Abi

Abi (sorry about calling you Chris earlier)

I don't see your photo?

No worries Jeff.

Ooops, I think I had the external links turned off for that gallery. Now it should be working?

~abi

movement artifact?

It probably is a reflection. The shade on the lens isn't matte black - it's a bit shiny. I've had the same thing, though usually when shooting silhouettes or otherwise pointing the dome at the sun. Usually it's in the lower half of the image, just like in your shot. The shade reflects back on the dome and the reflection from the inside of the dome is what you're seeing.

I'm way too clumsy to even think about painting the shade flat black - I'd end up painting the lens for sure no matter how careful I was. I think there's a thread around here somewhere about a Canon lens with a similar issue where the solution involved glueing some felt onto the front of the lens but I'm not sure that would be practical with the 10-17.

So... I'm just ignoring it for now. Doesn't show up in all that many of my shots fortunately.

Clinton

I've seen the same thing, again only occasionally and in the lower half of the picture as gecko1 says. I think it's some kind of reflection as well. Interested in any explanations/fixes folks may have...

Thanks,

Phil

Here's the link to Stephen's article about a potential fix to the problem. Good Luck!

http://wetpixel.com/i.php/full/a-low-tech-...h-tech-problem/

Steve

I get it too with my Tokina 10-17 in a S&S + dome port.

My lens gear is sort of silver colored, and it can show up in my images, especially in the same spot as yours does. It is very annoying. I have been advised to paint the gear black or put on some gaffer's tape on it to prevent the reflection we are seeing. I have not done that yet, but will prior to the next time I plan to use the lens.

As always, Mr. Williams, your input is spot on. I'll be taking a good hard look at my lens - from the front!

Gracias amigo!

Phil

For me, the shade reflection was much more problematic than any reflections off the zoom gear. I wonder if anyone will risk putting some matte paint along the shiny edges of the shade. Could work.

The reflection can be annoyingly prominent, especially in dark water.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielandrewc...57603966205041/

Steve,

Thanks so much for the link to that article. Very helpful.

Looks like I need to get CRAFTY!!!!

There are soooo many variables in underwater photography . . . maybe that's why it's so addicting! ; )

~abi