I've recently moved from a Ikelite housed Fuji compact to a nikon D90 in a Aquatica AD90. At the moment I only have a Tokina 10-17mm and the 6" dome port. I would now like to add a macro lens and port to my outfit.
I would be grateful for your thoughts and comments on the following points plus anything else you think is relevant.
1 What focal length lens for first purchase?
2 Aquatica offers two macro ports. Auto focus only and Auto/Manual focus. Is it worth spending the extra on the Auto / Manual port? or will this facility be little used?
Thanks in advance..
Andy.
1 What focal length lens for first purchase?
I am doing the same but but going to Nexus D90. Everyone I contacted and asked here recommended starting with the 60mm micro then if I felt so inclined, to add the 105 micro later. All said the learning curve was such that frustration might be higher, etc if starting with the 105 and many pics lost that would have been taken with the 60. They recommended getting ports for the 60 that could be extended with one extension to use the 105 when I was ready. AQ. owners will have to tell you which ports or your housing supplier, as mine did for me.
No personal experience yet as my rig will not arrive for a few weeks yet. And I am sooo patiently waiting
The 60mm is a great start. And on a D90 will be a pretty versatile lens. You CAN also shoot it behind the 6" dome port if you want to take pictures of slightly bigger subjects.
You will hardly ever find yourself manually focusing the 60mm (like never) so you can go w/ either port now.
Cheers
James
I agree, the 60mm behind the Auto focus flat port is a great lens for fish photography and all you will need is an extension ring in order to add a 105mm for smaller subjects. If you are looking to save money you might be able to find the older 105mm at a good used price.
First the 60 macro, then I recommend getting the new 105VR. All you should need is the standard flat macro port for the 60mm & an extension ring for the 105VR. The old 105 requires a special port to access the AF/M switch on the lens. The VR has AF with manual over-ride, so no need to flip any switches on lens or camera body. You only need the focus gear for the lens. AF on the VR is a lot faster than the old 105. There will be times when you will want manual focus with the 105 (old or VR). (My ref is Nexus but I think it should work the same way with Aquatica.)
Another vote for 60mm. And then, as others have suggested, get a port extension ring when you are ready to go with a 105.
Hi Guys,
Thanks for all your help and advise, I think I will order the Nikkor 60mm 2.8G micro lens, and get the auto only flat port. The saving on this port over the auto / manual is considerable so thanks for that.
I was interested in James comment with regard to using the lens behind my 6" dome port. Will it need a specific extension port ring? ( I have the 18456) and will the image require any correction? The reason for the curiosity is I'm off to the Egyptian Red sea next week. I could get the lens in time for the trip and use the dome port as a stop gap.
Thanks once again,
Andy
If you are going to the Red Sea then don't worry too much about the macro as the Red Sea is mainly wide angle territory.
