Lens choice for over/under shots with emphasis on "over"

What's the best wide-angle lens to use on an APS-C Canon in Ikelite housing and 8" dome port for over/under shots when the emphasis is on the subjects above the surface? For example, if I wanted to shoot a large boat or beachfront home and capture the surface of the water but not much below, what should I use?

I've got the 17-40 but I'm wondering if I should go back to the Tokina 10-17 or perhaps something else.

Hi Dan,

I've had some success with the Tokina 10-17mm on my 40D, very easy to do. I used the S&S fisheye dome for these. I'm guessing it would be similar to the 8" Ike.

I've never tried my 17-40.

Cheers,

Steve

If the emphasis is really on the "over" then I would go for a rectilinear lens. This was shot with the Nikon 12-24mm on APS-C D2X. I am sure there are several similar Canon options, but it would need to wider than the 17-40mm (the 17-40mm would be fine on full frame).

Fisheye distortion can be a problem if the over part is the most critical portion of the image.

Alex

Yeah, I tried the Tokina 10-17 (I've since sold it) and wasn't crazy about the fishy distortion when focused on topside subjects. Was thinking a rectilinear would be better but, as you noted, Alex, the 17-40 isn't very wide on my 20D. I'm gonna move up to full frame camera soon, but my 20D will remain my u/w rig for a while because I don't dive often enough to justify another setup. So maybe I'll give one of the rectilinear EF-S Tokinas a try.

The Tokina 12-24DX is quite good - and what I would recommend.

Cheers

James

Thanks, James. I'm thinking of the Tokina 12-24 or the 11-16 for my 20D, though the 11-16 seems to be sold out everywhere at the moment. Maybe I'll rent them and give each one a spin behind the dome.

I used the 10-22mm for a load of under overs with good results.

Stew

Hi Alex,

how did you manage to get the light balanced for the over and under water part in your shot?

maybe a sigma 10-20 will perform well as it is a rectilinear lens with short minimum close focus distance (no need for strong diopters or diopters at all).

maybe a sigma 10-20 will perform well as it is a rectilinear lens with short minimum close focus distance (no need for strong diopters or diopters at all).

Unfortunately with ikelite housings this lens can only be used at a fixed focal length.

tokina 11-16mm! I dont like fisheye distortion either.

cheers,

chris

Nice shots, Chris.

I just ordered the Tokina 11-16 today, as B&H finally got some more in stock.