Mid-range Wide Angle advice

Hello,

I am in the market for a mid-range WA lense for my D200. I currently use a Subal ND20 housing, with FE2 dome port (and extension ring) and FP-90/3 flat port.

I already have the Tokina 10-17, which is great, but I am looking for something that will allow me to frame large animals without necessarily being within touching distance of them. In particular, something good for fish portraits and skittish pelagics, but ideally still retaining some decent macro/close-focus capability.

I've read a bit about Nikon 12-24, Sigma 17-70, etc., but am still trying to narrow down the field.

Thanks

I got the Sigma 17-70 as a scouting go around lens, I like the close up performance and to be honest 17mm while not dramatically wide is not shabby either, Incidentally I also have a Sigma 10-20mm and a Tokina 10-17mm (don't ask me why I keep buying third party glass for underwater photography!!!), ever since getting the 10-17mm the Sigma 10-20 has not been under once, this being said I too lacked a lens to fill the gap between the Tokina 10-17mm and the 105mm macro, as it happen this 17-70mm actually does a better job of it than my 17-35mm 2.8 did,

So one vote for the 17-70mm!

The Sigma 17-70 gets my vote. There is quite a bit of discussion on the boards here about this lens as well as others in this range. I am not sure how to add a link to posts in here, but try searching for this. There are also some good articles in UWPmag about midrange lens and what they are able to do and how to use them.

I used the Sigma lens for the first time March in Bonaire. I really liked the capabilities of this lens so far. I have mine behind a 6" dome with extension. Good luck with this

DiverPam

I use a Nikon 17-55mm quite a lot above the water; I've used it behind a dome with a diopter, and it's good for fish and pelagics, tho' it doesn't have the close focus of the Sigma lens. It is, however, extremely well made, the best DX lens that I've bought.

Tim

Yes, I've had several people suggest the Sigma 17-70. However, I have also heard that support for this lens on a D200 in a Subal housing is difficult. Specifically, the newer versions (OS, HSM) are too big to put a gear on. I'm looking for an older version (non OS, HSM), but have been striking out so far. The older ones that I have found don't specifically say they can be mounted to a Nikon camera body.

Has anyone else had this problem?

The hunt continues...

Yes, I've had several people suggest the Sigma 17-70. However, I have also heard that support for this lens on a D200 in a Subal housing is difficult. Specifically, the newer versions (OS, HSM) are too big to put a gear on. I'm looking for an older version (non OS, HSM), but have been striking out so far. The older ones that I have found don't specifically say they can be mounted to a Nikon camera body.

 

Has anyone else had this problem?

I use the Sigma 17-70 with my D300 in a Subal housing and here's how I handled it:

I checked out the typical places to buy used lenses (e.g. KEH, Adorama, Fred Miranda, etc) and finally got lucky when I found a NON-HSM Sigma 17-70 lens at Adorama for much less than the HSM version. I then was able to buy a zoom gear for it at Reef Photo which allowed me to change the focal length underwater. I think if you check out the places that sell used lenses (yes, even the big auction site as well as the ones I mentioned above) you will eventually find one that can be mounted on your D200. You might also give Reef Photo (right in your backyard), one of our sponsors, a call to see if they have the zoom gear for the lens. I would also check with Backscatter, another sponsor, to see if they have the zoom gear.

It may take some effort on part, but it's effort that should eventually be successful in finding what you want.

Ellen

Good advice, Ellen! I actually found the olderi (used but in "good condition"), non OS/HSM version of the Sig 17-70 at Adorama earlier this afternoon before reading your post. And yes, I plan to swing by Reef Photo for the zoom gear. I had consulted with Ryan and Tony last week about lens suggestions and they helped tremendously, as always. I have nothing but good experiences to relate when it comes to the team there at Reef Photo.

Looking forward to the day the lens arrives, and my next excuse to splash the rig again!

I use the Sigma 17-70 with my D300 in a Subal housing and here's how I handled it:

 

I checked out the typical places to buy used lenses (e.g. KEH, Adorama, Fred Miranda, etc) and finally got lucky when I found a NON-HSM Sigma 17-70 lens at Adorama for much less than the HSM version. I then was able to buy a zoom gear for it at Reef Photo which allowed me to change the focal length underwater. I think if you check out the places that sell used lenses (yes, even the big auction site as well as the ones I mentioned above) you will eventually find one that can be mounted on your D200. You might also give Reef Photo (right in your backyard), one of our sponsors, a call to see if they have the zoom gear for the lens. I would also check with Backscatter, another sponsor, to see if they have the zoom gear.

 

It may take some effort on part, but it's effort that should eventually be successful in finding what you want.

 

Ellen