help for UCL-165 Inon macro lens

Hi,

I have a Canon 980IS with the DC27 housing, and I have just bought an INON UCL-165AD macro lens (+adaptor) for an upcoming trip to Borneo.

The problem is I can't find any guides on how to get the most out of this lens + compact camera set up! there's a bit on using with an SLR or a bridge like the G9 but nothing for your simple compact user. I'd be grateful for any tips on using it, specifically:

1) do i need to set the camera to macro/digital macro mode?

2) should I use the optical zoom too?

3) Do i need to use the inbuilt flash? (i don't have/want to carry an external strobe)

4) when using the flash will the housing likely cast a shadow?

5) how will the flash react with the white balance? I normally carry a slate and adjust white balance as i dive, do i need to go back to auto white balance with the flash?

6) how close will I need to get to subjects?

I know that's a lot of questions - so any help with any part of it would be great!

Thanks

Al

1) do i need to set the camera to macro/digital macro mode?

2) should I use the optical zoom too?

3) Do i need to use the inbuilt flash? (i don't have/want to carry an external strobe)

4) when using the flash will the housing likely cast a shadow?

5) how will the flash react with the white balance? I normally carry a slate and adjust white balance as i dive, do i need to go back to auto white balance with the flash?

6) how close will I need to get to subjects?

Sup man, I had/have a few problems with the stacked doubles buttt..

1) Macro

2) Yes, you should be zooming out to 35mm equiv to avoid the mechanical vignetting. Ideally, I read somewhere, you should zoom to full so do that but experiment.

3) Inbuilt flash - perhaps you could use it if you're not worried about backscatter otherwise try in your situation to shoot from 10am-2pm (overhead sunlight), dive shallow.

EXTRA WEIRD NUMBER) Jesus, you're really questioning all fundamentals aren't you? haha

4) Possibly but doubtful although if you're zooming, it will be unlikely

5) I'd just use auto white balance to be easy but a slate would be good or a filter

6) Number one rule always is get close and then get closer sunshine. So to sum it up, as close as possible.

I know next to fuck-all about a lot of this stuff but I'd recommend reading the newb sections in uwphotographyguide.com and divephotoguide.com

You'll answer all of your questions by doing so!

Cheers bud and good luck in Borneo

Adam