Winter Nudi's in Port Phillip Bay.

Hi Folks,

I recently got around to getting a 105mm lens and a Deeproof 67mm lens adapter to try for some greater than 1:1 images

of some of our local super macro subjects. Many thanks to Jon(Otara) for his loan of Subsee lens to trial them out. I now

have a set on their way to me from the ever helpful team at Reef Photo and Video.

Using the Subsee was like going back to my previous compact rig with stacked Inon UCL lens. I found the technique I learnt

when using the compact was very helpful with the Subsee, with a few tweaks. Winter is not exactly the most comfortable time

here to be sitting still with a tiny subject trying to hold the camera steady but I was warmed by some of the results.

http://www.flickr.co...ims/7807267518/

http://www.flickr.co...ims/7807000794/

On a side note I have also switched from using PS to Lightroom 4 for editing and image file management so I'm very busy learning

how that works for me too.

Cheers,

Jim.

Lovely images, Jim. Been awaiting your trials with the setup. Which 105 do you use, the most recent or an older version? Wondering if my ancient 105 will be an issue as its the slowest 105 for focusing of the autofocus models. How you liking the setup? Any trouble getting the desired focus point? How long did you spend with each nudi to get the composition/lighting you wanted? You mention getting the subsee set. Do you find the +5 of +10 more useful? If you only could get one of them, which would you choose?

Did you shoot the Tassie blenny with a subsee as well?

Hi Dave,

I got the newer VR model as the AF is reputed to be superior and I'll be using topside too.

To be honest I'm really not that patient so I didn't spend very long with each Nudi especially if they were moving a lot in the current.

Only took 3 shots of that Flabellina, 3 of that Madrella but did stay longer with a Trapania aureopunctata that I don't see often-

As far as focusing goes I much prefer the 60mm AF-S but provided I use a focus light its not to bad. Main frustration is that the

DOF is so small that even the slightest movement from me or the subject botches the shot. I'm using single servo AF then locking

and rocking before releasing the shutter. Was finding AF-C to jumpy. Thinking about getting a manual focus ring to help quickly get

focus in the right area before AF fine tuning but the big price for a little bit of plastic is keeping me from doing that just yet.

If you only wanted to get one I'd go the +10, especially if you already have a Woody's Diopter.

The Tassie Blenny was taken in February with the 60mm and a Woody's.

Great shots Jim did you have any problems with the deeproof adapter? I'm thinking of getting the 105mm macro (I already have the subsee +10) so I can play around with some super macro shots.

Hi Byron,

no problems at all with the adapter, found it to be a well made, solid unit. There is an attachment point at the front of it which I have used

to put a short tether on just in case it decides to dive deeper than me. Recommend you get a macro port float for the 105. Which housing

do you have for the D7000?

Cheers,

Jim.

I'm using the nauticam housing.

Not sure how well the Deeproof adapter would fit to one of the Nauticam macro ports, if that is what you are considering Byron. The Nexus port has a straight

side where as the Nauticam compact port seems to have a tapered end? Be a pity if it didn't fit as IMHO the swing arm is the go for a wet diopter to give quick

and secure lens flexibility during your dive. Or maybe you have one of their ports with the inbuilt thread for diopters?

Deeproof adapter and Subsee +5 swung out. by JimSwims, on Flickr

Deeproof adapter and Subsee +5 aligned. by JimSwims, on Flickr

Edit- sorry I had originally posted the gear shots above as with a Subsee +10, it is in fact a +5. The nudi shots linked to were all taken with a +5.

Cheers,

Jim.