What to buy???

I have $900 burning a hole in my pocket and wondering what to add to my system. Current gear includes:

Nikon D100

Nikon 60mm Macro

Nikon 18-35mm WA

Aquatica Housing

Dome Port

Flat Port

Extension and gear for the Nikon 105mm (don’t own lens)

2 x S&S 90DX strobes & assorted TLC arms

2 x Duel sync cords

Travel Pelican case, extra bulkhead, extra parts, batteries, etc….

Would love to get a true wide angle like a 10.5mm and the Nikon 105mm or the new Sigma 150mm. What do you think? Other options? Overlooking any key piece of gear?

Sounds like you've got everything covered except for a very WA lens....a 12-24mm can be found for around $900 nowadays and the 10.5mm is around $600....I'd go for the 10.5mm since you've already got an 18-35 and put the extra $300 toward a 105mm

Karl

What about a shiney new fisheye mod light?

Review coming soon to a Wetpixel near you.

I would also go for the 12-24 or the 10.5

Cheers

James

Make sure that your Aquatica dome port is suitable for the 10.5mm Fisheye before you buy it!

Some companies make more than one dome port and not all are suitable for the 180 degree corner to corner coverage of the 10.5mm.

Alex

Like the famous Eric Hanauer says, hate to break the budget. Most serious photographers have a macro arsenol of a 60mm and 105mm lens. Martin, you recall the opportunities I had in Utila and Coco view with my 105. Some situations are perfect for the 105 and others for the 60. Like your eagle ray shot with your 60mm. That was perfect. Having both makes you more flexible to the dive site life. I'd also say that you might be very pleased with the 12-24. I got a few good pics with that lens because of its zoom flexibility. You might want to nab a 12-24 before you get the 10.5 because it is more flexible underwater and topside than the 10.5. I just ordered a 10.5 and will have it tomorrow (Dec 2). :wink:

As a whole, a good Nikon DSLR setup might include a 60mm macro, 105mm macro, 12-24 wide angle and a 10.5. So, if it were me, here is the order I would choose in purchasing my lenses.

1. 60mm macro

2. 12-24 wideangle zoom

3. 105mm macfro

4. 10.5 FFF

I just got my 10.5 for $575 brand new with full Nikon USA warranty. So you could pick up a new 105mm macro for around $500-$550, and have $400 left over. Save a few hundred bucks more and you can have the best of both worlds with the 10.5 and the 105. Since you already have an 18-35, maybe it makes better sense to go with the 10.5 first. You may be able to use your 60mm port with extension rings to shoot the 105 (check with Aquatica) and I know you have an 8-inch dome that you should also check with aquatica to ensure it will work with a 10.5 (if you go that route).

I know this is backwards from what I recommend, but you can almost knock out two great lenses for $900...ALMOST, but not quite.

I hear James loans out his 12-24 for free. Call him and he is sure to overnight his to you for evaluation Just Kidding!! Just kidding!

I have attached some pictures for you. One is of you, the other two are the refugees we found while looking for whale sharks.

Enjoy!

Joe Belanger

Hi Robert,

Alas, now that I have a full frame camera, I've sold the 12-24.

You can shoot the 10.5 with the 8" Aquatica dome but you should use the fisheye dome shade instead of the wideangle shade.

You can shoot the 105 with the macro port if you buy the extension ring. It's like $60 or something...

Other than that, I don't have much more to add.

Cheers

James

Hi James,

What full frame camera do you have and $$? Is the 12-24 not compatible?

Joe

Joe

I was away with Martin Edge in Wakatobi and he got some great results with the 12-24 on an F100 film Camera, so i don't think there is a problem using it full frame.

I've used it on my D100 and really like the zoom flexability.

Hi Joe,

I have a Kodak ProSLRn. I think it's an excellent camera - works well with my 16mm, 17-35, and 105. I have had NONE of the problems reported on the online forums by other users.

I should be getting the Aquatica housing with the new viewfinder in the next couple of weeks and diving it over the Christmas vacation when I'll ben in San Diego. Want to go diving? Anytime between Christmas and new years would be good w/ me. I want to shoot sealions at the Coronados or macro on the NOSC tower.

The 12-24 will work between 18-24mm on a FF camera. No need to keep it if you have an 18-35 or a 17-35.

Cheers

James

Thanks for all the input. Any opinions on the Nikon 105 vs. the Sigma 150mm?? If I want to shoot real big stuff, might be going on a Great White trip, and over/under shots, would you go with 10.5 or fisheye?

Good to hear from you Joe, great shots of the refugees. Have you been on any other trips since? We are doing a week on the Kona Aggressor in Feb. Julie still thinks it amazing you dove in the Amazon.

Hi Martin. The 10.5 IS a fisheye.

For Sharks, you will want a tighter lens as the fisheye isn't much good unless you can reach out and touch the subject. The 18-35 would be good for that IMO.

Cheers

James

For great whites I would use an 800mm with a 2x teleconverter :shock:

Of course no strobes at that range......

Hi James,

I am planning to dive in San Diego December 18. After that, I am on the opposite end of the aquatic spectrum, Arizona. Will be there til after Jan 1. Have to spend time with the wife.

Drop me a note on any other local diving you do, and we'll hook up for some fun shooting.

Speaking of fun shooting, I was at a pier last weekend and watching pelicans dive bomb for food. So, over the next 2-days I shot a bunch of pictures trying to capture one diving in flight. Had to plan the day for maximum sunlight to punch up the sutter. High ISO was too grainy.

Here is one I like, but I am still looking for better results. I'll be going back this weekend for more trys.

Good diving.

Joe

Hi Joe,

Pretty cool! Too bad you can't catch them out over blue water though as the background is a bit busy. Not to take away from your shot - it's cool.

I'll be in S.D. from the 24-28th if anyone else wants to go diving. Too bad I'll miss you Joe.

Cheers

James

I'd join you, but we're leaving for Saba 12/24

I might be up for a run down south James! What are your dive plans and schedule?

Hi Rich,

I just did my drysuit course today, so I'm pumped to try it out!

I was thinking of going to the Coronados or else the Yukon and the NOSC tower. I really like the NOSC tower, but shooting sealions at the Coronados is cool too. I'll have a look around at the boat schedules. Do you have a favorite boat out of SD?

Some time after xmas, like 26-28 timeframe would be best for me.

Cheers

James

Believe it or not, I have only dove down there once. We did the Coronado's in the afternoon/evening, and the Yukon the next morning. I would have no reservations about doing either again. Never been to the Tower.