As someone with both lenses, I rarely use the 60mm any longer.
This is not to say you should not get it, just be prepared down the road to get the 105 as well. The 60mm is an excellent way to start.
grrr... you're not making it easier I'm afraid that i'll stop using the 60mm after getting the 105mm... and then why buying the 60mm ? :?
Anyway, i think i got all the information i needed. And now i'm even more confused Thanks guys, you've been very helpfull.
P.S. Alto - do you think we get Biko to let us try his 105mm+dome with your D70 set ?
To add to your confusion, have you considered the 70-180 zoom? Laz is selling his for around $800. See the Classified.
The 105 is a very slow focusing and frustrating lens to use in low light. It can rack in and out and in and out and drive you crazy. You absolutely MUST use a focusing light with the 105, unless you are in pretty bright light.
Cheers
James
I just bought the 105 ($400 used) and used it for the first time this weekend. I took it to Nanaimo, BC and shot it on the HMS Sascatchewan at 80'-100'. Needless to say it was pretty darn dark and I experienced the slow and frustrating focus behavior big time. I was using a small PrincetonTec as a focus light and it was just not enought for the 105. I added my DS-125 spotting light + difuser to the mix and it behaved a little better.
Next time out I'm going to try this lens in a brighter location before drawing any final conclusions. A sample from the 105 below.
The 60mm is probably my favorite lens, followed by the 18-70.
Dave
To add to your confusion, have you considered the 70-180 zoom? Laz is selling his for around $800. See the Classified.
No confusion. My 70-180 is sold. Now wasn't that simple?!?
Thanks for the reference, amigo.
The 60mm is probably my favorite lens...
Agreed!
Anytime it is possible to get the subject framing I want with the 60mm, that is the lens I'll use, both Topside and Underwater.
Karl, I guess you're just a lucky guy to do all that warm/clear water diving! We need to get you diving in Califorina - that'll really get your MF skills going...lol
I hear how lucky I am from Kimberly everyday ...you are both right
Maybe I'll get a focus light when they get affordable...I still can't understand why they cost $400 - $500 scubabucks....for an hour burn?
Lucky? If you've never dived kelp, I consider that manifestly UN lucky
To start, I'd get the 60
Chris
ok.. how about this... 105 with 2x TC and ring flash and wet diopter (not shown).... you can pick a flea of a dogs back at 100 meters.
M. )
M,
That is quite a rig. I would love to get a ring light for macro work one of these days.... I use one on land and like the results quite a bit.
Craig
Hey Craig-
Ive shot macro for 10 years with a custom rotating flash at the end of a 105 with great results. there is a rotating shield in this INON flash that allows you to control the lighting. Now, if I can figure out how to get the modeling light to work I'll have something!
M.
M,
I have seen a drooled over the Inon ring flash a few times. One of these days I will have an excuse to buy one... By the way, I used to live over on Eden Rd. in Lancaster about 9 years ago.
Craig
Hey Mike, what size lift bag do you use to hold that thing up?
Don't ever let your insurance lapse....it'll take a small business loan to replace that setup :shock: :shock:
Karl
Hey Karl -
That is funny! Actually, this is my wife's setup.. She is the dive sherpa, dive model, critter finder, etc. I have her convinced that EVERYONE has 2 or 3 big rigs like this...completely normal to travel with them and have them U/W at all times... So, that is the story we are going with presently..)
M.
ps. Keri, if you are reading this, we can use the lift bag to hold more lipstick and other cool stuff for you on our trips.
I'm afraid that i'll stop using the 60mm after getting the 105mm... and then why buying the 60mm ? :? 
Thanks guys, you've been very helpfull.
