Pigmy Seahorses+What lens??

I'm off to the land of pigmy seahorses. The last time I shot them was with a 105. I want a full frame shot so I'm thinking 105 with (heaven forbid) a diopter. +2 or something else?? Whats the verdict on the best setup for this very small critter?? Mark

I would recomend a a teleconverter rather than a diopter for a 100mm lens. For me 100mm doesnt have enough working distance to be usabe for magnifications beyond 1:1.

With a cropped sensor DSLR I have found that a 105mm and +4 dioptre provide plenty of magnification for pygmies. This image is cropped very slightly from the original shot.

I'm off to the land of pigmy seahorses. The last time I shot them was with a 105. I want a full frame shot so I'm thinking 105 with (heaven forbid) a diopter. +2  or something else?? Whats the verdict on the best setup for this very small critter?? Mark

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Depends on the camera - I assume it is a Nikon DSLR since their 105mm is one of the finest prime lens out there for Nikon users.

With the Nikon 'cropped' sensor (hate using that word) I find the 105mm with a +2 diopter works well. I found +4 was a little limiting in that you could only do full frame. Autofocus can struggle, so I also suggest either a monopod, manual focus or both. Also the Inon Z22 Ring Flash is something you may want to consider (I know next time I am intending to use it)

The other option is finding a used 80-170mm lens and associated port and using that.

M

As Alex, I use 105mm and +4 diopter. I'm happy with the setup on the D100.

The big advantage is, that it still fits in the port and is affordable. Any extension tube or converter will require a extension for the port.

Cheers from Manila

Torben

The camera is a Nikon f/5 in a subal housing and its loaded with film with a nikon 105. Not dig so the lens is a true 105. Have diopters and teleconverters but less add ons is more sharp with film so I have never used either underwater in over 1000 photo dives. I'll use what I have to to fill the frame with this critter. I know folks here have shot this critter alot .Hopefully someone has shot it with a film camera..

The 200mm would be great but I spent my wad on a fe dome port and 17-35 nik lens- as well as the subal housing The cost of the 26 nights trip soon on The Sea Safari III has also taken a bite out of the cash pile.

Not sure about the (cropped sensor) stuff but will try the diopter and the 2x tele. That should get it. Thanks for the tips. Mark

Hi

For Pygmies, I use 105+1.4x teleconverter (When shooting film). When using DSRL, I truly believe that the 105mm is enough in order to work with full confort (lyou can always crop your pics later)

Hope it helps.

matetes

Another angle is to use a +4 diopter and have on hand Woody's diopter for that additional umph should you feel you need it.

Joe

I think Marriard makes a good point - that strong dioptres can be a bit limiting - and all full frame shots of pygmies can be a bit samey (there are loads of shots that look just like the one I posted above).

So considering that it is much easier for us cropped sensor shooters to fill the frame with pygmies (because our frame is smaller) why not play to the strengths of your system and try some slightly less tight shots of pygmies. Do something a little different with them.

This is the only film shot of a pygmy I have online. Shot on film with a 105mm and no diopter. Its not as tight as can be done on digital - but it doesn't stop it being a useful picture.

Alex

Alex- thats a very good point. I give that a try. Mark

I've shot pygmies successfully with film and digital, though to be honest, my digi shots are WAY better than my film images. I also feel that digital caused less stress to the animal as I was able to back away after about 10 shots because I saw I had the shot I wanted on the rear LCD, while in film, I shot 2 rolls on the poor animal because I wasn't sure if the shot was there or not.

This image was shot with the 10D, Subal C10 Housing, Tamron SP 90mm Macro with Woody's external diopter. It is the full image, no crop.

I don't recommending too many diopters as you reduce working distance and could end up being too close to the fan and damaging it. My next seahorse rig will likely be the Sigma 150 Macro with a +4 and Woody's diopter.

My 2 cents.

Stu

Wow Stu, you going for that eyeball shot with the new setup???

100mm and plus 4. Nothing special as it is like most but this is the result and if memory serves me correct uncropped or slight crop.

Wow Stu, you going for that eyeball shot with the new setup???

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Hi Mike,

Not quite an eyeball, but the 150mm is more for mandarin fish, the 90macro is too short and slow focussing, my standby 28-105 is also too short, but was quick enough to focus...so... <_< "Honey, can I buy a new lens so I can take pics of this 1 fish?"

Stu

ROFL I'd love to hear your thoughts about the 150 Stu - Some love it and some hate it.

Cheers

James

Hi James,

I likely won't be getting the Sigma 150 anytime soon, my next tropical trip isn't scheduled till next year....for now, there aren't too many critters here in the cold green waters of BC that the Tamron 90 can't handle.

Stu