DSLR Night Focusing

I am new to night photography. Using a Canon 20D with Ikelite DS 125. Question is: how to focus the camera at night? Use your night light? Set 125 to keep modeling light on? With Ikelite housing, I cannot switch between auto and manual focus.

Thanks for responses.

Ed Druy

I always us AF at night. Works fine as long as you have a well aimed modelling light. You certainly don't need a superbright torch. Aiming it correctly is the most important thing. The modelling light on the 125 will work very well.

Alex

I have Ikelites SS200 and 100a, and I keep the modeling lights on during night dives and it works fine. With fresh batteries I don't even use a regular dive light (but carry one just in case).

Since I don't have modeling light on my 105 I use led light ad modeling and as my primary light source during the nights.

Some says that the led light is not good for modeling since its light is too cold, to me its didn't disturb till now.

Something seriously wrong with this thread people....happy hour starts at 430!!!!!! Night diving? Don't worry about modelling lights, just drink beer!!!

I use modelling light in DS-125 as primary dive light. Don't think you need anymore in clear water. I always carry a backup though.

With a fresh battery the DS-125 can last a 75 min dive with 100 odd flashes. Battery gets pretty low towards the end.

I use dual strobes and sometimes use both lights but often only 1.

Mike - I can have a cocktail anytime - well when I'm not at work, but when I am away diving I want to dive as much as possible.

You are spoilt by all that great diving you do every day. - and yes I am jealous.

Mark

Something seriously wrong with this thread people....happy hour starts at 430!!!!!!  Night diving?  Don't worry about modelling lights, just drink beer!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I totally agree! But I have been in some sailboat trips where the captain wouldn't allow alcohol onboard, so, what else could I do? Night diving!

Uh, I can think of lots of other things to do at night on a sailboat...

Something seriously wrong with this thread people....happy hour starts at 430!!!!!!  Night diving?  Don't worry about modelling lights, just drink beer!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No wonder you had so much fun downunder Mike!!

I am new to night photography. Using a Canon 20D with Ikelite DS 125. Question is: how to focus the camera at night? Use your night light? Set 125 to keep modeling light on? With Ikelite housing, I cannot switch between auto and manual focus.

Thanks for responses.

Ed Druy

Hey Ed,

I dive in murky water most of the time, so I can't really use the modeling light on my SS200s, since they are generally not aimed directly at the subject to minimize backscatter.

Instead, I have a canister light (diverite 10w hid) that has a goodman handle on the light head. I carry this light head on my left hand, and find that it is quite easy to get enough light on my subject for the AF to work. On my housing the f stop and shutter speed controls are near my right hand, as is the shutter control, so I can light with my left hand and shoot with my right.

The canister light is mounted on my BC belt strap on my left hip.

Hope that helps!

Jon Gross Photography

Thanks to all who replyed. Hope you all enjoyed your beers as well.

Ed

Instead, I have a canister light (diverite 10w hid) that has a goodman handle on the light head. I carry this light head on my left hand, and find that it is quite easy to get enough light on my subject for the AF to work. On my housing the f stop and shutter speed controls are near my right hand, as is the shutter control, so I can light with my left hand and shoot with my right.

I found its quit uncomfortable to light with my hand and prefer to mount the light to the housing or the strobe.

Mike, you have to know that we just hate you your life is the wet dream of most of us.