Ransome

Jeff,

I really like your work!

My 5D II and 100 Macro arrive tomorrow. Still figuring out the housing, ports, strobes etc. Will probably go with Ikelite housing and 160's.

I'll be in Newport Beach over the Thanksgiving week this year, so would love some tips on S. Cal diving, never been.

Best,

Ransome

Damien,

I've never been to S. Cal for diving, but Monterey is not to be missed. Yes, it's cold, but a 7mil suit rental cost $15 for the weekend. For an experienced diver, I recommend Monastery Beach. The East entry point (closer to Monterey) had great rock formations and the bottom life is crammed into every inch of space. The rock falls off dramatically a short swim out, so it's easy to get deep if you want. The West entry is more open with a short swim to the sandy bottom in the center of the bay.

I've had some of my best diving experiences at this location. It is only for experienced divers.

Thanks Steve,

I'm a Williams too, so we must be related.

Yes, my dive shop doesn't have demo equipment out for DSLR's, so I hear what you are saying. They are dealers for both Ikelite and Sea & Sea. This is Diver Dan's in San Jose, who I've been dealing with for over 20 years, so they do have some credibility with me. If anyone is aware of a shop that has demo equipment in the Bay Area, I'm glad to make the trip.

There were two things that steered the conversation to Ikelite. I said I was interested in Ikelite and the guy I spoke with at the dive shop shoots with Ikelite. He is an instructor and teaches underwater photography. He said "the configuration I'm putting together for you is exactly what I bought" (for his 30D). He also offered to bring his rig in and let me try it in their pool, so that is a good first step.

I will do more searching, I promise.

Best,

Ransome

I was told that if you want to rely on TTL, you have to go with the Ikelite strobe, is that true?

Sorry I missed the first event. What time is the event this Thursday, April 9th?