peachy

16-35 is razor topside.
It's a bad combo of +2 dioptre and too small (8") dome.
I think it needs a +3 dioptre or a larger dome. (strictly based off opinion not testing or scientific fact)
Though I have heard many complaints about the 16-35 uw.
I just got my larger dome today but haven't had it in the water yet.

I "think" I know what you mean, Ill try and research it some more so that I dont end up with worthless options! I hope it works with your larger dome!
And thank you for explaining since Im so knew to all this and the terms.

Yall make me feel so much better, thank you Cary! I feel like Im at least heading in the right direction now.

Was your 16-35 losing sharpness (soft) outside of water too or just in water? If just in the water then that will make me sad because I was looking forward to using it UW.

Anyone used both the 16-35 and the 17-40 before? Opinions vs each other UW? I know in my normal photography my 16-35 blows the 17-40 out of the water (no pun intended), so Im pretty interested in the differences UW?

Thanks!

Well the ports for my macro and zoom are the least of the costs so Id probably get both no problem since I already have the glass!! I am assuming the Sea&Sea ports support the 16-35m L series? Ikelite doesnt, so that was a huge EKK for me! Im so glad you said that about Sea&Sea though, Ill restart my research tomorrow on them!! I know I seem impatient but Im just trying to get the UW gear together as fast as I can since I will be diving in the Red Sea in August, so I need as much time as I can to get used to the set up as possible (Im already pushing it)...even in my pond and the lake everyday if I have to!!!

Thank you so much, that all is helpful and makes me feel better! I had read the first article but since Ikelite wasnt reviewed it didnt help me there, but the Sea&Sea stuff had. The 2nd link I hadnt seen and that was wonderful!! Tons of helpful information that I wasnt even to the stage of needing yet so Im glad to know ahead of time!

Since my 16-35 is obsolete in the Ikelite housing would you suggest me purchasing the 17-40 f/4.0? Ive stayed away from 2.8+ f-stops with the glass I already have, but if its a lens commonly used in UW photography Id glady purchase it as well. I feel like Im missing a gap between my 15mm fisheye and my 100mm macro that probably needs to be addressed with a new wide angle for my full frame.

From calling around and research it seems like the 5505.45 will cover my 100mm fully?? (I dont need to get separate pieces?). It seems like my fisheye will need a 5510.11 port and the 5510.45 dome. And if I get the 17-40 Ill need the 5510.24. If any of this sounds off to people with these correct me!!

It was kinda gut wrenching talking to people about it and finding out ALL my L-series lenses are unusable with Ikelite ports, etc. minus the 100mm and a 17-40mm (which is the only one I dont own!!). Should I start looking at Sea&Sea, do they support a wider range of lenses, mainly can I use more of my L-series with their port system? I emailed them last week but still have not heard anything back, so that alone makes me shy away from the company!

Also Im still at a total loss on the strobe issue. I called and got some recommendations, and most have said go for the DS161, getting the 3945.01 and 3945.02 combo. Is this overkill for someone just starting out or is that my best option? Im sure there is going to be a bit of a learning curve anyway, the research process before getting the equipment has been mind boggling enough!!

And I guess I also need to get some Magic filters? This is something I saw mentioned once on here and then saw in the 2nd article so I guess its time to do more research into those! If anyone has an input on that let me know!

Also if Im forgetting some component to all this please feel free to tell me even the most trivial things!!

So you think Ikelite is the way to go?? Or at least reliable/good enough??

And pick up a 60mm macro??

Any advice on strobe set ups or manual vs auto ability ports?? Some ports I saw for the same lenses were either manual or autofocus, etc.? This is the area Im the most confused/lost in? What do the majority of people use UW (manual/auto)?

And also when is a dome going to be more beneficial than a flat?? For wider shoots only?? The port body, extension, focus extension, dome, flat, etc. all have my head twirling at which one is right with what. And the filters people talk about here that I have no idea which are "must haves"??

From what Im understanding, flats work better for macro stuff and then use domes for my wide angles and fish eyes??

I also recall reading that the canon 16-35mm f/2.8 didnt fit into ikelite housing?? Boo, any recommendations on an equivalent range that yall find works??

Thank you SO much!!