ridgebackpilot

My dilemma: Having just acquired the Nikon Z8 to replace my venerable but aging D800E, do I find a WWL-C now or wait for the forthcoming FCP from Nauticam?! I've already found a mint Nikkor Z 24-50 f4-6.3 on eBay for a very reasonable price. But that begs the question: Which port should I look for? My guess is that when it's released, the new FCP is bound to sell for a lot more than the relatively-reasonably priced WWL-C... I'll need to answer that question prior to a scheduled return visit to Raja Ampat aboard the Emperor Harmoni in March-April 2024. @Ryan I realize you mentioned that the release of the FCP was "not imminent". But might you be willing to share an educated guess whether it may be available prior to next spring? Thanks!

I just returned from 10 days at Papua Explorers Resort on the Dampier Strait. Fly into Sorong via Batik or Garuda, then its a 2 hour boat ride to the resort. My son and I had a great experience at the resort. I took an underwater photography course and my son got is PADI Advanced and Nitrox certifications. All aspects of resort operations were well-managed. The lodging was great, the food was delicious, and the diving was well-organized. They even have a room on the dock dedicated to underwater photographers. The resort owners are very conservation-oriented and really take care to limit their impact. They work closely with the local village and employ lots of the villagers. A special treat was an optional excursion to see the Red Bird of Paradise, which was a life bird for both of us. I'd go back to Papua Explorers in a heartbeat. In August, the liveaboards are all tied up for the season but the resorts offer a nice alternative. Weather was very cooperative for our diving. We're going back next spring for a liveaboard trip; either is a great option. Attached are just a few of the images I collected on the trip, taken with my old Nikon D800E in a Nauticam NA-D800 housing (before I acquired my Nikon Z8):

It sounds as if you're already pretty experienced at ultra-macro photography. But before you buy such a powerful diopter, it might be worth reviewing the Wetpixel video on the subject. Both Alex and Adam express the view that many people buy diopters that are too strong when they really only need less powerful closeup lenses. I'm headed for Raja Ampat during the off season in August and plan to take only +2.3 and +6 diopters with me. But then again, I'm not after a particularly small subject like yours!

I'm interested in some of these items. Can you please post your asking prices?

Thinking about going mirrorless! If anyone is lusting after the new Nikon Z8 and wants to unload their NA-Z7 or NA-Z7II housing, please let me know.

UPDATE: Nauticam Extension Ring 30 has sold. Nauticam Macro Port 87 still available.

These items are still available and now listed on eBay: Nauticam Macro Port 87 Nauticam Extension Ring 30 Make me an offer either here or there!

https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm#compat

I'm selling a couple of spare pieces of Nauticam gear, both in excellent condition: Nauticam Macro Port 87 (18702): Somehow I ended up with two of these and only need one. It works with my Nikon 105mm macro lens (and others). Retail: $571, on sale for $325. Nauticam Extension Ring 30 (21130): I don't need this ring for any of my current lenses or ports. Retail: $422, on sale for $275. Happy to ship anywhere at cost from ZIP code 93924.

I've been to Guam a couple of times in recent years. It's the site of War in the Pacific National Historical Park, which is interesting to visit. You can take a short hike into the jungle to see Japanese guns from WWII used to defend the harbor. The SCUBA diving on Guam is great. Not as good as Indonesia or the Philippines, but the reefs are in pretty good shape and the reef fish are abundant. There are several dive operators on the island that take boats out daily. Another advantage of Guam is that it's considered a domestic destination so you don't even need a passport. Guam is also relatively easy to get to, with daily nonstops from Hawaii on United Airlines.

Are these still available?

I may be interested. Even though we live in California, my wife's family is from West Sussex, so you could ship within the UK. I"ll send you a DM.

Friends: Not sure if this has been posted here before, but Papua Explorers Resort in north Raja Ampat will host an underwater photography workshop in August 2023, and they still have space available. The workshop will take place 6-16 August 2023, hosted by National Geographic photographers Tim Laman (USA) and Zafer Kizilkaya (Türkiye). Kizilkaya just won the prestigious 2023 Goldman Environmental Prize for his work establishing marine protected areas in the eastern Mediterranean. I've attached a description of the workshop here. My son and I are planning to attend. It's the off-season in Raja Ampat and the resort offers a 15 percent discount on bungalows. All the liveaboards stay in port but the diving in north Raja is reported to be terrific in August. UW Photography Workshop 2023.pdf

Alyssa: I may have the extension you need. I'll check my gear and send you an Email if so. Mike

Out with the old battery pack, in with the new! The 3,300 mAh NiMH batteries I purchased via the WalMart website fit in the casing perfectly.