timrock

Hi Folks, One down and one to go, the 10-20 Sigma sold. Still available FS: I have a 105mm VR Micro Nikkor 2.8G IF-ED for sale at $750 plus shipping. B&H cost is $899.95. I have two and don't really shoot that much macro so one will do me. It is hardly used. Can send photos if needed. Ships in Nikon box. It has some minor scratches from being in the bag but the glass is immaculate and used maybe 3 times. PayPal or CC is fine. Specs: The Nikon AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED brings the benefits of vibration reduction (VR) to the domain of Macro photography. It offers high-resolution, high-optical performance for both digital and 35mm film format SLR cameras. When used with digital cameras, equivalent focal length in 35mm terms is 157.5mm. This lens incorporates Nikon's second-generation vibration reduction system (VR II) that allows flexible hand-held shooting by stabilizing the image to the equivalent stability of a shutter speed that is 4 stops faster when compared with a conventional lens. This in effect eliminates image blur caused by camera shake, particularly when shooting in low-light conditions. Note: G-type lenses are fully compatible with all current camera models Works on most every new Digital Nikon and most of the older film cameras too. • An ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration. Nano Crystal Coat drastically reduces flare ensuring finely detailed, clear images. • Vibration Reduction (VR) minimizes image blur caused by camera shake (cancelable) • Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and better body balance • Built-in M/A switch enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus • Silent Wave Motor for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet AF • The rounded diaphragm (9 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural Let me know. timrock@doubleblue.com PayPal and CCs OK. Best, Timbo -- Tim Rock E-Mail: timrock@doubleblue.com

Hi Jim, Yes, every once in a while you come upon a scene that suits video much better that stills. Its nice to know you can capture the moment if the opportunity presents itself. I suspect if I got serious about this and did some Magic Filter work and all that, you could use it pretty effectively for some presentations nd other creative applications. This was just auto and natural light with a wee bit of contrast adjustment in iMovie. Anyway, thank for looking. These shots are just taken where I work and in my backyard. Maybe I'll try it with some Tonga whales later this year. Best, Tim

Ooops, sorry. If anyone tried to look it was on private. Should be public now. AD90 Video clip: Tim

OK, I was testing the new Aquautica housing for the D90 for the folks at Aquatica. While we were shooting the stills, we slipped the camera into Movie mode every once in a while. It's fast and simple. You just have to remember to pre-focus. I put a little 2-minute short from Guam on YouTube:

Did anyone ever answer Karen's question in this thread? Is the marine mesh kit preferrable to the aviation kit? ANy difference? Best, Timbo

Peter et al, That's good information on the 6" dome. Here are a couple of CFWA taken with the Aquatica AD90 Housing and 8" dome with the Tokina at 10mm. Also a wide angle shot. I have been enjoying it so far. Best, Tim

Has anyone tried using the Tamron SP 10-24mm underwater yet? How's it working out? Best, Timbo

I have a D90 in an Aquatica housing I am testing now. So far I like the small, compact size and big trigger as well as large playback screen. Will send full review and pics soon. The Dome chart that comes with the Aquatica body says you need a thin extension ring for the 10-17, although I have just been using the 8" and no ring at 10mm with no problems or reflections. I haven't put the zoomer on to see what it does at 17. But to answer the question above, I doubt it would work with a 6" dome. Best, Timbo

On Guam, GabGab Beach is a very nice walk-in dive. The Naval Station has 2 or 3 branches of MDA (Micronesia Divers Association) on the main base. They offer very reasonable boat dives, great equipment deals and instruction. I wrote the Diver's Guide to Guam a while back for Lonely Planet and have a gallery and gift shop close to the Naval Station at Fish Eye Marine Park. Give me a call when you come in and I'll show you the good beach dives and recommend which boat dives to join. Best, Tim of the Deep 477-3343 PS - Guam isn't a country, its the USA!!!

I was there in Mabul for 10 days during a rather calm period right when Borneo Divers was breaking ground, so about 2004 I'd guess. With not many folks around, the sharking was taking place and a huge tiger shark was brought in one day. At one house you could see a number of large hooks being polished. So this is nothing new and probably more lucrative to some folks in the upper echelons than residuals of conservation for the sake of diving. We also saw a lot of sharks and rays, even eagle rays, in the market. Diving, we did see sharks at Sipadan but nowhere else. I believe they fish in the deep, current-fed dropoffs near Mabul and not especially at dive sites. But the lack of any sharks kind of speaks for itself. I guess all we can do is write letters and hope someone cares, but I think the sharks are probably in for a tough road anywhere in Malaysia. Fin money talks loudly. Mr. Doom and Gloom

Hi Darren, I know this isn't what I started asking about but I did buy a D90 myself last week really just to play with the video. I am also trying to figure out how to house the thing and jump in the water for the 5 minutes it can record HD. Maybe Underwater World is here the answer. You son's first attempt at GB is great. That's what I use too. I think with RED's many options and chip and DSLRs featuring HD, there will be a lot of new options for video in the coming years. Drew, thanks for the various suggestions. I'll look into this. Yes, I am aware of the video adaptations. I was ogling the RED Nikon mount option. Shawn, great intro on your site. I suspect the cameras nowadays are so good on the whole that daytime lights on the reef aren't that necessary most of the time. Your Misool stuff was pretty colorful. I'll keep reading and hunting. Best, Tim of the Deep

Oh yea, while we're getting recommendations, any preferences for a GOOD lighting set-up for one of these? Something with enough power to give the reefs some color in daylight. Best, T

Hi Joe, Thank you. That's quite helpful. I have a personal preference for SONY anyway. Will keep you posted on what I manage to decide on. Best, Tim

Aside from a RED system, what is the best HD cam going now for around USD$7,000-$8000 and who makes a housing for it? I've heard Canon makes some nice ones now. Any other suggestions? Oh, and do any takle Nikon lenes or have Nokin adapters a la RED? Best, Timbo