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BrantD

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Posts posted by BrantD

  8. Posted

    I was totally kidding. My wife is ridiculously supportive of my hobby, and all the other harebrained schemes I keep coming up with! (there's lots of them... ;))

     

    I too am a blessed man, though my wife's love for having a U\W camera in her hands seems to be fading alittle. She still is anxious to go through my pics after each dive, and her love for diving is still as strong as ever. We get to do several dive trips a year. As soon as we are done with one, we are looking for the next place to go, if one isn't already planned. Our next trip is to Turks and Cacaos. It will be our first DIVE trip with My son, daughter-in-law, her parents and all 4 grand kids!! :)

  10. Posted

    I usually find it easier to start out talking about our next dive trip together, find something that is only sell there, a gem stone or such (takes alittle research on your part), and tell her maybe we should get her something while we are there. :dancing: Then, in the conversation about the dive trip, tell her how excited I am to try out my new strobe. Sometimes it just passes without comment, as they are thinking about the new bobble they will be getting. :pardon: Works for me........ well....sometime!

  11. Posted

    I have a 60mm, a 105VR, a tokina 10-17, as well as the sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5. I will have two domes, midsized (7")glass and a (8") acrylic (generally,I use to use the 7"). All set up for underwater. I tend to use the sigma as my general purpose lens, more so than my 60mm. I am changing housing and buying new ports, ext. rings and zoom gears. I thought it might make sense to get the ext. rings and gears for the upgraded sigma 17-70, as the rings and gears are more $ than the lens. If I wanted to upgrade later, I would need to buy a different ext. ring and focus gear for that lens. Makes more sense to just do it now. I started looking at the lens and found the several different models. When I saw the newest model, sigma had changed the opics slightly, had reduced the barrel size, and slightly lowered its magnification, I thought I would ask here, which would be better to buy for underwater. Both are 17-70 DC Macro OS HSM, and both can still be found new. I'm looking for some advice on which would be better to buy.

    thanks again.

  12. Posted · Edited by BrantD

    Thanks for the reply Elmer,

     

    Here is what is confusing me. Below are the two lenses on B&H's site. (they are on other sites also.) Notice the different manufacturer #'s. I think the write-up at reef photo may possibly be out-dated and another version of this lens has come out. Sigma calls it "contemporary" lens, part of their new Contemporary line of lenses. They have almost the same number of elements and groups, but the newer is a thinner and longer lens. Reef specifically talks about the latest two versions being fatter than the original, Looks like they have gone back to a thinner one as this one is stated to be thinner by 30%, Thus my wanting to make SURE I get the best lens for underwater.

     

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/670041-REG/Sigma_668306_17_70mm_F2_8_4_DC_Macro.html

     

    Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon

     

    Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.1 x 3.5" (7.87 x 8.89 cm)

     

    B&H # SI177028DCNQ MFR # 668306

     

    Elements/Groups 17/13

     

     

     

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909805-REG/Sigma_884306_17_70mm_f_2_8_4_DC_Macro.html

     

    Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Nikon

     

    Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.11 x 3.23" (79 x 82 mm)

     

    B&H # SI1770284DCN MFR # 884306

     

    Elements/Groups 16/14

     

    Contemporary Lens Line

    This lens is the first lens produced as part of Sigma's Contemporary line; deeming it lightweight and compact while still exhibiting high optical performance. This lens' wide range of focal lengths makes is suitable for a variety of shooting applications. Utilizing a smaller OS unit and an optimized distribution of optical and electronic elements, the size of the lens barrel is able to be reduced in size by approximately 30%. This reduction in weight is also afforded in part through the use of TSC materials in the barrel construction. This material offers high durability and rigidity but with less bulk than metal components.

     

     

    I did find this at DP review http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/sigma-17-70mm-f2-8-4-os-hsm

    evidently this "C" lens has been out sense Aug, 2013

     

    Here is a side by side comparison on DP preview http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=sigma_17-70_2p8-4_os&products=sigma_17-70_2p8-4

     

    Which do you think would be better for Underwater........or do you think there is no real difference underwater? I have tried to assemble all the info I could find for your review, hoping to save you some time in advising me.

     

    Thanks again for your help and advice as I'm really NOT a lens guy. :)

     

     

  13. Posted · Edited by BrantD

    I'm finally upgrading from my old S&S D200 setup to a Nauticam D7200 setup. I have a SIgma 17-70 2.8-4.5. which I seem to use once or twice on most trips.

    While I'm buying new ports/ extension rings/gears, thought I would upgrade to the new Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.0 macro OS HSM. I find, there are atleast two different versions of this lens sense I bought mine.

     

    Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.0 macro OS HSM

    Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.0 macro OS HSM Contemporary or C

     

    The Contemporary is the latest version, but has a 30% smaller barrel and different optics inside than the older models. I know optics have come a long way the last few years, but wanted to get others opinions here before I buy.

     

    Thanks in advance for you help and advice.

  14. Posted · Edited by BrantD

    first I should say, I know it is the photo spotting light, not a video light. Second, I am assuming u have no box but u do have the soft case which holds the light and charger.

     

    If u are considering the three hundred offer, I would pay that, I live in CO also, in westminster, so we can meet and i would pay in cash, so no paypal fees or shipping, if that interest u?

    Brant

  15. Posted

    Not sure why everyone is making this so hard on a S&S housing. You simply need to drill out the hole in the clear part of the plastic, close to where the current Viewfinder is now on a s&S housing. The Inon slides in and I hand tighten a nut on the end. I own both the 45 and the straight Inon viewfinders, and change them out regularly between dives. When I ordered it from Reef Photo, simply ordered a new clear plastic piece(the plastic part that you view the pics in) drilled it and it installs with the few factory screws. If I want to put the stock eyepiece in it when I sell it, I simply replace with the "new" clear plastic with the stock eye piece in it. If you look at your S&S housing, you will see how simple it would be to replace it back to stock. Best of all, I don't think Reef charged me $250 for the new plastic cover and the drilling combined (mine was one of the first they did. I'm sure you could send your plastic part to Reef and they could simply drill it, and if you wanted it back to stock when you sell it, simply order a new plastic part, and install it with a screwdriver. :drink:

  17. Posted

    I have a Inon Z-220s strobe for sale. Uses fiber optic or sync cable. You can check out the difference in the "strobe finder" in the Reference tools at DigitalDiver.net .

     

    Strobe finder

     

    It is in perfect working order, never flooded ( or any other problem) It does have the normal scratches from being used,... not abused. I bought it (a demo) from Ryan at Reef Photo. Did not have a optic cover, or a diffuser, so I did buy a diffuser that will come with it. Everyone who knows me, or who have been on any of the many Digital Diver.net trips I have been on, know how I take care of and maintain my equipment. They both work perfectly.

     

    Inon Z-220s $320 (was $539 new)

    plus actual shipping cost of your choice.

     

    I will Gladly send a pic of strobes if you wish, but most know what they look like. :B):

    I am not extremely active here, but I am very active at DD.net with almost 6,000 post. The last thing I offered for sell here (other than my 1st Z-220, which sold in less than one day) was a lens, which was bought by Alex_Mustard.

     

    Brant

    dbd123 at aol

  20. Posted

    Delwagne:

     

    Thanks. I noticed your post but it appeared you wanted to sell both strobes and I only need one, and was hoping to find something for a bit less. I sent a PM to ornateghostpipefish with some questions.

     

    I'm looking for one also, I just bought one on e-bay for $399, very lightly used, and need a second one. I am perfectly fine with a Type 2 as I don't use the spotting light. Hopeing to keep the price down in that area. If sonme one wants to sell a pair, and the price is right, we could split them between us.

    Brant

  21. Posted

    I have one of each (difference is one (Z-220) has a target (focus) light built in, and the Z-220s does not. You can check out the difference in the "strobe finder" in the Reference tools at DigitalDiver.net .

     

    Underwater Strobe Comparison Guide - Digital Diver Network

     

    I can only sell one now, I don't care which. Both are in perfect working order, never flooded ( or any other problem) Both have the normal scratches from being used, not abused. I bought both of these as demo's from Ryan at Reef Photo. I did not receive the diffuser from Ryan, so they don't have that with them. Everyone who knows me, or who have been on any of the many Digital Diver.net trips I have been on, know how I take care of and maintain my equipment. They both work perfectly.

     

    Inon Z-220s $325 (was $539 new)

    Inon Z-220 $365 (was $649 new)

    plus actual shipping cost of your choice.

     

    I will sell only one now, but will be selling the other in the next few months. The buyer will get first shot at the second one when I'm ready to sell it, if they wish.

    I will Gladly send a pic of strobes if you wish, but most know what they look like.

    I am not extremely active here, but I am very active at DD.net with almost 6,000 post. The last thing I offered for sell here was a lens, bought by Alex_Mustard.

     

    Brant

    dbd123 at aol

     

     

    Sorry......stobe is sold, pending payment.

  22. Posted · Edited by BrantD

    I have one of each (difference is one (Z-220) has a target (focus) light built in, and the Z-220s does not. You can check out the difference in the "strobe finder" in the Reference tools at DigitalDiver.net .

     

    Underwater Strobe Comparison Guide - Digital Diver Network

     

    I can only sell one now, I don't care which. Both are in perfect working order, never flooded ( or any other problem) Both have the normal scratches from being used, not abused. I bought both of these as demo's from Ryan at Reef Photo. I did not receive the diffuser from Ryan, so they don't have that with them. Everyone who knows me, or who have been on any of the many Digital Diver.net trips I have been on, know how I take care of and maintain my equipment. They both work perfectly.

     

    Inon Z-220s $325 (was $539 new)

    Inon Z-220 $365 (was $649 new)

    plus actual shipping cost of your choice.

     

    I will sell only one now, but will be selling the other in the next few months. The buyer will get first shot at the second one when I'm ready to sell it, if they wish.

    I will Gladly send a pic of strobes if you wish, but most know what they look like.

    I am not extremely active here, but I am very active at DD.net with almost 6,000 post. The last thing I offered for sell here was a lens, bought by Alex_Mustard.

     

    Brant

    dbd123 at aol

  23. Posted

    Dave,

    Be sure to check out with your Subal dealer whether or not the Sigma 17-70 HSM lens can be fitted to your housing. The zoom ring diameter may be too large.

    R/ Bob

     

    Personally, I have and would recomend the 17-70 Macro for underwater, not the HSM. It is alittle weak at both ends but still a good underwater choice.

  24. Posted · Edited by BrantD

    Thanks Ryan an Viz'art for the corrections.

    Sorry I was unclear, I simply was trying to convey in my original post, that this would not allow the 17-70 to work in a housing which didn't have a port. This is NOT a fix for lack of port support for your housing.

    I didn't know the HSM had a larger barrel......good catch!!

     

    Simply stated, If the Sigma 17-70 lens is supported with a port for your housing, and they offer a Tokina 10-17 zoom ring for your housing, it should work as a zoom ring for the Sigma 17-70 (NON HSM) lens also,..... with a little tape added.

  25. Posted · Edited by BrantD

    I received my new Tokina 10-17 today and was playing around with the zoom gear and the housing, checking fit and where to put the gear and so on. This will be the first zoom lens I've used in an underwater housing. Though I have owned the sigma 17-70 from day one with my D200 ( it was my first walking around lens, knowing it could be used underwater also). I have never tried it underwater (having used only prime lenses), mostly because there hasn't been a zoom gear I could buy. Most folks who us it underwater use velcro, foam tape or something similar, which I'm told works "fairly" well, but I've never tried it.

    After playing with the Tokina 10-17, I pulled out my Sigma 17-70 (non HSM), and to my surprise, the 10-17 zoom gear "almost" fit the 17-70, just very slightly too big. So I simply pull out some black electrical tape, and wrapped it around the zoom ring on the lens, 5 times and the 10-17 zoom gear fit on the 17-70 lens like it was made for it. I thought, this can't be this easy, so I put it in the housing and it works perfectly, like it was made for it,....REALLY! ;D

     

    I know some manufactures (like seatool) don't make a extension\port that works with the Sigma 17-70 but for all who do, (whether it be a Canon, or Nikon mount) a Tokina 10-17 zoom ring, made for your housing, should work with a Sigma 17-70 lens after wrapping the zoom ring on the lens with electrical tape 4-6 times. Personally, this tape will just be left on the 17-70 lens, I see no reason to take it off as functionally everything works, and cosmetically, it is acceptable IMHO.

     

    Just thought I might share this, hoping it may help a few others.

    post-2431-1216888705_thumb.jpg

    post-2431-1216888768_thumb.jpg

    post-2431-1216888791_thumb.jpg

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