iainwilliams

Please note 5D camera body has been SOLD (thanks). Housing is still available, Iain

Hi; I'm searching for a definitive (if there is one) reference photo identification book that covers the scorpion fishes. There are several texts covering the nudibranchs and general fish ID books, However, the scorpion fish coverage is small. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks, Iain

Subal CD-5 Aluminum Housing to suit Canon 5D camera body • Housing comes with Subal GS wide-angle viewfinder attached • Housing is a little under 2 years old and has been well looked after. • Housing has never been flooded • Upper section of housing has ultra-lite ball socket fitted to screw thread to allow fitment of focus light (this is semi permanent but probably can be removed if not required) • No scratches on GS viewfinder and optics are perfect • O-rings PRICE: $3200.00 USD Also available (if wanted): Canon 5D full frame DSLR • Camera has not been flooded and predominately has only been used in the housing (it was a dedicated underwater camera) • Body ONLY (no lenses) • Camera body in excellent condition, however there is very slight rubbing at the front at the bottom from being in a bag -you really have to look hard to see this • Canon charger and other odds and ends that came with the camera • 3 batteries • Canon 5D box if required 100% return option minus freight if not satisfied. Buyer to pay for freight and insurance (from Australia) PRICE: $750.00 USD E-Mail me at idwilliams@iinet.net.au or call +61 437 347 127

Hi there, I have the Sigma 15 mm fish eye and also have used the canon equivalent. I prefer the Sigma. IMHO the Sigma is just as good as the more expensive Canon. The lens cap stays on too (The Canon lens caps always comes off). Image quality is just as good as the Canon, Iain

Thanks for your replies. I read the article in question, however, SF does not go into any analysis of whether edge sharpness is improved when using a +2 diopter with the Canon 16-35 type 2 lens, From what some of you are saying, your results indicate that a diopter is not really required when using this lens underwater with a Subal 8 inch dome port. Thanks, Iain

Hi Ryan Yes it is the Canon 16-35 f2.8 TYPE 2 lens. What would you suggest? Thanks, Iain

Hi Dave My thoughts exactly. The build of B&W is outstanding as I'm sure the optics is too. But, how much better are the actual optics to a less expensive Hoya - who knows. The diopter will be on the lens only for U/W use so the build probably isn't that important. Thanks again, Iain

Hi Recently I updated my underwater housing and wide angle dome. To use my Canon 16-35 underwater requires a +2 diopter which is quite normal when shooting wide angle underwater. Does anyone know whether the hoya brand is just as good, or worse in quality than the B&W Schneider brand +2 diopter? Thanks, Iain

Hello Dee, Yes I remember you I'm pleased you found a Subal housing for yourself. No I have not yet sold the housing, however, have not really marketed it that well - I need to get on this! I only have the GS 90 viewfinder with the housing. If I separate the viewfinder then the housing will not have a viewfinder at all. Therefore, I am reluctant to sell it separately. Best, Iain

Price reduction to $4900.00. This is the Subal housing, GS90 viewfinder, camera and accessories...

Subal CD-5 Aluminium Housing to suit Canon 5D camera body • Housing comes with Subal GS wide-angle viewfinder attached • Housing is a little under 2 years old and has been well looked after. No corrosion or scratches • Housing has never been flooded • Upper section of housing has ultra-lite ball socket fitted to screw thread to allow fitment of focus light (this is semi permanent but probably can be removed if not required) • No scratches on GS viewfinder and optics are perfect • Container of grease (if wanted) • O-rings • The housing is being sold as I received it from Subal Canon 5D full frame DSLR • Camera has not been flooded and predominately has only been used in the housing (it was a dedicated underwater camera) • Body ONLY (no lenses) • Camera body in excellent condition, however there is very slight rubbing at the front at the bottom from being in a bag -you really have to look hard to see this • Canon charger and other odds and ends that came with the camera • 3 batteries • Canon 5D box if required What you get • CD-5 housing • Wideangle GS Viewfinder • Ultra lite ball socket (on camera screwed to top screw mount) • Canon 5D camera body & associated battery charger, and 3 batteries 100% return option minus freight if not satisfied with condition Buyer to pay for freight and insurance (from Australia) Backscatter in California sell the CD-5 for $4350.00 USD and the GS viewfinder for $1490.00 USD My price – the lot $5200.00 USD E-Mail me at idwilliams@iinet.net.au or call +61 437 347 127

True, but the video on the 5DMK2 is still pretty good - OK I concur not as good as the MK4.... But, you cannot have everything - and if you REALLY want video you probably should be using a dedicated HD video camera U/W. Still thinking - too much thinking about whether to go with the 5DMK2 or the 1D series housing - I need to make a decision and move forward... Will grab a 16-35 T2 in the morning locally. My shop has one on hold for me... Think I'll donate the 17-40 somewhere... Nice to chat Darren, It has been quite sometime - many many years in fact since we last spoke Iain

Backscatter seem to think so, although they are not too sure yet! I think I'll be springing for the 5DMK2 in a replacement Subal housing - as the housing is smaller and lighter in weight - easier to use for macro and for carrying on flights O/S! Also, the new 1DMK4 Subal housing is a tad shy of 9K!! We are almost entering Seacam territory here Darren...The 5DMK2 & a new housing is the the same as just a 1D housing....

\ Cool - I ask as I'm about to upgrade my 5D. Still debating the Subal with a 5DMK2 or a Subal with the 1DMK4 which can also take the FF 1DSMK3 - decisions decisions.....

Say Darren, what Canon body you using U?W at the moment? Iain

Cool Darren thanks. Appreciate your input....Iain

Darren - thanks for your input!! Do you recommend the 24 1.4 type 2 or the 16-35 type 2?? I am conscious that the 24mm is probably not wide enough, despite being an awesome land wide angle prime! Iain

Thanks. I'm thinking of just upgrading to the 16-35 type 2 and not having the hassles! My 17-40 is great on land, but it seems it's not suitable for U/W use - so an upgrade maybe in order

Thanks James and Stever - good input there! Yes, I feel this has all been done before and will be done again. I already have looked at Steven's website (beat you to it) Talking with backscatter they recommend the 8 inch subal dome with 2x diapoter if using the 17-40. BTW, my 17-40 is quite good even at open apertures (on land). Does the 2X dipoter solve the issue - or is it only marginal?? It seems as Stever and you have stated (as well as others) that the 17-40 at 17 is indeed not the best lens to use U/W unless shooting at f8 plus (and the obvious higher ISO rating (which is possible on the 5DMK2 and 1D M3 and mk4 bodies. I'm actually debating the 24mm type 2 1.4 prime as we speak. Is the 24 1.4 soft at the edges using the 8 inch dome???? I guess I can either purchase a 24mm 1.4 type 2 prime OR the 16-35 2.8 type 2 zoom. Which would be the sharper lens with the 8 inch dome? Backscatter say I will still need a 1X dipoter with the 16-35. Thanks for your help......Iain

Hi Moving more into wide angle work using a subal set up for the 5Dmk2 and 1D series cameras and need some help regarding appropriate dome ports and WA lens. I currently have in my arsenal the canon 17-40 and Sigma fisheye. I have read on several threads the edge softness of the 17-40 when shooting at 17mm and using a 8 inch dome port with a full frame sensor. Will moving to a 9 inch or 12 inch dome port solve this issue? Or, is a better option to change to a different lens (ie 24mm) and still use the 8 inch dome port. I have yet to purchase a dome port and am trying to determine which is better for my requirements. Obviously, using a 1.3 crop camera (1DEMK3) alleviates these issues a little, but using the 1DSMK3 just brings them back! Help appreciated. Thank you…..Iain

You know in today's world of "new is better" and buy buy buy...... Your last comment comes accross as a very sensible and logical decision. Good luck with the lens. BTW, the sigma 50 mm is a really nice lens for that focal length (I have one too)....Iain

Thanks Cary - appreciate your input and help. Seems going WA is a nightmare! 1.3 crop MKIV will not provide enough WA although the soft corner edges will be solved somewhat with the 17-40. With FF sensor (5DMK2) your having the corner edge issues with the 17-40. OK you can switch out to a 12 inch dome - but the size and weight -eeeek. Especially when flying O/S. Other than the 15mm FE, are there any other recommendations for a WA lens to use with FF sensor?? Iain

I use the older 100/2.8 lens. I have heard there are some QA issues with the new Type 2 lens. I also have heard that the improvements over the older lens are marginal (quieter IS) I have heard that the focus acquisition of the type 2 is marginally better than the older lens. My old 100/2.8 is a workhorse for me with macro. Yes, it does hunt for focus sometimes if the subject offers little contrast and in dim light. I solved this issue by using a very good focus light. Will I upgrade to the type 2 lens - NO Good luck. Iain

Really! I had heard that the 8 inch full frame and 17mm (17-40) was not a good makeup. Would using the 12 inch dome help here?

Thanks for the points of view - all are very helpful..... I must admit moving to a LARGER and HEAVIER housing after using my CD5 and 5D is a bit worrying - especially in relation to luggage requirements when flying & with image composition with macro (shooting at or below eye level on the sand). When using the 5DMK2 full frame body with a Canon 17-40 or 16-13 lens, I have heard that there is quite a bit of image softening around the edge of the image - especially if using the 8 inch dome. Has anyone had this hassle? Obviously using the 12 inch dome would rectify this hassle, but the size and weight then is an issue. Thanks.....Iain