adamhanlon

Nauticam released the Wide Angle Conversion Port (WACP) back in 2017. This port, along with manufacturers modifying Nikonos RS lenses for use with modern cameras, has rekindled an enthusiasm for water contact optics. At DEMA 2019, Nauticam released a second version of the WACP, which has caused some confusion among underwater image makers as to which option to choose. Adam and Alex set out to try and explain the differences between the versions in this episode of Wetpixel Live.

Nikon has released a series of graphics detailing their planned lens release road map for the Z series mirrorless cameras: Of note is the addition of both 60 and 105mm Macro lenses. Still no native fisheye option however...

Over on Wetpixel Live, we present part 2 of Alex Mustard and Adam Hanlon’s discussion about dive gear for underwater photographers. In it, we discuss wetsuits, pockets, drysuits, fins, gloves, and dive computers, with the emphasis boom on what works well for us when capturing images underwater. Please subscribe to the channel to keep abreast of new episodes as they are released.

While we are all photographers, we are also divers. In a 2 part episode of Wetpixel Live, Adam and Alex discuss some ideas about what diving gear works for them, and how they configure their gear in order to try and maximize photographic opportunities. Wetpixel Live is a series of short talks aimed at addressing some of the problems that underwater photographer often experience and to answer questions that recur frequently here on the forums. Please subscribe to the channel to keep abreast of new episodes as they are released.

Wetpixel Live: Strobe Arms and Clamps by Adam Hanlon Friday, July 31st, 2020 edit As underwater photographers, we often get caught up in the exciting gear like cameras, housings, and lenses and end up ignoring the more basic, but equally crucial items. Arguably, one of these is strobe arms and clamps, and in this episode of Wetpixel Live, Alex and Adam discuss their approaches to these more mundane, but very important tools. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the Wetpixel Live YouTube Channel. This will then notify you when additional episodes are posted in the future. Wetpixel Live is crammed full of hard-edged technical information and practical advice aimed at helping people create memorable images.

It is National Marine Week in the UK and to celebrate this, Adam and Alex share their favorite seal images on Wetpixel Live. Diving with and photographing seals is one of the most fun things you can do underwater, and these iconic creatures are such a feature of UK diving. Wetpixel Live is a YouTube channel devoted to short films helping explain the hard-edged information people need to improve their underwater images. To see more of the channel and to be informed about new releases, please head on over to the channel and subscribe.

The point behind the Nikon and Canon 8-15mm lenses is a good one. We do plan to follow up about it. I think that the advantages of the 8-15mm are that it is a lens that works really well on both full frame and cropped sensor cameras. It's advantages for cropped sensor only, are not as significant. On the D500/7D MkII, the Tokina represents a better focal length and the quality of image that it produces with 24MP or so resolution is quite adequate. If you shoot both full frame and cropped sensor cameras, the 8-15mm lenses are a no brainer.. The Tokina is around half the price too!

Responding to a question posted by a user on the channel, Adam Hanlon and Alex Mustard provide some ideas about using TTL with fast-moving subjects. Their discussion then digresses into a discussion about shooting bigger subjects and when it might be appropriate to use filters to improve color in our images. Wetpixel Live is a series of video episodes, providing answers to common problems experienced by underwater photographers and discussion about topics that are relevant. Please subscribe to the channelto receive notifications when new episodes are added.

With the official release of the Nautical EMWL last week, We decided to make a couple of episodes about bug eye lenses. The first was a round up and historic review of bug eye lenses, along with a general review of what they do. And we then provide a brief primer giving some ideas about how to use them: Enjoy!

I have an adaptor that allows me to use the WACP with my Seacam housings. I primarily use it with my Nikon 28-70, but have done so with a Nikon 18-55 on a D500. It was made by Saga and works with zoom gears no problem. I have used an existing Seacam gear, shimmed out with O rings on the lens body... Adam

So...hypothetically, 4th dive of the day...one set of batteries and playful pod of dolphins arrives and proceeds to interact with your and your buddies. Midway...you run out of strobe batteries. You have just lost the opportunity to capture this "once in a lifetime" experience. Changing batteries and inspecting O rings is the only way to ensure that you do not potentially miss shots. The purpose of lubricating O rings is to prevent them binding. In this instance the binding is caused by them catching on the cap as you screw it down and the extruding. A thin film of lubricant within the cap's sealing surface prevents this from happening. While lubricant does keep O rings supple, this is nothing to do with lubricant being visible on its external surfaces, and can be achieved by periodic (e.g. pre/post trip) greasing. Remember visible O ring grease actually attracts contaminants onto the O ring and can cause leaks.. Lastly, Inon has deliberately designed the caps to be transparent so the O ring is visible and it is possible to visually check it has extruded.

Tribolube 71 is safe with all O-rings! So yes, this includes Ikelite Adam

Most underwater flashguns come with diffusers that can be attached to them to modify their output. When, and when not to use them is the subject of the next episode of Wetpixel Live. Join Wetpixel Editor Adam Hanlon as he describes what they do and when you should have them on your strobes. Wetpixel Live is a series of short video discussions that aim to help underwater photographers avoid or deal with some of the issues that we often face. Please subscribe to the channel to receive notifications as we add episodes.

For many underwater photographers, Martin Edge's seminal book "The Underwater Photographer" is a definitive text. The latest edition is now shipping, having been delayed by the COVID-19. Adam Hanlon and Alex Mustard, who wrote the book's forward and a chapter, discuss its content and suggest that it is essential reading for all those capturing images underwater. Check out the full review over on the Wetpixel Front Page. If you are enjoying Wetpixel Live, please subscribe to the channel and you will get notifications about new episodes as they are released. Please feel free to let us know if you would like any specific topics to be covered in future episodes.

So...I typically change batteries after most dives. My reasoning for doing so, is that I have no idea of how much charge is left in the batteries after a dive. By changing I reverting to a known charge level and can attempt to ensure that the strobes will work when I am shooting "that" amazing shot. In terms O ring maintenance, I will inspect them every time I open the strobe. I will only clean them or lubricate them if there is dirt on them, or they appear dull. To prevent the O rings binding and extruding when you screw the top on, a thin film of grease on the sealing surface ensure that the O ring is not displaced. I would normally renew this periodically...rather than after every dive.