Switching to DSLR

[pavouk 0]

Hallo fellow divers,

After about 2 years of use Canon S40 with original Canon underwater housing I think now is the time to change and step up to semi-pro equipment. I list you what I have in mind (camera, lenses, housing, domes and strobe kit) and as a totally new user I would appreciate any input of yours. I have to mention that lenses were chosen by non diver professional photographer, but I’ll be using this camera under the water too. There is rebate going on Digital rebel XT now so I thing that will be a good starting boost and use that $100 on housing etc. So here we go:

 

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (a.k.a. 350D) 8.0 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Body (Black)

Price $ 679.95

Mail-In Rebate: $ 100.00

Price After Rebate: $ 579.95

 

SIGMA Zoom Super Wide Angle 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Price $ 499.00

 

Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens for Select Digital SLR Cameras

Price $ 509.95

 

Ikelite #6871.35 eTTL2 Underwater Housing for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT - Rated up to 200'

Price $ 1,234.95

 

Ikelite 8" Dome Port Kit for Wide Angle Zoom lenses 5510.81

Price $ 379.95

 

Ikelite Dome Port for Canon 17-85mm EF lens 5503.90

Price $ 175.95

 

Ikelite SubStrobe DS-125 Digital Package with TTL Sync Cord and Deluxe Ball Socket Strobe Arm - Rated up to 300' 3944.75

Price $ 819.95

 

Also do you please know about some company (except B+H; which I heard only the best about) that can give me deal on this setup if I buy the whole thing from them?

 

Thank you for your input

 

Michael

[MikeVeitch 0]

Looks like a nice set up to me. NIce WA choices, not sure you need the xtra port for the 17-85 though, i think you should be fine with just the 8" dome?

 

FOr the whole set up you would want to check with some of our sponsors who are listed on the right of the page....

[Elli and Ted 0]

Hi Pavouk

Excellent setup but I would leave the 17-85 and get a 60mm macro and flat port

 

Cheers

Ted

[xtremediver 0]

You can also check with Adorama.com, they have good prices on underwater equipment. I've used them quite a lot over the years.

[markdhanlon 0]

I just bought a similar, though smaller kit from Reef Photo & Video and found them quite pleasant to order through. I would give them a call as they gave me a pretty good deal.

[davichin 18]

I would prefer the Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 17-40mm f/4L USM for 629.95

after rebate and the canon Normal EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro Autofocus Lens for 379.95 than the 17-85 and 10-20 for the same total price (you would need a flat port). Another combination would be the canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM for 674.95 and the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro Autofocus Lens for 379.95...

[msboggs1 0]

I have also bought numerous times from Reef Photo & Video dealing with Ryan Canon, the owner. He gave me great prices & service. I have talked personnally with him & actually had the opportunity to meet him once. He is a really nice guy & knows more about cameras than all of us combined. You can click on his ad to the right. Good luck.

[Spoon 0]

im in the same boat as you but im decided on the d70s. as for the lenses i share your enthucias, for the sigma 10-20. i like the shots i have seen from this lens. also considering an 60mm macro as an all around versatile lens for fish portreature and close macro. id love to get the 10.5 but not anytime soon

[jcfig 4]

I have both the 60mm and the 10-20mm for my D-70 setup. So far I've only used the 60mm while I learn the camera and housing.

 

Ikelite has recently changed their support for the Sigma 10-20mm. The main problem seems to be with the zoom gear binding because of the diameter of the lens. Ryan from Reef Photo had some good suggestions on this and a few people here posted saying they are using the lens w zoom gear and have experience no problems. (you can see that thread here )

 

I wanted to make sure so I talked to Ikelite and let them borrowed my lens. They are testing both with it in both 6" and 8" dome ports. I'll let everyone know what they say once I hear from them.