So many choices

[Tricats 0]

I've been using a Canon Digital Rebel with Ikelite housing and single strobe for a couple of years with mixed results. I'm looking into upgrading camera and housing and would like some advice from the "experts" on this forum if you have a moment or 2 to spare.

 

I'm looking at the Canon D5 but would certainly consider Nikon as well.

Also considering Sea and Sea housing with dual Inon strobes and a focusing light.

 

Question 1 - any advice, recommendatations regarding this set up?

Question 2 - planning a trip to Galapagos. Which lens or combination of lenses are recommended?

 

Thanks so much for any advice!

[Islandbound 1]

I am no expert and have siginificantly less experience than you but your question intrigues me. What do you expect to gain from switching to a more expensive camera that you dont already get at this time? If you were using a PNS then the desire for more precise focus, light control, RAW etc would be evident but the camera your using is a good one from what I have heard. I understand the benefit of more light for exposure as well as a focus light for focus though.

[Tricats 0]

I am no expert and have siginificantly less experience than you but your question intrigues me. What do you expect to gain from switching to a more expensive camera that you dont already get at this time? If you were using a PNS then the desire for more precise focus, light control, RAW etc would be evident but the camera your using is a good one from what I have heard. I understand the benefit of more light for exposure as well as a focus light for focus though.

 

 

The problem I'm having is that many of my pictures are out of focus. I'm thinking that the focus light would greatly help in this regard. Also, I think I'll get better light balance using dual rather than a single strobe.

 

I'm not totally happy with the Ikelite housing. The wheel and plastic ring for adjusting the zoom is not the greatest quality and I've had problems with this since day one. So, if I decided to go with a new housing, my thinking was that I would upgrade the camera at the same time.

 

Or, I could get a better dome port and zoom control for the existing Ikelite. In any case, I'm also looking to get a better Macro and wide angle lens. I could certainly do this with the existing Rebel / Ikelite set up, and get new dome ports for the new lenses. Maybe the zoom aparatus from Ikelite has improved over the past few years.

 

Thanks for your reply to my posting!

[TylerMoore 0]

The problem I'm having is that many of my pictures are out of focus. I'm thinking that the focus light would greatly help in this regard. Also, I think I'll get better light balance using dual rather than a single strobe.

 

I'm not totally happy with the Ikelite housing. The wheel and plastic ring for adjusting the zoom is not the greatest quality and I've had problems with this since day one. So, if I decided to go with a new housing, my thinking was that I would upgrade the camera at the same time.

 

Or, I could get a better dome port and zoom control for the existing Ikelite. In any case, I'm also looking to get a better Macro and wide angle lens. I could certainly do this with the existing Rebel / Ikelite set up, and get new dome ports for the new lenses. Maybe the zoom aparatus from Ikelite has improved over the past few years.

 

Thanks for your reply to my posting!

 

 

he's right. even with good lenses, the rebels really arn't that awesome as far as focusing goes. In taking husker football photos I rarely have more that 50 out of focus images out of 500 in one game using my 20D. If that helps you any.

[CADiver 2]

he's right. even with good lenses, the rebels really arn't that awesome as far as focusing goes. In taking husker football photos I rarely have more that 50 out of focus images out of 500 in one game using my 20D. If that helps you any.

 

Would you consider 30D, 5D is bigger and very expensive !

30D looks pretty good.

I like SeaScam, then Subal, then Nexus, then Sea&Sea housing in that order.

 

But then I shot w/ Ikelite cause they are the least expensive of all

[Tricats 0]

Would you consider 30D, 5D is bigger and very expensive !

30D looks pretty good.

I like SeaScam, then Subal, then Nexus, then Sea&Sea housing in that order.

 

But then I shot w/ Ikelite cause they are the least expensive of all

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I would consider the 30D but was looking at the 5D due to more advanced electronics and higher pixel rate.

I'll look into SeaCam and Subal however they might be out of my price range

[james 0]

The 5D and 30D are pretty much the same size - so I'd go with the 5D. The overall price difference of a complete system shouldn't be that big.

 

Plus, Sea and Sea doesnt' make a 30D housing.

 

Cheers

James

[Tricats 0]

The 5D and 30D are pretty much the same size - so I'd go with the 5D. The overall price difference of a complete system shouldn't be that big.

 

Plus, Sea and Sea doesnt' make a 30D housing.

 

Cheers

James

 

Thanks again for all the great advice.

At this point I'm looking at the Nikon 200D with Sea & Sea housing, dual Ikelite strobes, focusing light, 60mm macro and 10-17 w.a., both with glass ports.

[CADiver 2]

Thanks again for all the great advice.

At this point I'm looking at the Nikon 200D with Sea & Sea housing, dual Ikelite strobes, focusing light, 60mm macro and 10-17 w.a., both with glass ports.

 

Switching from Canon decision to Nikon ... Thats' interesting ! I shoot Nikon but I had a week early this year where I want to get rid of my Nikon to go w/ Canon 400D and Seatool housing. Glad it was just a very pre-mature urge and no action taken....

 

D200 is fantastic, I wish I have the $$ to shoot w/ D200 too regarless what housing ... :-)

Have you confirm how you fire the 'dual Ikelite strobes' from S&S housing yet ? It could be an important factor for decision making.

 

Cheers !