dubdiver 0 Posted November 8, 2007 Hello everyone, I am fairly new to underwater photography, and photography in general for that matter. I am an experienced diver and travel frequently and would like to start getting into photography. The extent of my underwater photography so far has been using a Canon A95 point and shoot. I have the 350D/Rebel Xt that I would like to start using. All I have is the standard lens that came with it when I bought it. I am not sure on what to get for lens, housing, strobes, etc. Please give me your recommendations on what I should get to get started. I am not sure either yet if I would prefer to shoot macro or larger. Thanks for the help!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
james 0 Posted November 8, 2007 Hi Dub and welcome to Wetpixel. You're in luck! There are a few used 350D setups popping up for sale here in the classifieds and also on Ebay. Your most affordable options are Ikelite or Fantasea housings. The kit lens works fine, but you'll eventually want to get a macro and a wideangle lens. The Tokina 10-17mm is highly regarded and very versatile and fun to use. Good luck! James Wiseman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BurBunny 0 Posted November 9, 2007 Welcome to the wonderfully frustrating (and pocket-emptying) "hobby" of underwater photography! As for lenses, I echo the recommendation of the 10-17 Tokina Fisheye lens. For true wide-angle photography, it does a fabulous job. For macro, the 60mm is a workhorse, or the 100mm is a bit more specialized. If you're wanting a general purpose lense a bit more flexible than the kit lens, look at the Sigma 17-70. For housings, the offerings for the XT are a bit more limited than for the XTi. I'd probably lean toward the Ike. You can then go with the Ike strobes for TTL, or look at the Inon offerings. Have just gone to the XTi in a SeaTool housing, with Inon strobes (already had), 60mm and Tokina 10-17 lenses, so am fresh on the different options. Feel free to ask any questions you have! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dubdiver 0 Posted November 11, 2007 I have more questions. Are the 60mm and the 10-17 lens the same length where I could get a single port to fit both? Also if I got the 8" dome port would I still be able to shoot macro shots with that? How would the dome affect the image? I am not sure whether I would like to shoot macro or wide angle first. Thanks for the help! I have more questions. Are the 60mm and the 10-17 lens the same length where I could get a single port to fit both? Also if I got the 8" dome port would I still be able to shoot macro shots with that? How would the dome affect the image? I am not sure whether I would like to shoot macro or wide angle first. Thanks for the help! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BurBunny 0 Posted November 11, 2007 I have more questions. Are the 60mm and the 10-17 lens the same length where I could get a single port to fit both? Also if I got the 8" dome port would I still be able to shoot macro shots with that? How would the dome affect the image? I am not sure whether I would like to shoot macro or wide angle first. Thanks for the help! The 60mm really is best behind a flat port. The 10-17mm is a Fisheye and should be shot behind a dome port. If you're wanting to go with a dome, you might consider the 10-17 and also the 17-70 Sigma lens. While the Sigma isn't going to give you supermacro, it will get you the small critters (especially with a bit of cropping), and flexibility of a midrange zoom. It can be used with the dome port as well. However, at the wide end, the corners may be a bit soft. That's the basics on the practical aspect. Hopefully others will chime in with more of the technical considerations. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markdhanlon 0 Posted November 20, 2007 I've got this same camera and currently use it with an Ikelite housing, with 2 DS-125 strobes. I use the kit lens behind Ike's 6" dome and the Canon 60mm behind a flat port. Ike ports are pretty cheap so it's getting one for macro and one for WA. The 6" also has the advantage that it can be used with the Tokina 10-17mm (my next purchase). I've bought all of my gear through either B&H or Reef Photo. I found the personal service of Reef Photo excellent especially when just starting because Ryan will set you up with exactly what you need. If you have any further questions, feel free to pm me and I can help you out further. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRC 2 Posted November 20, 2007 The trouble I had with the ike 6" dome with a wide 10mm lens ( Nikon 10.5 ) was that there was often some horrid reflections from the rim of the dome. To get the 6" dome working you have to remove the lens shade which makes life tough. Since I got the 8" dome these have not gone away but life seems to be easier. So seriously consider an 8" dome rather than be like me, now, with both ! Paul C Hang on, I missed an opportunity here - want to buy a 6" ike dome??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
