Gates HF-S11

[Galapagos Girl 0]

This set-up is looking pretty good. But, aside from price, what is the advantage of the Gates mechanical housing over L&M's new housing? The short video from DEMA on L&M's one-touch white balance is awfully appealing.

 

Ann

[Mike L 0]

The Gates GP32 port is sharp. I shot it around in the store a bit, and will be diving it this week (was supposed to today but woke up with a migraine). Reviewing the footage from in the store, I do not see any edge distortion. the port is best used at full wide, but does allow a bit of zoom through (a few clicks on the zoom). Fathom ports are always excellent, but this new Gates port is really nice, and its very reasonably priced at $680 for 85 degrees of coverage. A flat (macro) port is $158. And, fathom ports just arent an option for the HF S10/11 cameras.

 

Ann: Are you talking about the Bluefin for the HF S11, or the new Bluefin for the CX 520?

[Galapagos Girl 0]

The Gates GP32 port is sharp. I shot it around in the store a bit, and will be diving it this week (was supposed to today but woke up with a migraine). Reviewing the footage from in the store, I do not see any edge distortion. the port is best used at full wide, but does allow a bit of zoom through (a few clicks on the zoom). Fathom ports are always excellent, but this new Gates port is really nice, and its very reasonably priced at $680 for 85 degrees of coverage. A flat (macro) port is $158. And, fathom ports just arent an option for the HF S10/11 cameras.

 

Ann: Are you talking about the Bluefin for the HF S11, or the new Bluefin for the CX 520?

 

Mike.

I was wondering about the Bluefin for the HFs11 - whether it was worth the price tag. I switched to video a couple of years ago. but wasn't sure I'd like it. So, I started with the Canon HV20 in an Ikelite housing. Now that I'm totally addicted (I love shooting and I love editing), I'm ready to move up. My Canon has worked so well in low light situations, I'd like to stick with them. I'm glad to hear the WA port delivers.

 

Ann

[Mike L 0]

Ann,

 

The bluefin is definitely worth the price. Its a very nice housing. One thing to consider though when buying the Bluefin is that you really will need and want the wide angle lens, so that will add $1500. You cannot go wrong with either the Gates or the Light & Motion housings. They are very different, but both extremely high quality and worth every penny.

[Mike L 0]

I spent a day diving with the new Gates HF S11 rig on Friday. I was diving with the GP32 wide angle port, and Big Blue 2x30 LED Video Lights. Here is a picture of the rig I had set up. I am writing a full report and will have a video up tonight.

[Drew 0]

Ann,

 

The bluefin is definitely worth the price. Its a very nice housing. One thing to consider though when buying the Bluefin is that you really will need and want the wide angle lens, so that will add $1500. You cannot go wrong with either the Gates or the Light & Motion housings. They are very different, but both extremely high quality and worth every penny.

 

Mike

Which LMI wide angle lens are you referring to? Which one of them are compatible with the HF-S11, without vignetting and softness at full zoom? There seem to be issues with compatibility of design with the newer cameras. Has that been solved?

 

When I tested the WP80 which is the Fathoms 80, it was too soft to be a full zoom wide angle lens. Checking the old specs of the Fathom WP25 (which is remarketed as the WP80) , it was never designed to be a full zoom lens. According to Ryan and Fathom, none of the UOM Fathom designed lenses from LMI work well the HF series, mainly because it was based on a design that suited smaller sensors with older image stabilization technology.

 

I also refer to that same thread regarding compatibility issues when I say that consumers should ask question thoroughly before they put money down. I understand that a new lens is being developed for the newer cameras for LMI.

[Mike L 0]

Drew,

 

L&M came out with a new wide angle lens specifically designed for the HF S series Bluefin housing. It is $1,500 and gives a 135 degree angle of coverage. It was scheduled to ship a few weeks ago, there was a slight delay, but I believe they are scheduled to start shipping VERY soon.

 

None of the Fathom ports work on the HF series housings from either Gates or L&M.

[Drew 0]

Thanks for clearing that up Mike. So you're referring to the 135, which was mentioned here. If I'm not mistaken, that's a wide angle conversion lens mounted into a glass dome port, coming as one unit. With such a unit, it'd be pretty difficult to get full zoom so I'm pretty sure it'll be a partial zoom lens. Look forward to see how it performs. Any idea which wide angle converter they used for the lens?

[Mike L 0]

Your welcome Drew. Yes you are correct, its a wide angle conversion lens mounted into the dome port. As for the zoom through capability, it is approximately 1/3 zoom through ability.

[Steve Douglas 16]

Best to double check your angle degrees on that port. Spoke to Paul at L & M the other day and he told me it was 85º

Steve

[catfish 0]

Link to L&M 135 degree:

 

http://www.lightandmotionuk.co.uk/product_...oducts_id/12068

[Drew 0]

Thanks Catfish.

 

I'd be really impressed if they could squeeze 90° from that port, much less 135°. I wonder what WA converter they are using for $1500 lens converter.

[Mike L 0]

Thanks Steve, Ill double check on that, last I was told was that it was 135...which made me very excited.

[Drew 0]

Hehehe... that's the problem with rounding Mike... fudge enough and a 85° becomes 90 then 100° LOL

[Mike L 0]

Ok I confirmed with L&M, IT IS 135 DEGREES for the new Wide angle lens for the Bluefin C housing