Which Macro for trip to Kapalai mabul Sipadan

[craig nelson 4]

Hi All

 

I'm off to Borneo next year for the first time, I currently own a nikkor 60mm Micro.

 

Just wanted your views on what you found best in this location.

 

my mind is telling me that i should be taking a 105mm

 

Been looking at getting the Sigma 105mm F2.8 as its cheap as chips, and the reviews are excellent...

 

you views would be interesting as there is some real macro shooting to be done around Kapalai and Mabul

 

regards

 

craig

[MikeVeitch 0]

I would be bringing both that is for sure.

 

For all the little stuff like nudis, mantis shrimp, and all the muck diving etc the 105 is the bomb.

60 would be great for the turtles and sharks and such.

 

Don't know the Sigma so can't help you there

[ulcs 0]

105mm gets my vote. JAw fish with eggs in the mouth are quite common in the sand at Kapalai. They are a little skittish so it is best to be back a little.

Terry

[Kelpfish 15]

I shot the 60 exclusively in Lembeh and never broke out my 105. The reason was that the suspended particulates on a sandy bottom make it hard to get a clean picture. I did not lose out on a single opportunity with the 60, although I didn't see too many skittish animals. I also attribute years of practice on how to effectively approach animals so I don't scare them. In my group of divers at Lembeh, they were all wishing they had their 60mm with them, but were stuck with the 105. At night we'd review images and they'd always say, "how'd you get that shot?" With the 60 you must get closer but you end up with a cleaner, crisper picture. I agree with the consensus that depending on the animal you still should have a 105 with you. I'd bring both. I will admit that there were at least three occassions in Lembeh where I wish I'd had my 105 because I never really could get close enough to get a decent composition.

 

Have a great trip.

 

Joe

[TimG 62]

I was in Mabul/Kapalai in late May. The macro potential is certainly amazing although I have to admit I thought the dive site awful on my first dive - on Mabul. Then my eyes adjusted to the murk and muck. Bingo.

 

It is certainly very soupy and I was very happy to use a 60mm. But then I don't own a 105mm. Yet. What about using a 60mm with TC?

[Ingvald Arne Meland 0]

I mainly used 105 and 105 with TC on Kapalai and Mabul. Can't remeber using the 60 on Kapalai, used it some on the night dives at Sipadan. But most of my shoots at Sipandan was done with 16mm fisheye or 35mm.

 

By the way I was shooting film then I was there.