ikelite modular port system

[Cerianthus]

We were talking about this a while ago, but ikelite formalised it's modular port system. You can use the same port bodies on wide angle dome and flat ports.

to me, it looks rather expensive. Up till now my cheap second hand flat and small dome port seem to fit the bill properly. I am eyeing the big dome a little bit, but after seeing this page here, it doesn't seem necessary for my lens (15mm sigma) and you guys seem to have good luck with the 10-17mm in the small dome as well.

Gerard

[Mike W]

Very interesting, especially the dome port review, sometime I'll have a look at the same thing with the 10-17 and the small dome. One question I have is if the field of view behind the dome underwater is actually the same as the fov out of the water (And out of the dome)?

[Cussy]

When I first saw this on Wetpixel I thought "fantastic", but further reading and I'm not so sure anymore. It does seem very expensive and you seem to be adding several new potential failure points to your system. I'm also not convinced that the system will save a lot of baggage space when it comes to travelling. I think there is something on the Cameras Underwater webpage stating that the 6" dome is better than the 8" for my sort of diving (aparently size isn't everything!).

I'm sure once I see one first hand I will think, "mmmm, black, sexy, want one!!"
Rob

[Cerianthus]

It looks great, I agree. but why would a 6" dome be better then a 8" dome for your sort of diving -> only thing I can think off is too easily damaged ?

[Cussy]

Originally Posted by Cerianthus

It looks great, I agree. but why would a 6" dome be better then a 8" dome for your sort of diving -> only thing I can think off is too easily damaged ?

I'll try and find the article later. There were pros and cons both way, but the conclusion was the 6" is optically as good as the 8" and that the big pro for the 8" was over/under shots - which is something I don't do that often and can live without. Some lenses can't focus on the 6" as well, but my Tokina is fine.

After my post about the light pollution I was getting in my dome, I took all this advice on board and was very careful in the Red Sea. I still got some obvious reflections from the strobe this time, but different (a broad white band as opposed to an obvious reflection from the springs). I now think the 8" would not have the same problem due to its different back edge.

I think one day I may move up in size, but for now the 6" does what I want (and was cheaper!!!!!).
Rob

PS there used to be a lower depth rating for the 8", but looking at the Ikelite website this is no longer the case