ports and lenses

[whacky]

As most will be aware here I have been debating whether or not to get a DSLR set-up. Well after much deliberating I decided to get one and went for a second hand setup from Jim at BUPG.

I have noticed that people keep their ports though as they opt for a system and stick with it. Is it possible to get ports and lenses secondhand or are they few and far between?

Also i have decided to go for a 60mm macro lens as my first lens is that a good choice or is there better?

Thanks

[Cussy]

Whacky,
TBH they rarely turn up on eBay, but every now and then do (it's Sea and Sea isn't it?). Wetpixel is a good place to trawl and see if people are selling, but usually they sell ports with cases. Isn't AJ selling any off? So you may be looking at buying new, but at least then you will know it's flawless glass.
Rob

[DDT uk]

You certainly do not get many ports 2nd hand, although it does seem to vary on a system by system basis. If memory serves me, you bought a Sea & Sea setup? If so, search ebay regularly and always look search worldwide. Those ports that do come up are invariably in the States. Don't expect them to be particular cheap.
That said, there may be a Sea & Sea compact dome port coming up very soon if I can convince myself that I do actually need the fisheye port.

I would say that the 60mm if the best choice of first lens. Macro is far easier to get good shots* and so will provide that instant grafication that stops you wanting to opening the back of the housing at depth in frustration. The 105mm is wonderful for really little stuff but certainly not as versitile. Wide angle can be very frustrating particularly as far as lighting is concerned.

Daniel

*easier for good shots, arguably far more difficult for outstanding shots.

[DDT uk]

Originally Posted by Cussy

So you may be looking at buying new, but at least then you will know it's flawless glass.
Rob

Funnily enough, the one port related leak that I've had was caused from using a brand new port [and almost the only thing that I have bought brand new]. Sea and Sea have been taken over and apparently changed the manufacturing or materials or suppliers and there have been some problems. My leak was caused by a dodgy o-ring.

AJ does have some cheap macro ports but they will still need the base ports. There doesn't appear to be any complete macro ports.

[Woody]

Another vote for the Tokina 10-17 fisheye, I was reccommended that one by someone who got me "deeper" into underwater photgraphy!!

Oh Hi Whacky I'm new here

[whacky]

buying new isn't a problem although i have noticed from sea & seas site that some of the focus gears are discontinued

[whacky]

Another question,

I assume that auto focus will work underwater?

I also assume manaul focus will be better than auto focus.

But is it just one more thing to complicate things to begin with? While I am getting used to the whole DSLR thing is it better to use auto focus to begin with?

[Cussy]

Whacky,
You have to remember that we float around in a three dimensional world. With macro that means you faff with manual focus and then go to take the shot only to realise you've bloody moved (not that much of a problem as you move the entire housing back to the focus point!). I will say manual focus is a lot more of a faff, but you will get better results, autofocus will fail a lot of the time. But the flip side is also that if you have a lense that can only do manual (like my Sigma 50 and 105) once you are setup for manual, you will miss fast moving subjects, you have no chance manually. There have been times when I wish I had had more money and bought the Nikon lenses - but hey ho. Generally though, I dive autofocus and live with the limitations (my 105 also can't have manual focus).
HTH,
Rob

[whacky]

so it's swings and round abouts sometimes you want auto focus sometimes you dont.

Seems as a general statement if you have time you want as much control as possible over the camera if its somthing that moves quickly then its a case of giving the camera conrol and playin the numbers game shoot shoot shoot and see what comes out.

[KenByrne]

Autofocus can be incredibly frustration particulary in our waters where the vis is often low. However this is what I use all the time. Very few macro lenses have a clutch that allows manual focus and autofocus on the same dive. The new Nikons have I think but anything older than last year doesn't.

Without the cluch the camera would be driving the housing gear when using autofocus. I'd start with autofocus and switch to manual focus if you a having problems. If autofocus is able to lock on and you have the focus point on the right part of the subject it's fine and there is no difference in the result between manual focus and autofocus. Using manual focus without any viewfinder focus aids such as split screen is very difficult at the best of times and being underwater won't help.

What will help is a focus light, I have UK Q40s attached to my strobes to show me where they're pointing and to aid focussing.