How much use?

[whacky]

Hey all,

I'm eagerly awaiting my flat ports arrival tomorrow, out of curiosity I had a look to see if the flat port was compatible with any other lenses and game up with Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G AF-S DX ED MKII Lens (JAA797DB) - Warehouse Express

I believe it's what would of been the kit lens with the D70, but I was wondering how much use is it under water. Would be ok for land use anyway I suppose (there is definately betr=ter choices I know). But really is it worth getting as a something different lens?

[ATJ]

I have one and I find it very good for underwater use. I use it at sites where I don't know what I'm going to encounter but also for sites where the organisms range in size from small to large (e.g. nudibranchs to sea dragons to small sharks). I only use it in a dome port.

Here's my write up on my lenses, including the 18-55mm: Underwater Lens Use

By the way, the 18-55mm was the kit lens for the D40 and I believe the D60 (The D70 had the 18-70mm).

[Cussy]

Whacky,
Looks like a versatile lens. Close focus distance isn't great, but with a diopter or Nexus wet-lens it should be pretty good.

The one thing I find is that having a fixed lens helps my photography. Yes sure there are times when I miss stuff because I've got the wrong lens on, but that's life. Once I stick the macro lens on my eye tunes for small stuff, once I've got the Tokina on I'm on the hunt for wide-angle scenic views. When I had the versatility in the compact camera, I was too indecisive over what to go for, and probably ended up missing the best of both. There is also a trade off in quality for the ability to zoom. I can see it in my photos that you just can't beat a primary lens for sharpness in a macro shot. So the ability to zoom has it's consequences.
HTH,
Rob

PS think Trevor Rees dived with this lens

[whacky]

Originally Posted by ATJ

I have one and I find it very good for underwater use. I use it at sites where I don't know what I'm going to encounter but also for sites where the organisms range in size from small to large (e.g. nudibranchs to sea dragons to small sharks). I only use it in a dome port.

Here's my write up on my lenses, including the 18-55mm: Underwater Lens Use

By the way, the 18-55mm was the kit lens for the D40 and I believe the D60 (The D70 had the 18-70mm).

your write up was great thanks i might just give it a go I need something other than the 60mm macro for land use anyway

[Cussy]

Originally Posted by whacky

your write up was great thanks i might just give it a go I need something other than the 60mm macro for land use anyway

I've got an 18-70 and a 70-300 if you're interested.......
Rob

PS ATJ, great write-up

[whacky]

woo hoo the ports arrived the ports arrived very impressive delivery time. i asked them to send it yesterday afternoon and it's here this morning. sync cord to but i can still have a go in the nice shallow pool.

like a kid in a sweet shop i am very excited