Question for the Full Frame users: which WA lens is best?

[ChristineAlbanese]

I'm quite experienced in photography top-side however I am a relatively new diver and my little compact camera that i took along for dives just doesn't do it for me. So I've decided to gather equipment to start shooting with a DSLR.

I have been using a Canon 7D top-side and have recently decided to go full frame to get the most out of my diving experience - I just purchased a 6D. I have also purchased a canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens since this seems to be the favourite amongst most UW macro photographers - however I am rather stumped about what kind of wide angle lens to get for my full frame? I will be using ikelite equipment FYI.

Some people say the Canon 8-15 fisheye is great but that you still have to be pretty close to your subject - it also creates circular photos from 8-10mm - so I'm not too sure how I feel about this.

I was maybe looking at the 17-40, however reviews on this lens show that it only tends to stay sharp in the centre - the edges get kind of muddy

the canon 16-35 II would have been ideal but ikelite apparently doesn't make a port for it and the 16-35 I (it's predecessor) was not a good lens at all.

So now I don't know what to do :/ some insight and personal experience with WA lenses on a full frame would be great. I know people keep talking about the tokina 10-17 fisheye but its only for crop sensor... Any other brands that have a worthy WA lens?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ambassador Divers]

I shoot both the 17-40 and the 15mm Canon. While both are great, the 15 mm takes the cake. As you mentioned, the 17-40 gets a little soft around the edges. This is really noticeable while shooting video. The 15mm is very fast. The only real draw back is you need to get really close for a great image. I also prefer video through the 15mm. I don't have any experience with the 8-15 but I cant imagine that it's not as sharp or as quick as the 15mm prime. I vote 15mm Canon!
Just fyi, get yourself a tripod. You can shoot some killer video with your 100mm

 

[ChristineAlbanese]

Thanks for your input! I haven't considered the 15mm fisheye... only because I am a little paranoid about the lack of zoom! I know macros are always fix lenses, but I was hoping to find a WA lens with a zoom - I like having the option of flexibility. I'll do a little more research and maybe rent it for a week or something and see how I feel about it. Thanks for sharing!