So.. I'm looking around for Macro lenses for my Canon G10 w/Ikelite housing and I've only come across the Dyron options and the SubSee Adapter. The Dyron option requires a complete replacement of the Ikelite port with the Dyron port, so I don't want to go that route at this time. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with ReefNet's Subsee Adapter? From the gallery on their website it looks like it is a good product, but I'm unsure about how it works. From just reading over their website it seems like its just a magnifier glass attached to a floating arm. Is this how all macro lenses are? Also does the lens float above the port? Or does it physically touch it? Any information, experiences, opinions, price estimates, set up instructions, etc. etc. on the Subsee would be much appreciated.
On my setup, it physically touches the port. I'll ask the manufacturer to chime in on any issues he knows of particular to the Canon G10 / Ikelite setup.
Scott
reefnet
April 16th, 2009, 02:53 AM
Hey Frank,
To answer your questions:
-The SubSee Magnifier is a dual-element achromatic lens system (corrects chromatic aberrations) and is sealed in an airspace (to maintain all of its magnification). Just like any other "wet-lenses", it allows more magnification by decreasing the lens-to-subject distance. The more powerful the lens (measured in 'diopters'), the closer you're able to get to the subject, and hence the more magnification achievable. The SubSee is a +10 diopter lens, which can achieve approximately 2.2:1 magnification when couple with a 105mm lens. Results will vary with the primary lens focal length.
-The SubSee Adapters are designed to hold the SubSee as close to the port glass as possible, WITHOUT touching it. On the WP-DC28 adapters, only one set-screw is used to hold the adapter in place, which can leave a little scratch on the port body...but this is purely an aesthetic issue.
Keri
For more information, please contact me (keri@reefnet.ca) directly.
Nemrod
April 16th, 2009, 09:33 AM
Epoque DML-2 67mm Close Up Lens [epo.dml.67mm] - $159.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros (http://reefphoto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=117_96&products_id=1636&zenid=5ebab3ba097a3b9c6545d753e93d2cec)
Thanks Nemrod;) But I have one question. I understand that the Seatool ST-M67 Lens Adapter attaches the wet lenses to the Seatool M67 - ST Housing Adapter, but how does the housing adapter attach to the housing. It says on the reef photo website "The Seatool M67-ST Housing Adapter threads into the 67mm threads of your housing" and has pictured an Olympus port with the adapter on top / inside of it. Looking at my Ike G10 housing there doesn't appear to be any threads on the ports surface. So how is the connection achieved?
Nemrod
April 16th, 2009, 01:38 PM
Thanks Nemrod;) But I have one question. I understand that the Seatool ST-M67 Lens Adapter attaches the wet lenses to the Seatool M67 - ST Housing Adapter, but how does the housing adapter attach to the housing. It says on the reef photo website "The Seatool M67-ST Housing Adapter threads into the 67mm threads of your housing" and has pictured an Olympus port with the adapter on top / inside of it. Looking at my Ike G10 housing there doesn't appear to be any threads on the ports surface. So how is the connection achieved?
Yeah I see that Frank and I guess I had a minor brain cloud. It looks to me no matter what you do you will have to fabricate some sort of homemade adapter and if that is the case, no threads, then might as well make up some type of 67mm threaded to Ike G10 port adapter. Perhaps, without knowing the exact diameter of your port, would it be possible to use an old 67mm UV filter, remove the glass, and then use it to fabricate the adapter to allow 67mm threaded items?
N
FrankPro1
April 16th, 2009, 02:00 PM
Yeah I see that Frank and I guess I had a minor brain cloud. It looks to me no matter what you do you will have to fabricate some sort of homemade adapter and if that is the case, no threads, then might as well make up some type of 67mm threaded to Ike G10 port adapter. Perhaps, without knowing the exact diameter of your port, would it be possible to use an old 67mm UV filter, remove the glass, and then use it to fabricate the adapter to allow 67mm threaded items?
N
I can work well with wood, but metal fabrication is not one of my strong points. I've got a buddy who's Dad owns a metal shop, I'm gonna see what he can do for me. Thanks for clearing that up Nemrod.
FrankPro1
April 16th, 2009, 02:04 PM
just a correction, it looks like it doesn't actually touch my port, it floats over the port, just very close.
Good to know. I was quite put off from the fact that it would physically touch my port.
reefnet
April 16th, 2009, 02:11 PM
Nemrood/Frank - In addition to holding the SubSee magnifier, the SubSee Adapters can also accept just about every other popular "wet-lens", when used with the appropriate "hinge-arm". So if you decide not to fabricate your own homemade port adapter, we've got them available (or can design them quickly) for almost any camera housing/port, including the Canon G10 WP-DC28, which is already in production. These adapters allow you to swing the lens out of the way, rather than having to deal with fine M67 threads.
Keri
FrankPro1
April 16th, 2009, 02:35 PM
So if you decide not to fabricate your own homemade port adapter, we've got them available (or can design them quickly) for almost any camera housing/port, including the Canon G10 WP-DC28, which is already in production.
Is the Ikelite G10 housing adapter already in production? Or would I have to send you mine for measurements?
FrankPro1
April 16th, 2009, 02:40 PM
Epoque DML-2 67mm Close Up Lens [epo.dml.67mm] - $159.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros (http://reefphoto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=117_96&products_id=1636&zenid=5ebab3ba097a3b9c6545d753e93d2cec)
Which of these would be your ideal choice? I will definitely get the Subsee +10 Diopter at some point, but after reading the review... I should probably start with a normal macro lens first and then work myself up to a higher magnification "super macro lens".
The combination of the Subsee swing arm adapter and one of these lenses seems like the perfect combination for what I want to achieve. Without all the hassle of custom fabrication.
reefnet
April 16th, 2009, 02:53 PM
OOPS, I misread your original post (thought you were using the Canon WP-DC28 housing). I have the dimensions for the Ikelite G10 port, but haven't needed to produce one yet, since we've just sold out of SubSees.
In fact, we're taking this opportunity to greatly improve on the SubSee Magnifier design (larger diameter, multi-layer broadband anti-reflection coatings, optical glass windows, different strengths, M67 threads on both ends for stacking, etc...). We're going to offer a +5 diopter version in addition to the current +10.
If you send me your email address, I can give you more details... I feel uncomfortable using this forum for commercial purposes.
Nemrod
April 16th, 2009, 04:13 PM
You should get the M67 threaded lens, it will be easier to fab an adapter for unless the Reefnet fellow will market such an item. I believe I have the only AD to 67mm threaded adapter in existence and I am not making another.
I find it hard to believe that Ikelite does not have a 67mm threaded adapter for the G10 given that it's strong suite is macro if nothing else. ?????????
N
AndyT
April 16th, 2009, 05:06 PM
Keri
I think it's great to see manufacturers participating in discussion forums - it demonstrates a keen interest in the end users.
You have mentioned releasing a version with M67 threads. I am using an Athena port for my 50mm macro which has a 67mm thread - I take it this would remove the need for the swing arm? I ask because I like the idea of the arm, threading wet lenses on an off is a PITA. Could the swing arm still be used in my case?
reefnet
April 16th, 2009, 09:14 PM
@AndyT - These forums are certainly very helpful for improving products... face-to-face, people tend to hold back criticisms... but online, people are more inclined to "unleash" themselves. :)
Yes, the new SubSees will have M67 threads on both ends (male/female) to allow stacking and direct interfacing with some port systems. But for those who don't want to be bothered with threading their lenses on and off all the time (I agree, it's a PITA), we're still offering a full line of hinged adapters available for just about every port in production, including your Athena port. We've even got an adapter designed that'll fit over the Athena ringflash :D
Keri
Warmwater Wank
April 16th, 2009, 10:36 PM
Haven't had my SubSee (that I got for my WP-DC28 Canon housing) underwater yet but I'll cure that this Saturday on Bonaire. My above water shooting tests though (hey, it's cold in Central Oregon ok?) have satisfied my picky sense for optics. The swing-away holder is a very nice feature for uw versatility (a small enclosed magnet holds things closed when in use) and apparently will allow for future products to be attached--good to know.
Almost best of all, Keri is a real professional, dealing with all my myriad questions and concerns and getting things to me in a timely fashion. I look forward to using this setup and will try to post some comparison pics upon my return. (Oh, did I mention "TWO WEEKS" on Bonaire?) I'd say the only concern I had was finding out that Keri had no idea who Ian Tyson was ("No, not Mike's older brother Keri...") but hey, ReefNet puts out some quality products even if some of the help doesn't know all their Canadian musical heritage! + + + The Legendary Ian Tyson Official Website + + + (http://www.iantyson.com/home.htm) Opps, gotta finish packing...:eyebrow: // ww
fisheyeview
April 18th, 2009, 11:57 PM
I tried the SubSee Adapter for the first time today. I have to say that it was so easy to use. I loved the results. Here are a couple of shots taken with it.
