Lens for a new Nikon D800

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a Nikon D800 camera for underwater photo. Does anyone have any recommendations for good WA and macro lens for this camera?

I do not use my D800 underwater, but absolutely love my 105mm macro lens up top (and wish that Sony would get working on something similar for my NEX-7 underwater). From the photos of fellow photographers shooting with other Nikon DSLRs and the 105mm, the results are spectacular.

I also use the 105, but on a D7000. It's a pain to focus on that platform, but it would be great on the D800. For WA, have a look that the Tokina 10-17. It's my favorite lens by far...

May I ask which housing you are using?

For wide angle you'll probably want to use a Sigma 15mm FE or Nikon 16mm FE lens. The Sigma focuses a lot closer than the Nikon. For more reach, the 16-35 is probably the best bet. I did try shooting the Sigma 15mm along with a Kenko 1.4 TC to good effect.


Soft Coral & Gorgonian Fan by Pixel Letch, on Flickr

For macro the 105VR is the best bet. I like to use it with a +5, or +10 diopter, depending on how close you can work to your subjects.


Squat Lobster by Pixel Letch, on Flickr

DX lenses like the Tokina 10-17 won't work with the larger sensor on the D800, nor are they sharp enough.

Jack

I am in the process of changing from a D90 to a D600 underwater and face the same issue. Macro is easy - 105 hands down. I did just upgrade to the VR version - much faster focus, but I miss the confirmation that the lens is seeking focus as the VR is so quiet.

For wide angle, I'll likely miss the Tokina 10-17, but will be thrilled to get my Nikon 16mm behind a dome again. I really missed that lens. I have a Nikon 20mm as well - also a good lens behind a port. While it was nice having the zoom range of the Tokina, I feel my results with the 16 and 20 were better (film days). While the Tokina will work on the D800 or D600, not sure why I would want to. Viewfinder would be difficult to use and not sure why I'd want to use only part of the sensor. I have mounted both of my DX lenses on the D600 and it is not pretty. Works, but the viewfinder crop is enough to keep me from doing it again - especially in a housing.

Biggest dilemma is mid-range. I had grown fond of the 16-85 VR lens behind a dome port. Great go-to lens when you are on the fence of WA vs Macro. Still contemplating options there.

I'll second Jack's opinion, the Sigma 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye, The Nikon 16-35mm f/4 and the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro VR, that would be a very flexible trio on which to built.

Nautacam

There a way to put the Tokina 10-17 on a full frame camera and have the full frame camera
NOT go to crop sensor mode? That would seem to be a nice setup for doing wide angle. You could
switch from horizontal to vertical without flipping the strobes around. Of course, you would have to
crop in post. Read this: http://www.danharperphotography.com/fisheye_mod.html That's with a
Nikon 10.5, but would be even easier with the Tokina's removable lens hood.

Chuck

The Tokina 10-17 won't work out well at all. It simply isn't sharp enough.
Jack

JackConnick:

The Tokina 10-17 won't work out well at all. It simply isn't sharp enough.
Jack

Click to expand...

Is there a comparable zoom fisheye lens that would work with a full frame Nikon camera?