D90 lens suggestions?

[cberk]

I am new to underwater photography. I have experience in land photography. I am in the process of putting together my 1st system. I have elected to try to get good equipment which will last and I won't have to constantly update. I have ordered a Nikon D90 and I am considering the Ikelite housing (8 inch dome) and DS-160 strobe. Any comments ?

I am interested in choosing a wide angle lens. I would like to be able to use the lens on land. I favor a rectilinear lens over a fisheye. Any comments and recommendations on specific lenses.

Are there any multi-purpose zoom lenses that can perform well for wide angle and macro underwater?

 

[StreetDoctor]

I'm in a similar position. I own a D90 already with two lenses- A sigma 10-20mm for W/A and the Nikkor 18-200VR as a walk-around. If you do a search you'll find a lot of people recommend the Tokina 11-17 for W/A use underwater. I plan on using my sigma just because I already own it, I purchased it over the Tokina because I like the zoom range better for above water use. It's a great lens on the surface so I don't see why it won't be great underwater. Let me know what you decide on going with because I'm about to purchase the exact same setup as you've described, I just wish I had the cash for two DS160's.

 

[RonFrank]

Most DSLR owners go with a wide zoom (I have the Tokina 12~24mm), a more standard zoom (mine is the Nikon 18~35mm), and some Macro (in Nikon that is 60mm or 105mm).

Welcome to the world of UW EXPENSE.. I mean photography!

 

[cberk]

In using the Tokina lens and shooting people, do you see much distortion of the diver.

 

[RonFrank]

The 12~24mm is a rectilinear lens, and exhibits some barrel distortion, but not much. This is more pronounced at the corners. Much of this has more to do with how the subject is shot. If you shoot a diver with his head prominent in the image, and the body is near perpendicular the lens, then the head is going to appear larger. If you shoot a diver hovering over a reef, and his body is on the same plane as the sensor, there will be little distortion.

Lenses don't behave differently UW, or not much, so your answers can be had by reviewing topside images. I was looking for an image UW I shot with this lens, but SB does not provide EXIF info, so it's difficult for me to remember what lens I used to shoot a given image.

I find that using very wide lenses UW requires good light, and vis. My general purpose wide lens for UW work tends to be my 18~35mm lens. I also shoot a lot with my 60mm macro. This is one problem with DSLR's, there are no lenses out there that can cover 12~100mm and macro. So you pick a lens, and are stuck with that choice unless you have multiple UW setups (like take down two housings). Pros do that, but most of us can not afford multiple UW setups, or assistants to carry the spare when not in use.

 

[StreetDoctor]

Digital Wide Zooms

 

[RonFrank]

Good review. I have the Tokina, and it is the only third party lens I own at this time. A VERY solid lens, and reviews match it very closely against the Nikon which is double the price or so. I have not shot the Tokina 10~16mm but if it's built as well as my 12~24mm it is be one fine lens, and WIDE!

The review above basically says as much, don't bother with the rest of the review, just go buy the Tokina 10~16mm. I personally like having 24mm at the *long* side of the range, but 10mm (or 15mm EQ on a 1.5X sensor) is nice and wide.

 

[elan]

Ken Rockwell gives very good info on the lenses google ken rockwell

I was looking at this one Nikon 10-24mm

 

[StreetDoctor]

Ken Rockwell gives very good info on the lenses google ken rockwell

I was looking at this one Nikon 10-24mm

Already posted the link a couple posts up... the nikon is a waste of money.

 

[cberk]

Thanks for the great info. I think I am leaning toward the Tokina 12-24. I like the 24 long range and give up a little at the wide range.

Price quotes at Adorama:
Tokina 12-24 DX- $433
Tokina 12-24 DXII- $499
Nikon 10-24 DX-$799