Does anybody use an M3 or an SL1?

[Hoag]

Ah, OK, I guess another reason to stay away from Ikeltite I suppose. I think OP is looking at Nauticam, so with Nauticam and most other housings, there is room for the pop up flash so as to trigger your strobes via fiber-optic.

Actually, I was pretty open as for the type of housing. It looks right now though that due largely to the fact the the SL1 is a couple years old, housings by any manufacturer are hard to find and I have decided that although it may be a good camera, it may not be a viable option. You are right though in the sense that I would tend to lean more towards Nauticam housings because one of the things I want to do is to upgrade my camera system from Micro 4/3 to APS-C while still keeping the gear small enough to fit into carry-on.

Is anybody using the M3? If so, are you happy with it?

 

[rob1967]

BTW, I just got word from Nauticam that they will be making a housing for the M5. The M5 is now just starting to get into the hands of the general public, and so far the reviews seem quite positive. It seems like the AF is quite good, even with adapted lenses, on par with the 80D.

The smaller form factor of the mirrorless is appealing, especially for travel. And if it can focus on par with an SLR, then it becomes quite compelling...

 

[Hoag]

BTW, I just got word from Nauticam that they will be making a housing for the M5. The M5 is now just starting to get into the hands of the general public, and so far the reviews seem quite positive. It seems like the AF is quite good, even with adapted lenses, on par with the 80D.

The smaller form factor of the mirrorless is appealing, especially for travel. And if it can focus on par with an SLR, then it becomes quite compelling...

Thanks for the update. I ultimately went for a Sony A6000.

 

[rob1967]

Thanks for the update. I ultimately went for a Sony A6000.

Hoag, how are you liking the Sony A6000?

BTW, in case anyone is interested, Nauticam has now finally announced a housing for the Canon M5. NA-EOSM5 Housing for Canon EOS M5 - Nauticam

On their website, they talk about using the 15-45 mm kit lens with the wet wide angle lens, this seems like a nice versatile combo. I would be tempted to jump back into Canon mirrorless now, if I didn't have so much invested in my 7D MII SLR set-up. I love my SLR, but it is a bit of a pain to lug around.

 

[Hoag]

Hoag, how are you liking the Sony A6000?

BTW, in case anyone is interested, Nauticam has now finally announced a housing for the Canon M5. NA-EOSM5 Housing for Canon EOS M5 - Nauticam

On their website, they talk about using the 15-45 mm kit lens with the wet wide angle lens, this seems like a nice versatile combo. I would be tempted to jump back into Canon mirrorless now, if I didn't have so much invested in my 7D MII SLR set-up. I love my SLR, but it is a bit of a pain to lug around.

I haven't shot it underwater yet, but I really like it (above the surface) so far. Having said that, I am not thinking of it as a replacement for my Canon 6D, but for dive trips or a small lightweight kit, I am very happy.

For underwater, I have the Sony 10-18 f4 OSS lens.

 

[Ricardo V.]

Im not familiar with Sony products; however, there have been some upgrades to the a6000. I've been reading a few reviews and folks using these cameras for underwater photography recommend using an external battery (one that fits inside the housing) to address stamina issues.

I've also been reading some excellent reviews about the a6500. Several good underwater housing are available for them.

As far as Canon goes, I've been shooting a Canon 7D since 2009 and have housed it with Ikelite and Nauticam products. Right of the bat I will share that Nauticam is an excellent product. I've been wanting to upgrade the camera, but it's still giving me excellent shots, tons of fun and I travel with it every time.

I shoot mainly macro, but also travel with wideangle setup. I pack the camera, housing, 2 inon z240 strobes, viewfinder, 3 lenses (Canon60mm, Canon100mm and Tokina10-17), batteries and external lights... all in my carry on bag. Sometimes in my backpack. I won't lie to you, is very heavy, but it fits as a carry on luggage with no problem. I disassemble the handles and the entire system fits.

I do check the ports, arms, clamps, chargers and things that are not as fragile.

So if travel and carry on is something you are looking for, and Canon is the camera brand you are looking to keep, a good carry on bag with wheels or a sturdy backpack will do just fine.

 

[Ricardo V.]

Rob1967,
What port are us using with your Tokina 10-17?

 

[rob1967]

Hi Ricardo,

I am using the Nauticam 4.33" acrylic dome port (part #18804). I also discovered the Canon 18-55mm IS STM kit lens works nicely in this port also (with a 30 cm extension). I am going to try the Canon 10-18mm in it next week!

 

[Ricardo V.]

Rob,
I've been using a compact 4" glass port made by Zen. Here is a link to the product. Welcome to zenunderwater.com!
I have the Tokina 10-17 and it woks very well with this port. I don't see distortions with it.
I'm shooting Canon 7D in a Nauticam housing.
Let me know how the port extension test works for you.
Take care and talk to you soon,
Ricardo

 

[rob1967]

Hi Ricardo, I did test the Canon EF-S 10-18mm in the 4.33" dome made for the Tokina in the pool for a model shoot and it worked fine! Even better, I was able to use the 3rd party zoom gear I have for the Tokina (made by Xit 404) and that worked also. I used a 30 cm port extension, but it is quite possible it work with a shorter extension or maybe even none at all. The lens is about the same size as the Tokina, but maybe doesn't focus quite as close (so it might need a bit of an extension in the dome). However, it seems to focus close to the subject underwater, and compared to the Tokina, has a more usable zoom range and no barrel distortion both of which are a huge plus for me. The EF-S 10-18mm will definitely be my go-to wide angle lens for Canon SLR from now on.

Rob,
Let me know how the port extension test works for you.
Take care and talk to you soon,
Ricardo