Which 3 lenses for a D200?

[Henryville]

If you were setting up for U/W photography with a D200 and could pick 3 lenses, what would you pick, and why. Asking irrespective of housing, assume you could house and port the lenses you wanted.

 

[Darnold9999]

In order of purchase this is what I did. 60mm macro, 12-24 wide angle and then 105 macro. I have two other topside lenses as well 70 - 300 and my favourite 24 - 120.

The 60 is a good all purpose lens under water. Most fish and most macro. 12 - 24 for wide angle work. I am sure that there are other lenses but this works for me. 105 for shy macro - you can get the macro shot without being as close as the 60.

 

[kidsdream]

The 60 and the 105 are no brainers. I have the Nikon 12-24 and for the money it is not a great underwater lens (even if it is quite versatile). The Tokina 10-17 Fisheye zoom appears to be the latest hot ticket. I myself have the 16mm and 10.5 Nikon Fisheyes in addition to the 12-24 (which is a great topside lens).

In order of purchase this is what I did. 60mm macro, 12-24 wide angle and then 105 macro. I have two other topside lenses as well 70 - 300 and my favourite 24 - 120.

The 60 is a good all purpose lens under water. Most fish and most macro. 12 - 24 for wide angle work. I am sure that there are other lenses but this works for me. 105 for shy macro - you can get the macro shot without being as close as the 60.

 

[dbh]

I will echo that the 60mm & 105mm are must haves. For wide angle I like the Tokina 10-17 and the Sigma 15mm FE is hard to beat for the money. I sold my 12-24 after one trip......didn't like it very much.

Dave

 

[O'Malley]

I really like the 60mm...and the 18-55mm lens (that came w/ my D80 kit) has also been impressive. I just received the 10.5 fisheye from 'Ol Saint Nick and if this lens is anywhere near as fun UW as it has been topside...

 

[philmayer]

60mm and 105VR, no-brainers.

For WA, I love my 12-24mm.

 

[Wolverine]

Hmmmm.. i would go for a 105mm (more versatile than the 60mm, though I have both), the 10.5mm or Tokina 10-17mm for wide angle fisheye, and a Tamron 17-50mm or equivalent, for the fish and shark shots (when they are shy). I would get both the 60mm and 105mm though, with priority on the 105mm.

 

[gkndivebum]

VIcky (my wife) shoots the 60mm Nikkor, the 105VR Nikkor and the Tokina 10-17. She shot both my avatar
and profile photos with the 60mm.


Coming back to Hawaii anytime soon?

 

[mjh]

Owned/Own many of the lenses above. Right now my favs are:

1. Tokina 10-17mm, like others sold my 12-24mm
2. Nikon 17-55mm, great "don't know what we will see lens." A used 17-35mm also a good lens.
3. Nikon 60mm is mandatory for low viz, cold water diving. If you dive in tropical waters or deal with skittish subjects the 105mm is nice to have.

 

[Cacia]

Tokina 10-17mm,

I want that one.

My 12-24 was totaled on a flood but just won't die. It is starting to hunt slowly though.

I love the 10.5 and the 105 but mostly just because I have them.