Zen Dome, cover and macro questions

[watboy]

I finally got my zen dome port for my PL2 and Oly 9-18mm. My system is for the moment complete, with ULCS type arm and tray and a single Z240 strobe (and only $1,000 over my initial 2400 budget). But I have two questions....

Firstly, I found removing the ports to be hernia inducing. I do not forsee myself swapping ports during a dive trip. I'll see how the stock 14-42 works behind the zome, but if i were to stick w the dome, what would be the best lens for macro? What about adding the oly macro converters? Whats the difference between a teleconverter, macro converter and diopter anyways?

Secondly, I am already paranod on scratching the dome. Do people remove the dome cover underwater or leave it on the boat? Whats the best way to stow the dome cover if you take it under with you? I'm thinking of some bungies around the port to strap it to. Bungies are my universal fix.

 

[under water]

I had the same experience swapping ports. After buying a strap wrench, things are a LOT easier.

I remove the dome cover on the boat unless I forget, which has happened. I stuff it into my BC pocket if that happens.

The 14-42 will work OK behind the dome port, but you will of course get a wider angle, so depending on what level of macro you want, with the dome you will need to get closer to get the small stuff. With the dome, you cannot add the wet lenses.

 

[watboy]

I was wondering of those oly converters that mount on the lens can be used inside the housing. But after seeing the clearance w the dome, its I don't think it will fit. I'll see if I can find a strap wrench in thailand... i'm not sure what the Thai word for strap wrench is...

Also a suggestion for Zen, if its technically possible, knurl the port so there's something to grip.

I had the same experience swapping ports. After buying a strap wrench, things are a LOT easier.
View attachment 100099
I remove the dome cover on the boat unless I forget, which has happened. I stuff it into my BC pocket if that happens.

The 14-42 will work OK behind the dome port, but you will of course get a wider angle, so depending on what level of macro you want, with the dome you will need to get closer to get the small stuff. With the dome, you cannot add the wet lenses.

 

[nudibranco]

I might be wrong but it seems to me that I can focus closer with dome so having the zen dome all the time is not a problem for macro or semi macro.

Also, I do attach the PMLA macro adapter to the zen port with success. Just a few 1mm thick adhesives on the zen port or the pmla will be sufficient to fill the slightly smaller circumference of the Zen port and anjoy a tight fit. I included a few pics taken with the zen dome port the 14-42 kit lens and macro lens attached.

 

[Mooseman1007]

Hi guys,
quick question about the dome which I currently have on order. I am off on a liveaboard in a weeks time and am wanting to get a port cover ordered before my housing and dome arrives, and had settled on one of the Hoodie Lens Caps (- LensCoat), but need to know what the external diameter of the dome is so I can determine what size i need. Also what is the diameter of the stock port in case I can use the same cover with both ports?
Cheers
Dave

 

[under water]

... but need to know what the external diameter of the dome is so I can determine what size i need. Also what is the diameter of the stock port in case I can use the same cover with both ports?
Cheers, Dave

Both ports are 4 3/4 inches.

 

[Mooseman1007]

Cheers for that,
the Medium fits from 3.75" to 4.25", the Large 4.25" to 4.75", and the XLarge 4.75" to 5.25" so its between the Large and XLarge. Guess its better tight where it wont fall off rather than too loose, so reckon Large is the way to go. Anyone else used these hoods?
Dave

 

[under water]

Amazon.com: OP/TECH USA 8001142 Hood Hat -X Large (4.5 - 5 Inch), Neoprene Cover for Lens or Hood (Black): Camera & Photo

 

[deeper thoughts]

Amazon.com: OP/TECH USA 8001142 Hood Hat -X Large (4.5 - 5 Inch), Neoprene Cover for Lens or Hood (Black): Camera & Photo

Would this fit the standard port for the "old" epl1 housing

 

[Mooseman1007]

Amazon.com: OP/TECH USA 8001142 Hood Hat -X Large (4.5 - 5 Inch), Neoprene Cover for Lens or Hood (Black): Camera & Photo

Cheers for that, Ill do some digging on Ebay/Amazon for a uk stockist of something similar as I dont want to risk buying from abroad and not getting it delivered in time.
Dave