Underwater Photography
May 17, 2021 08:05:53 #
I am thinking about doing some underwater Photography. My cameras are Nikon D6,D850 and Z7Ii. My first instincts are to use my 14-24 f/2.8.
So my questions from those with experience please,
I usually go to my D6 first, but it may not be the best for this use. Which would you use?
What are the best housings, including lens ports with zoom capabilities,
What kind of liighting is best for use with 14-24?
I have looked in previous posts, but the latest I could find were from 2016, so I figure there is more current data.
Thank is all.
RL
So my questions from those with experience please,
I usually go to my D6 first, but it may not be the best for this use. Which would you use?
What are the best housings, including lens ports with zoom capabilities,
What kind of liighting is best for use with 14-24?
I have looked in previous posts, but the latest I could find were from 2016, so I figure there is more current data.
Thank is all.
RL
May 17, 2021 08:25:08 #
May 17, 2021 08:38:01 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
Robertl594 wrote:
I am thinking about doing some underwater Photogra... (show quote)
The underwater photographers usually hang out in the Underwater Photography Forum:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-104-1.html
You may want to post your questions there.
May 17, 2021 08:45:35 #
chuckla
Loc: Kennesaw, GA USA
I wouldn't use any of them.
After about 1500 dives with a camera, I'm still using a D300 in an Ikelite housing with two DS160 strobes, that I've dived for the last 15 years; prior to that I used a Nikonos III with the single Nikon strobe made for it. While housings do a great job, the cost of housing any of your cameras and adding the appropriate strobes is going to be way more than your most expensive camera. If you're just "thinking about it," I'd suggest you go with one of the digital made-for-underwater cameras with the associated strobe, until you determine whether this is going to be part of your lifestyle for the long haul. There are many on the market- just ask in any dive shop or search online.
After about 1500 dives with a camera, I'm still using a D300 in an Ikelite housing with two DS160 strobes, that I've dived for the last 15 years; prior to that I used a Nikonos III with the single Nikon strobe made for it. While housings do a great job, the cost of housing any of your cameras and adding the appropriate strobes is going to be way more than your most expensive camera. If you're just "thinking about it," I'd suggest you go with one of the digital made-for-underwater cameras with the associated strobe, until you determine whether this is going to be part of your lifestyle for the long haul. There are many on the market- just ask in any dive shop or search online.
May 17, 2021 08:48:41 #
chuckla
Loc: Kennesaw, GA USA
BTW, on the crop sensor D300 I use a Nikon 12-24 for wide angle, and an 85mm sigma macro for little stuff. The 14-24 would be fine on a FF camera. If you go with a housing, get good insurance- flooding the housing is one of those "when" things, not "if."
May 17, 2021 08:57:33 #
Chukla is correct in every way. Go to the Backscatter site online and look at options. Be ready to spend 2-3 times the cost of the body to take a DSLR underwater. And insure it. The DAN H2O insurance is good but expensive.
May 17, 2021 09:11:27 #
May 17, 2021 09:40:33 #
"...If you're just "thinking about it," I'd suggest you go with one of the digital made-for-underwater cameras with the associated strobe..." I concur entirely with chuckla here... Robert consider the wisdom of starting small and evolving as you become more knowledgeable on the actual limitations and potentials latent within...
btw... photographic excellence isn't really a consumer commodity but rather the result of an endless journey full of repeated struggle and failure... might follow the advice of those who have been there before...
Below please find what an entry level point and shoot aquatic camera can do...
It meet and exceeded the expectations of my client... albeit I'm a commercial fashion photographer, your needs may not be in harmony with mine...
All the best Robert...
btw... photographic excellence isn't really a consumer commodity but rather the result of an endless journey full of repeated struggle and failure... might follow the advice of those who have been there before...
Below please find what an entry level point and shoot aquatic camera can do...
It meet and exceeded the expectations of my client... albeit I'm a commercial fashion photographer, your needs may not be in harmony with mine...
All the best Robert...
May 17, 2021 09:59:24 #
An underwater housing can cost more than the camera it is protecting. Get yourself a camera designed to work underwater. Depending on how deep you plan to go, they can be inexpensive.
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-waterproof-cameras
https://www.backscatter.com/reviews/post/Backscatter-Best-Underwater-Compact-Cameras
https://www.divein.com/underwater-camera/
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-waterproof-camera
Tips -
http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/great-colors-underwater
http://www.deke.com/content/dekes-techniques-229-color-correcting-underwater-photograph-photoshop
http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-photography.html
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-waterproof-cameras
https://www.backscatter.com/reviews/post/Backscatter-Best-Underwater-Compact-Cameras
https://www.divein.com/underwater-camera/
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-waterproof-camera
Tips -
http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/great-colors-underwater
http://www.deke.com/content/dekes-techniques-229-color-correcting-underwater-photograph-photoshop
http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-photography.html
May 17, 2021 10:38:06 #
Robertl594 wrote:
I am thinking about doing some underwater Photogra... (show quote)
Start with a GoPro camera. It will do just abut anything you need in water up to about 15 feet deep without artificial light.
May 17, 2021 10:44:46 #
Robertl594 wrote:
I am thinking about doing some underwater Photogra... (show quote)
Underwater photography of........??????
Sunken ships? Surfers wipeout? Tropical fish? Sharks? Girls in bikinis (you perv you! And Tomas902, but that is a NICE photo!!!)? They are all different. Please decide what you want to do before you ask for the equipment to do it.
May 18, 2021 07:06:00 #
Thank you all for your replies and constructive suggestions. I think you have given me exactly what I was looking for and saved me a lot of expensive pain!
May 18, 2021 08:36:19 #
Robertl594 wrote:
Thank you all for your replies and constructive suggestions. I think you have given me exactly what I was looking for and saved me a lot of expensive pain!
If you are a diver, it’s worth taking a class such as the PADI Underwater Digital Imaging one or an equivalent one from other agencies. After some instruction on camera prep and operation, composition, and dive etiquette you’ll do 2 dives. We would then do a post processing workshop (Lightroom & Photoshop) and critique of some of your images.
The class works well for shooters using anything from a GoPro or TG type camera to a housed DSLR/Mirrorless with multiple strobes.
Next level up would be a week-long advanced workshop with someone like Stephen Frink.
Hugh
May 18, 2021 08:49:15 #
chuckla wrote:
I wouldn't use any of them. br br After about 150... (show quote)
Absolutely.......the cost involved in underwater housings are extreme and with no promises of success with respect to failures while down there, shooting away. Start with simple,proven ,inexpensive gear first before leaping into that hole in the sea. Expect a lot of trial & error....hell,if you're diving shallow....use a Go-Pro instead.
Good luck
May 18, 2021 09:13:07 #
Take a look at Outex silicone covers. The pro model with back glass will work great with your Z7. It’ll work with your other cameras but with the Z7 you’ll find it much easier to work using the LCD screen.
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