I just added a 60mm macro lens to my kit. I have a Nikon D70 and an Ikelite housing. I looked up the port requirements on the Ikelite site. They say you can use the 60mm Macro with port # 5503.5 (the dome port recommended for the 12-24 WA lens ... which I already own ). I'm thinking I'll give that a go before buying a flat port (Ikelite has 2: the 5502.41 autofocus only and the 5506 auto/manual focus).

I'm wondering if anyone can comment on this. Karl posted some great photos taken with the 60mm in an Ikelite housing in a recent thread on Turks & Caicos. He posted a shark portrait and a macro shot of a gobi taken on the same dive with the 60mm. Can I accomplish similar results using the dome port or should I bite the bullet and buy the flat port?

Considering the flat ports, is the 5506 (auto/manual focus) preferred to the 5505.5 (auto only)? I have a 105mm. I rarely use the manual focus knob and shoot on autofocus whenever possible.

Thanks
John

Hi John....

While you can shoot the 60mm behind a dome port, you will not acheive the same magnification that you could get through a flat port.

Ikelite's 60mm flat ports are made to either be manual focus only or AF only...you can't switch between the two like you can with the 105 port.

I would recommend the AF only port.

Every shot on my website has been taken in AF...FWIW

Karl

Hi John,

Welcome to Wetpixel.

The flat port is not expensive - you should get it. Not only will you get better magnification w/ the flat port, but you won't be cursing yourself when you get in close to take a macro shot and scratch your dome port on a rock.

There are a few reasons to shoot a macro lens behind a dome port, but saving the money, IMO isn't a consideration in this case.

Cheers
James

Hi John, as you may know, the 60 is a lot faster (and locks easier on subjects) than the 105, so I don't think you will feel the need to use it on manual focus mode. About the flat versus dome port, back in my film days when I had an Ikelite I used a 60 behind a dome a lot and had no problem. The only thing you gain by adding a flat port is some more magnification, which helps when shooting macro, so eventually you should get one. But if you already have the dome for it, I would go ahead and use it while waiting for the flat port.

Luiz

EDIT: This was an easy one! I thought I was the first to answer, but when I click on submit post I saw Karl's and James' answers. Boy, you guys are fast!

I have the 60 mm and use it with the dome port and now with the flat one.
Do not have exact comparison between the two ports (I plan to do it on the pool) but I have the filing that with the flat one the magnification is much better.
I use only AF without any problem.

Thanks guys! Great information. I'll plan on getting the flat port. If I have a chance to use the lens before I get the flat port, it sounds like I'll be ok to shoot it in the dome ... as long as I'm careful not to scratch it

It's really great to have a forum like this to ask questions, share information and learn