Have recently upgraded to DSLR (from Coolpix 5000), specifically D80 in Ikelite and am keeping a blog of the adventure.

Using Micro Nikkor 60mm macro, 18-55mm kit lens, Sigma 15mm fisheye, Flat and 6" dome ports, Inon Z220 strobes, DIY leak detector.

Hope the collected info and test photos are of use.

D80 / Ikelite blog

Constructive criticism most welcome.

Just added field of view comparison of Sigma 15 FE to Coolipx 5000 with wide converter.

Sigma 15mm FE as wide as 12mm rectilinear.

Home made bracket to attach a FIX LED focus light to the handle extention. These little lights work really well.

Nice weblog... As a newbie myself, it's quite helpful.

QUESTION: Is your 60mm Micro-Nikkor manual or auto focus? If it's manual focus, did you have trouble getting gears to rotate the focus and aperture rings?

Auto focus, but I have switched to manual on occasion, and moved the camera to focus. Have not used gears on this lens.

Andrew,

Very interesting blog, will enjoy reading the updates when you finally get the D80 in clear water.

That said, you are getting some lovely shots in some crappy viz.

All the best

Nigel

Just did a lovely dive in OK conditions under Blairgowrie marina.
These shots were taken with the 18 to 55mm kit lens +2 dioptre and 6" dome.

I must say this lens works quite well underwater. Certainly fills the gap between macro and wide.