I'm sure this has been asked, but what disadvantage is there to using a longer port in order to fit a wider variety of lens lengths. I.E , in a dome, a 3 inch length would fit in a port starting at 3 inches, but if you get a 4 or 5 inch port, it would accomadate the 3 inch lens, plus filters, and longer lenses as well. Thank's for answers here !

Hi Marty,

The placement of the lens relative to the dome port is very important. If the lens is too close or too far back, your images will be fuzzy in the corners and may even look like you're zooming through a time warp.

Cheers
James Wiseman

Thank's again. I'm just trying to maximize the # lenses available and limit the number of trunks I carry!

Marty,

I've used (and recommended) using certain macro lenses in extended dome ports before on Wetpixel. Here's what I've personally used and also what I'm 99% sure would work, too.

Ikelite's specified extended dome port for Nikon 12-24mm zoom works with the 60mm Nikkor macro, and Sigma 50mm macro lenses.

Ikelite's "special" extended dome port for the Canon 17-85mm IS lens. I'll bet this port will work with the newest 60mm EF-S lens and likely even a standard 50mm f1.8 or 1.4 mm which will "see" about an 80mm film lense field of view.

Obviously these would all have to be used in AF mode. Edge sharpness James describes might be noticeable in fringes, but to my eye and use wasn't worth worrying about especially after editing and post processing photos.

Hope this helps!

David Haas

On a related note, does anyone use the Aquatica 8" dome port on an Ikelite housing with a macro lens such as the Canon 60mm? Is there any noticable disadvantage to using the flat port? The 8" port is recommended for the 10 - 22 which I intend to acquire in time, the port chart says it's suitable for the 60mm as well. Can I minimise the different ports I need?

If so, what's the chances of getting one in the UK before Spetember 21 as that's when I'm off to the Red Sea - no one seems to have any more of the Aquatica Ports (BHPhoto, Underwater photography, Backscatter, Camerasunderwater in the UK..) and seem to be waiting on Ike's new port. (Incidentally, I have friends going over to the US next week so if anyone knows of one that's available, someone can bring one back for me...)

Thanks

James

Shooting a macro lens with a big dome port is a drag. You CAN do it and the optical results are excellent, but you have to get close and in tight and in many cases you will scratch your dome trying to do it.

When people shoot macro lenses (like the 60mm Nikkor) with a dome, they usually use a 4" dome as the 8 incher isn't needed.

Cheers
James

There sure is a difference between "will work", and what works well. On the Ike port chart, my 17-85 will work in the 8" dome- but come to try it, the zoom is inoperative.
It does sound like the 60 mm has options, although I am consigning myself to a dedicated port per each lens, at least eventually. And the 60 mm seems like a good one to have, too.

Also, question on the earlier post from the person who was picking up reflections of the lens in the big dome.-Correction was to " black out" any markings on the lens that appear within the port. Is electrical tape suitable for this? It seems like a bummer to disfigure the lens, as slickly designed as they are.

Thank's