Hi I am fairly new to Nikons even newer to this forum. And I already have a question for everyone. I will be working underwater in the in the Turks& Caicos for a couple of weeks, and was wondered which would be the best lens to use while snorkeling and blowing off some gas. I have a Nikon D5000 and I only want to take one lens and am not ready to go out and buy any more lens at this time. I have 3 : a Nikon AFS 55-300 1.45-5.6, or a Nikon AFS 18-55 1.35-5.56, OR a Tamron 18-270 1.3-6.3 most likely just shoot some larger fish within 5-10' range. SO whats the best of the 3. that I have. thanks
Lens for underwater pics
- Thread starter Sharkey
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Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
Re: lost and wondering
Second in line would be the Nikon 55-300mm. A lot more zoom, but a slower aperture...
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While I have no direct experience with it, I believe the Tamron 18-270mm suffers from somewhat sluggish AF, which is a shame because otherwise, I would probably suggest this lens as your "One Lens to Rule Them All". If you're okay with the AF performance for what I'm assuming will be quickly-darting fishies in less than ideal lighting conditions, then I'd say, look no further. If that thought gives you pause I'd consider the Nikon 18-55mm. While none of these strike me as ideal (I'd really prefer something in the f/2.8 range or better, frankly) you're limited to what you have on-hand and of those, I'm somewhat reluctantly suggesting the 18-55mm because it offers a tiny bit of zoom and a (relatively-speaking) fast aperture.
Second in line would be the Nikon 55-300mm. A lot more zoom, but a slower aperture...
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Nikon 18-55 is probably your best bet.
Underwater photography usually calls the the widest lens because of the diffraction of the water and the color and definition that decreases quite fast with distance from the camera to the subject. If you would have anything wider it could even be better.
What will the camera be in? Special housing or just one of these bags? I remember seeing one in Mexico a few years ago, but for me, I would not trust such a bag. I'd rather buy a small all around point and shoot that goes under the water.
But for out of the water, The Tamron would probably fill your needs.
Safe trip and work.
Underwater photography usually calls the the widest lens because of the diffraction of the water and the color and definition that decreases quite fast with distance from the camera to the subject. If you would have anything wider it could even be better.
What will the camera be in? Special housing or just one of these bags? I remember seeing one in Mexico a few years ago, but for me, I would not trust such a bag. I'd rather buy a small all around point and shoot that goes under the water.
But for out of the water, The Tamron would probably fill your needs.
Safe trip and work.
I am assuming you already have an underwater housing. If not, you might want to re-think this. UW housings are VERY expensive. As in over $1000 expensive. An affordable alternative might be one of those waterproof disposables or a used Nikonos V (35mm film) camera. They are pretty cheap now. For the Nikonos V the "standard" lens for it is the 35mm f/2.8 though I find myself using my 28mm f/3.5 the most. You will need a lens of an equivalently shorter focal length than you would for above water.
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As noted in previous posts, you need an under water housing for DSLR, which is quite expensive. A better alternative is to use the Nikon Water Proof P&S
Nikon India Private Limited - COOLPIX AW120 -
Nikon India Private Limited - COOLPIX AW120 -
Scott Murray
Senior Member
The lens is dependant on what housing you will be using... You will also need a strobe of some sort if going deep.
I would say buy a NIKON AW1 as that is what I did and is cheaper than a housing and strobe...
I would say buy a NIKON AW1 as that is what I did and is cheaper than a housing and strobe...
donaldjledet
Senior Member
Well Nikon aw1 would be good for snorkeling.
Scott Murray
Senior Member
Or diving down to 15m.
Scott Murray
Senior Member
Well as I said get the Nikon AW1 if you already are set up for deep. Its a great little camera and does go down to 15mtrs... And the kit lens is quite nice and sharp.