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Sony A6500 or A7iii to photograph whales underwater?

Started Dec 19, 2018 | Discussions thread
Marchellome Junior Member • Posts: 44
Re: Sony A6500 or A7iii to photograph whales underwater?

The Sigma 16mm f1.4 lens is a fast and sharp lens for underwater work in the a6500 housing.  To keep the rig small and use a compliment of lens, I shoot the Sigma 16 in a small 4.33 dome with a 20 + 30 mini extensions for correct lens placement in the 4.33.  This lens is approximately 1 to 1.5mm too wide to fit the 4.33 port ID (inside diameter) This problem was solved by carefully filing off the shade mounting system.  The lens is super fast, extremely sharp and fast focusing in the a6500.  I also shoot the kit 18-55 with a Nauticam CMC-1 on modified swing mount on the 4.33 + 20mm extension for wide angle and macro on a single dive.  The Zeiss 12mm Touit has the shade mechanism removed and also fits the 4.33 with a 20mm extension.  All this makes for a very high IQ travel rig for video and still photography.  The modifications are not for everyone though and require some technical knowledge.  I think the Sigma 16 f1.4 will fit stock in the 7” dome though, which is not terrible in size, but not small like the 4.33.  You will get slightly sharper corners though at the cost of a larger dome.  The Sony 10-17mm will also work in the 7” dome which will work well for what you are doing with the whales.

Good lucK and happy diving.

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