Does anyone have any opinions on the best wide angle lense for underwater photography? The lense would have to work with the Oly 5050. Thanks in advance - Bonaire in October!

Here's you go Marcus, although it hurts my soul to help a cult member. Click Here.

I like my Inon lens ALOT.

Marcus,

I have the Oly WAL. It is actually produced by a corporation called UN. They also make the Oly housings. The lens has good optics, but there have been questions regarding the quality of the lens coating. Of more concern to me is the fact that Oly USA will not stand behind the product. UN warranty for the lens does not cover items sold in the USA.

Epoque makes a WAL and is also a contender.

The Inon WAL is similar in angle ( field) of view to both the Oly and the Epoque at @ 90-100° but has the unique option of adding their dome port to increase the angle of view to @ 130°.

If I were to purchase a WAL today for your camera. I'd go with the Inon.

One other consideration before choosing a WAL is to insure strobe compatibility. The wide angle lens will offer a minimum field of view of 90°. Many photographers will only shoot with a dual strobe set up when capturing WAL images. Although theoretically possible to cover this area with single strobe use, the chances of backscatter are increased due to subsequent strobe angle required. Shooting with only the internal strobe is out of the question because the physical size of the lens will partially block the on board flash, creating unwanted shadows. Choosing two strobes and "painting" with only the edges of their light output diminishes the chances of backscatter and also softens shadows created by single strobe use.

That said, creating shadows can be a dramatic addition to any composition. Boils down to style, I guess.

hth,
kbob

Big Time Help. Thanks!

Cecil: Resistance is futile; you will be assimilated.