thought i'd just summarize material i have reviewed the last couple of days...

1. most of the available macro lenses (50mm - 105mm range) are good choices

2.as the focal length of the lens increases, DOF decreases

3. as the focal length of the lens increases, so does the difficulty in holding a focus

4. shorter focal length lenses may also focus better in low light

5. the longer focal length lenses have a greater working distance (apparently, the 1:1 reproduction ratio is possible at a greater camera/subject distance?)

6. greater magnification possible with the longer focal length

everything considered, it would appear that a 60mm macro lens is preferrable to a 105mm - especially for a beginner.

i got a 105mm but can not see enough reason to add a 60 (or 50 or 70mm)...if i had it to do over i think i would go with a shorter one...

my 2 cents;)

Bob

For macro we have the 105mm and the 60mm lens. I prefer the flexibility of the 60 and my wife prefers the 105.

I find the 60 better for Turtles and Angelfish as I can get very close and the 105 for smaller things.

I'm with Brian, but sometimes the DOF bothers me with my 60mm lens when I want get to very close to an object. Also keeping the focus steady is very difficult in currents or in dive-guide-is-swimming-too-fast situations ;) That's why we'll come to Bonaire soon, dive-it-your-own-way!

Good luck on the lenses.

Cheers,
Jaap

more practice i guess...

both strobes, f32 and shutter 1/60...

best DOF i've got on this dandelion so far but i know one can get more (DOF)...



my 105mm comes with a hokey ikelite "switch" to change from AF to manual - worked tonite anyway;)

yeah, ikelite says TTL may not be all that dependable at extreme F-Stops...basically all these shots are underexposed...

so i suppose i have to lug this rig back outside (nearing 18lbs) and give manual flash (about 1/2 power) a try...

sounds like F11 might be a better starting point for TTL flash...

more practice...still TTL (still easier;))





day time and a "hand" held DS50...f16-f32...

sooner or later we get another chance at fish;)

ok...so at miminum focus distance, even using a tripod, holding focus on this ant was tough - even an ant "step" was enough to change focus...



so, like one has to "time" a camera with shutter lag, i suspect one needs to learn to "time" focus on a supermacro closeup when shooting underwater...

well, having just completed a trip;)...

the 105mm worked well this time. auto focus for most daytime shots, manual focus for nite dives but only because of the following:

both f-stop and strobe placement need to be configured appropriately for the target distance..."super macro" is probably the easiest case, high f-stop and strobe(s) in tight...for subjects at a greater distance (where the 105mm helps with a certain amount of "extended range") the f-stop needs to be reduced and the strobe(s) need to be pointed "out" more...

autofocus does require sufficient light. the aiming lights used could provide this light but require that you position them to do so...using two strobes i just took my chances that they were positioned close enough - result - some under exposed stuff and of course having to use manual focus which is just plain awkward...

so you have to adjust stuff unless you can limit your shots all to a particular distance...autofocus is a dream compared to manual focus but there is that light requirement...

so maybe take less shots and spend the time to adjust for them better?

i think i am ok with the 105mm now;)

shot an eagle ray (some distance away) with the 105mm...it can be done but not very well with the thing set for super macro...maybe P mode with the strobes off..



so maybe a truly all purpose lens?

couldn't control the shopping urge forever

so i ordered the newer 105mm VR macro and a port...review says advantages of new lens diminished underwater (compared to older 105mm)...i say, maybe not - only auto focus but i have lights and worse case i still have my old lens and manual focus port if necessary

so there...

well, quick test of the new lens...sharper...but without a modeling light (or enough ambient light)...same old "hunt"...