85mm Micro Underwater.

[JackR]

I have just used my Nikon DX 85mm Micro underwater for the first time, I think the depth of field might prove to be a bit restrictive. It's a bit of a trade off, with the Sigma 50mm EX lens I sometimes have to get too close to the subject, and getting the flashes in there can be a challenge. The 85mm allows me to be a touch further away for the same magnification, but the lack of depth of field might prove problematic. I am interested to know what anyone else thinks.

Anemone Fish. F16 with twin flash units. Point of focus is just in front of the fish. Depth of field doesn't detract too much for this image.

Flamboyant Cuttlefish. F16 with twin twin flash units. Point of focus is around the critters right eye. I think the depth of field is a bit too narrow. This critter was about 25mm long.

Emperor Shrimp on a Sea Cucumber. F19 with twin flash units. Point of focus is on the shrimp. Depth of field is not really an issue here, these shrimps are tiny.

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Jack.

 

[benny the jet]

Lovely images. especially the last one.. i dive but have never had the money or balls to buy a housing

 

[pooley]

Its a tough one to call. There's nothing wrong with the sharpness of the images, but in my opinion the 85mm is a bit of a jack of all trades, master of none for underwater. The 60 mm offers a little more depth of field and allows portraits of bigger fish, while the 105 is better for the skittish stuff.

I think it will be ok once you get used to it and learn what angle to shoot from, i.e side on or above to a nudibranch for all in focus or shallow depth of field for the same subject head on.

I suppose that means you need to book another dive trip then!!

By the way, I think the first shot could be lovely with a tighter crop and a little boost in PP.

Look forward to seeing more work.

Mike

 

[photogav]

I use my 60mm for just about the macro I do. I don't photograph shrimps that much though. I've near used the 85mm, but if you are finding getting close an issue with it you could use a small extension tube such as a PK11a which is a 8mm extension tube Nikon make.