DSLR/MIRRORLESS CAMERAS:
Mirrorless and DSLR users will want to use a
fisheye lens for subjects where you can get really
close. Eliminating as much water between the
subject and lens as possible will allow you to get
the most contrast, clarity, and colour into the
image. For more skittish pelagic creatures where
you can’t get reliably close, a wide-angle zoom
lens will give a bit more reach and flexibility than
a fisheye lens. For mirrorless cameras with Micro
Four Thirds sensors, use either the 7–14mm or
9–18mm; for APS-C size sensor cameras, use a
lens in the 10–22mm range; and for full-frame
sized sensors, a zoom lens like a 16–35mm will
work well. You’ll want two strobes to light large
expanses of colourful reef, and for an even pop of
fill when the subject gets close. Get the biggest,
brightest strobes you can cope to travel with.
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VIDEO:
For shooting video, a bright pair of lights in the
8,000-lumen range or higher will be useful to
fight bright ambient light conditions and fill in
shadows, especially at shallower depths.