Weird Underwater Lenses

Let’s Get Weird When it comes to underwater photography lenses, the best performance and most reliable results are going to come from either the ultra-wide fisheye or high-magnification macro ends of the lens spectrum. These have long been the go-to types of lenses for creating classic underwater photos and with good reason. Large subjects and scenes demand a wide field of view, allowing the photographer to get close and produce better color, contrast, and clarity. Tiny macro critters need a powerful macro lens in order to appear larger than life and fill the frame. There’s nothing wrong with either of these time-tested photo styles, but every now and then you may find yourself wanting to break away from the ordinary. When that creative vibe starts flowing it’s time to toss convention overboard and start getting weird! Our Favorite Weird Underwater Lenses Every lens featured in this guide provides a unique and creative effect that you won’t be able to replicate with more traditional lenses. Some of these lenses mount directly on the camera, whereas others are external accessory lenses designed to work with either the built-in lens of a compact camera or an interchangeable lens on mirrorless or SLR systems. Using weird underwater lenses can change the look of the ordinary to eye-catching. There are many ways to shoot the same subject. Left: Olympus TG-5 | No Accessory Lens | 1/100 | ISO 200 | ƒ14 – Center: Olympus TG-5 | Saga Magic Ball | 1/100 | ISO 200 | ƒ14 – Right: Olympus TG-5 | Inon ZM80 Lens | 1/80 | ISO 100 | ƒ6.3 There is merit to the discussion of whether or not these lenses are ‘gimmicky’. There is also a certain satisfaction that comes from capturing an image in-camera that otherwise looks like it would only be possible through Photoshop manipulation. While they certainly aren’t meant to be the first lens choice for every underwater shot, they do provide a fun and creative outlet for experimenting with new techniques, style, and ways of capturing otherwise “boring” subjects. Read on for a breakdown of our favorite weird lenses and the shots we’ve captured with them. JUMP TO A LENSLAOWA 24MM PROBE LENSSAGA MAGIC BALLSAGA MAGIC TUBEINON BUGEYE LENSCANON 8-15MM LENSNIKON 8-15MM LENSLAOWA 24MM PROBE LENSBACK TO TOPA 24MM WIDE ANGLE LENS DESIGNED FOR MACRO “Whoa! What is that thing?!?" is the most common question you'll get when people see the Laowa Venus 24mm ƒ14 Macro Probe Lens on my underwater camera rig. The best way to describe it is a super macro lens with a wide field of view. It has a minimum working distance of less than an inch with a 24mm lens field of view. At minimum focus, the reproduction ratio is twice life-size at 2:1, which is equivalent to using an SLR macro lens with a +10 to +12 diopter. This lens is all about serious macro capability, but with a much wider field of view. Commonly referred to as a “bug-eye” effect, it can lead to some very interesting shots. See the Full ReviewSony a7R III | Laowa Probe Lens | 1/40 | ISO 3200Sony a7R III | Laowa Probe Lens | 1/100 | ISO 1250Sony a7R III | Laowa Probe Lens | 1/80 | ISO 1000 Laowa Venus 24mm ƒ14 Macro Probe Lens $1,499.00BUY NOWSAGA MAGIC BALLBACK TO TOPA kaleidoscope, drop of water, and a lens walk into a bar... The result is something that will open new doors for your underwater photography. The SAGA Magic Ball is possibly the most fun lens you will ever use. It produces a circular fisheye image in the center and a water drop effect on the edges. It might be a one trick pony for underwater photography contests, but it makes images that will capture the eye and it’s a heck of a lot of fun! See the Full ReviewNikon D850 | Nikon 60mm Lens | SAGA Magic Ball | 1/100 | ISO 1600 | ƒ22Nikon D850 | Nikon 60mm Lens | SAGA Magic Ball | 1/200 | ISO 400 | ƒ22Nikon D850 | Nikon 60mm Lens | SAGA Magic Ball | 1/125 | ISO 400 | ƒ20SAGAMagic Ball $239.99BUY NOWSAGA MAGIC TUBEBACK TO TOPReflective tube for swirling the subject A pretty simple concept, the Saga Magic Tube threads onto 67mm macro ports and uses a tube lined with reflective material to create a swirl of colors around the center of the frame. The swirly tie-dye effect is an excellent trick for commonly photographed subjects. It works with virtually any macro lens and compact camera zoom lenses, but is not compatible with additional diopters. Nikon D850 | Nikon 60mm Lens | SAGA Magic Ball | 1/200 | ISO 400 | ƒ22Nikon D850 | Nikon 60mm Lens | SAGA Magic Ball | 1/200 | ISO 400 | ƒ22Nikon D850 | Nikon 60mm Lens | Saga Magic Tube | 1/160 | ISO 200 | ƒ18Nikon D850 | Nikon 60mm Lens | Saga Magic Tube | 1/200 | ISO 400 | ƒ14Nikon D850 | Nikon 60mm Lens | Saga Magic Tube | 1/250 | ISO 250 | ƒ16Saga Magic Tube $110.00BUY NOWINON ZM80 UNDERWATER MICRO FISHEYE LENSBACK TO TOPGo bugeye on even the smallest subjects Inon’s compact Inon ZM80 creates a fisheye effect in a very small package. This allows shooters to get a 150-degree wide angle perspective at extremely close range. Because of its tiny size, the lens can be positioned in places a normal fisheye with a dome can’t get. With the correct adapter, the Inon ZM80 can mount on 67mm or 52mm threaded ports and be adjusted to achieve the correct distance from the camera lens. Olympus TG-5 | Inon ZM80 Lens | 1/40 | ISO 100 | ƒ11Olympus TG-5 | Inon ZM80 Lens | 1/40 | ISO 100 | ƒ11Olympus TG-5 | Inon ZM80 Lens | 1/40 | ISO 100 | ƒ11Olympus TG-6 | Inon ZM80 Lens | 1/80 | ISO 125 | ƒ5.6Inon ZM80 Micro Fisheye Lens $220.00BUY NOWCANON & NIKON 8-15MM FISHEYE LENSBACK TO TOPTotally Circular Dude! These lenses are not necessarily weird in and of themselves, as they are actually two of Backscatter’s most recommended and used lenses for full frame wide angle photography. What sets these two apart from other fisheye lenses is their zoom ability and the option to shoot a full circular 180-degree image. What this effectively means underwater is that you can seamlessly transition from frame-filling corner-to-corner shots at the 15mm end of the lens to an ultra-wide, heavily vignetted, stylish circular shot at the 8mm end. This effect can easily be over-done, so take it in stride, but when you need some fresh content for your square 1:1-ratio based Instagram feed, this is our favorite tool for the job. Sony a7S | Canon 8-15mm Lens | 1/125 | ISO 400 | ƒ14Nikon D850 | Nikon 8-15mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 100 | ƒ11Nikon D850 | Nikon 8-15mm Lens | 1/320 | ISO 500 | ƒ16Nikon D810 | Nikon 8-15mm Lens | 1/160 | ISO 160 | ƒ8Canon 8-15mm Fisheye Lens $1,249.00BUY NOWNikon 8-15mm Fisheye Lens $1,249.95BUY NOWCONCLUSION Capturing fun, creative, and outside-the-box images is easier than ever with this array of unique lenses and optics. While some of these imaging styles might not be for everyone or every dive, they certainly are a great way to break free from the regular routine and produce some stylish shots that are sure to elicit a reaction from your audience. When you are ready to start getting weird, pick up one of these clever optics and get to work! As always, don't hesitate to reach out to the team at Backscatter for compatibility consultation and recommendations for your rig. Let's get weird! Why buy direct from Backscatter?Free lifetime tech support with every purchase. We will beat any advertised price. Free shipping to USA and Canada and low-cost international shipping.

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