First D70 lens?

[Brass Monkey]

Any recommendations for first lens to use UW with the D70? The 60mm seems to get a good rating, how does the 18 – 70 kit lens fair?

Dave.

[The Hamburger]

18-70 is a great lens for topside work.

But I guess it would depend which housing you have.

Not much point if the housing doesn't support zoom.

I really like the 60mm but wouldn't discount the Sigma 50mm which will also give you 1:1.

Aslo depends on your normal diving enviroment.

If you dive in crystal clear waters all the time , almost any lens will be ok.

If on the otherhand viz is more likely 5m than 50m you want something that will allow you to focus at very close quarters to reduce the column of water you are shooting through and so reduce back scatter.

The 50 and 60 will let you get your port right up to whatever you are shooting.

[Tim Ingmire]

I'd say if you don't have the 18-70 already then forget it. Get the Nikon 60mm - a cracking lens - got mine from iDigital on ebay at just over £200.

Have a look on Wetpixel in the Library/Articles section and you'll see a piece on buying lenses for the dSLR's. If you want a wide angle zoom then the (expensive) 12-24 would be worth a go.