Heya guys,

I’ve been diving and taking pictures for about two years now, and so far it’s been working okish.  I use my Sony Cybershot, an external adjustable strobe and a little point light.  Over the past few months now I found that the camera fails on me when I want to take macro shots, because it just can’t focus.  The auto focus doesn’t work either because I want to get too close to the subject, or there’s not enough contrast (hence the point light, which helps quit a bit).

Now I would like to go more into macro photography, and I just need a better camera.  I think SLR with auto and manual focus, a macro lense; external strobe makes sense too.

I have no idea where to start though.  I heard that the Canon Rebel (20D, 30D, ..) is a good camera, paired with a Sigma 150 2.8mm lense.  What about the housing then?  Or is another camer more suited for what I am looking for?

So I would be thankful for any kind of feedback from you…

Thanks heaps!
Jens

The 150mm will be to much for underwater use.
Take the 50 or 70mm instead.

Kenneth

Hi Jens,

..and welcome to our Forum. Concerning Macro with Canon
I consider the 100mm USM 2.8 Macro as the best lens available.
It’s flexible and fast, worth the 100-300 EUR/USD extra.

People usually refer to the Canon 300D, 350D and 400D as
the “Digital Rebel"(s) in the USA. They are all good cameras
and the 400D is the most advanced and not really more
expensive these days than the others.

The 20/30D are no Rebels and the magnesium body big brothers.
If you do not intend to use it on land I would save money and go
for the lightweight Rebel housings and camera. If you want more
features and a solid body at mid-size take a look at the EOS 5D.

Andi

Thanks heaps for the information! 

Actually, I am planning to use the camera on land also, likely with a normal lens.  The macro lens then would only be for diving and the occasional stroll through nature.  I’ve heard much good about the Rebel…

The underwater housing and external strobe won’t be an issue with the Rebel and macro lens?  I mean, the housing won’t interfere with me getting close to a subject?  I ask because a friend of mine’s got a housing which puts another couple of inches between the subject and the lens. (I solve that issue with my little Sony Cybershot by zooming in, and it works most of the time.)

Cheers,
Jens