When exploring underwater photography, selecting the right macro lens is crucial for capturing intricate details of marine life. One of the most common debates among underwater photographers is whether to choose the 60mm or 100/105mm macro lens for your DSLR. Both lens options have their advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on factors such as subject size, water clarity, and personal preferences. Whether you're using a Nikon or a Canon DSLR, the differences between these lenses can significantly impact your shooting experience. In this article, we will dive deep into both options, comparing their performance and suitability for underwater photography.
The 60mm macro lens is often regarded as a great starting point for those new to macro underwater photography. Its smaller focal length allows for closer focusing distances, making it ideal for shooting subjects that are relatively close to the camera. This makes it a perfect lens for capturing smaller marine creatures such as shrimp, seahorses, or even tiny fish. The 60mm lens also offers a wider field of view, which can be useful when trying to capture a more expansive shot of a subject and its surroundings. Its compact size and lightweight nature also make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, especially in shallow waters where movement is more constrained.
On the other hand, the 100mm or 105mm macro lens provides a more significant magnification, making it an excellent choice for photographing slightly larger subjects, such as crabs, lobsters, or nudibranchs, from a greater distance. This extended focal length allows you to get closer to the subject while maintaining a safe distance, which is particularly important when dealing with more delicate creatures that may be easily disturbed by the photographer's presence. The longer focal length also reduces the chances of casting a shadow on the subject, which can often be a problem when using shorter lenses nearby. The 100mm or 105mm lens tends to provide sharper, more detailed images, thanks to its ability to maintain high magnification without distortion, making it a favorite among seasoned underwater photographers.
However, one of the key challenges with a longer focal length is that it can make it more difficult to capture subjects in less-than-ideal conditions, such as low-light environments or water with less clarity. This is where the water clarity plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process. In murky or darker waters, a shorter lens like the 60mm might provide more flexibility, as the broader field of view allows for better lighting control and sharper images. In clearer waters, the longer 100mm or 105mm lens would be more advantageous, as the greater reach lets you get closer to the subject without disturbing it.
In terms of ease of use, the 60mm lens generally offers more versatility, especially for beginners who may need to adapt to a variety of underwater conditions. The 100mm or 105mm lens requires a bit more patience and practice, as the longer focal length demands greater stability and precision. Even slight movements or shakes can result in blurriness, so steady hands and proper buoyancy control are crucial.
Ultimately, the decision between a 60mm and 100/105mm macro lens boils down to personal preference and shooting style. If you prioritize the ability to work in tight spaces and photograph smaller creatures at close range, the 60mm lens will serve you well. However, if you are focused on capturing more intricate details of larger subjects while keeping your distance, the 100mm or 105mm lens offers enhanced performance. Whichever option you choose, both lenses can produce stunning results with the right techniques, patience, and understanding of the underwater environment.
The Nikon 60mm Macro Lens: A Versatile Option for Smaller Subjects
The Nikon 60mm macro lens is often hailed as a great all-around option for those just starting with underwater macro photography. It is popular for its blend of affordability and impressive performance. Ideal for capturing small marine creatures, such as nudibranchs, shrimp, and tiny fish, this lens offers a well-rounded solution for photographers working in various underwater environments.
One of the primary strengths of the Nikon 60mm lens is its shorter focal length. On a cropped sensor camera like the Nikon DX, the lens offers an effective focal length of 90mm, which increases slightly on Canon's cropped sensor to around 96mm. This makes it an excellent choice for situations where you need to shoot subjects that are relatively close to the camera. This is particularly helpful in low-visibility conditions, such as murky water or at night when visibility is limited.
The 60mm lens is designed for close-up shots, allowing photographers to get in close to their subjects. The close working distance makes it easier to photograph small creatures, even in tight spaces like coral formations or within the nooks of rocky reef structures. The lens also performs well behind a dome port, giving you the flexibility to capture larger marine life and critters with a wider range of composition.
Another notable advantage of the 60mm lens is its faster autofocus. In underwater photography, where subjects can be fast-moving or easily spooked, quick focusing is essential. The shorter focal length of the 60mm lens allows for quicker autofocus, making it easier to capture unpredictable subjects. This makes the 60mm lens especially advantageous for divers in challenging environments, such as those with rapidly shifting visibility or when encountering fast-moving marine creatures.
While the 60mm lens excels in smaller, close-range subjects, one potential downside is that it can result in slightly cluttered backgrounds. Since you need to shoot at a closer range, subjects positioned among dense coral or marine plants might cause the background to appear busier. Nonetheless, for photographers seeking versatility in their underwater gear, the 60mm lens offers an excellent balance of close-up performance and handling convenience.
The Nikon 105mm Macro Lens: Greater Reach and Creative Control
On the other end of the spectrum is the Nikon 100mm/105mm macro lens, which offers more reach and flexibility for capturing distant subjects. This lens is particularly suitable for those who wish to expand their creative possibilities, as its longer focal length opens up numerous opportunities for dramatic compositions. For those photographing creatures like mantis shrimp, small fish, or gobies, the 105mm lens allows for a greater working distance, which helps in avoiding disturbances that may cause the subject to flee.
With an effective focal length of 157mm on a Nikon DX camera or 160mm on a Canon APS-C sensor, the 105mm lens provides a notable advantage when you need to maintain a safe distance from sensitive or elusive marine life. It also makes it easier to shoot in more complex underwater environments, such as deeper waters or rocky reefs. The increased working distance lets you maneuver around obstacles while capturing your subject without disturbing the environment.
In addition to providing more reach, the 105mm lens excels in creating artistic compositions. One of its defining characteristics is its ability to isolate subjects from the background, which creates stunning, high-contrast shots. The longer focal length produces a compressed perspective, which is particularly effective for isolating subjects like small marine creatures or intricate textures, offering a clean, focused image against a softly blurred background.
For those who love creating artistic underwater images, the 105mm lens also delivers beautiful bokeh. The pleasing background blur it provides allows for better subject isolation, which is ideal for showcasing the finer details of marine life. The sharpness and clarity of the 105mm lens are particularly apparent in clear water conditions, where it produces crisp, high-quality images.
However, the 105mm lens has a couple of considerations. In darker or lower-visibility water, the increased focal length may pose a challenge when it comes to focusing. Longer lenses can be harder to use in conditions where light is scarce or water clarity is reduced. Despite this, for photographers working in clearer waters, the 105mm lens remains a powerful tool for achieving exceptional image quality and creative flexibility.
Choosing Between Newer and Older Versions of Nikon Macro Lenses
When considering which macro lens to purchase, it's essential to understand the differences between the older and newer versions of both the Nikon 60mm and 105mm lenses. Nikon offers updated versions of both lenses, each with their unique features that cater to different types of photography needs.
For the Nikon 60mm lens, the newer AF-S version features an upgraded autofocus motor that allows for faster and quieter focusing. This improvement makes the lens particularly useful when shooting fast-moving subjects or in dynamic environments. However, the older version of the 60mm lens has its own advantages, such as an extra inch of working distance when shooting at 1:1 macro magnification. This could be beneficial when photographing subjects that are particularly small or delicate, as the extra distance provides more room for maneuvering the camera and lighting.
The older Nikon 60mm lens also has the advantage of being compatible with teleconverters, which allow you to increase the magnification of the lens without purchasing a separate macro lens. This added flexibility can be a key advantage for photographers who want to expand their capabilities without the additional expense of a second lens.
As for the Nikon 105mm lens, the newer version features Vibration Reduction (VR), which helps reduce camera shake, particularly during topside photography or when using slower shutter speeds. However, it’s important to note that VR is less effective underwater due to the nature of movement and water currents. While VR can be useful in certain situations, such as topside photography or in calmer waters, underwater photographers may find its benefits to be limited.
In terms of autofocus speed, the newer Nikon 105mm VR lens offers faster focusing compared to the older model. Nonetheless, both versions provide excellent optical performance. The main difference is that the newer version includes VR stabilization, which is ideal for topside use but has less impact in aquatic environments. For underwater use, the older version may be sufficient, especially considering its lower cost.
Advantages of the 60mm Macro Lens in Underwater Photography
One of the standout features of the 60mm macro lens is its ability to get remarkably close to subjects, a fundamental characteristic for capturing fine details. This is particularly beneficial when photographing small marine life such as nudibranchs, tiny shrimp, or smaller fish species. The relatively short working distance of the 60mm lens allows photographers to fill the frame with the intricate textures, vibrant colors, and minute features that define macro photography. This proximity also enhances the overall composition, providing a more intimate look at the subject and revealing fine details that could otherwise be missed with longer focal length lenses.
Another significant advantage of the 60mm macro lens is its ability to perform well in low-visibility underwater conditions. Many underwater environments, especially during night dives or in murky water, can be challenging to photograph due to poor visibility. A shorter focal length, such as that of the 60mm lens, allows you to capture subjects without being hindered by the surrounding water conditions. You can position the lens close enough to the subject to avoid any disruptions caused by water particles or low light, making it an ideal choice for underwater photographers in such settings. Additionally, the lens’s fast autofocus system plays a critical role in capturing fast-moving subjects in these challenging conditions.
Beyond the close-ups, the 60mm macro lens also excels in environments where you want to capture both the subject and its surrounding underwater environment. For example, when photographing a small marine creature, like a shrimp or a starfish, sitting amidst a colorful coral reef, the 60mm lens allows you to capture not just the subject in great detail, but also the vibrant background. This makes the composition more dynamic and context-rich, giving the audience a sense of the creature's natural habitat while highlighting its textures and colors.
Limitations of the 60mm Lens for Underwater Photography
While the 60mm macro lens brings several advantages to underwater photography, it does have some notable limitations. One of the primary drawbacks is its relatively short focal length, which makes it less suitable for larger subjects or distant objects. While it shines when shooting small marine life, it can be somewhat restrictive when it comes to photographing larger fish or wide-area scenes. Attempting to capture a larger fish, for example, may result in a cramped shot that fails to do justice to the animal's size or the environment in which it resides.
Another downside to the 60mm lens is that its close working distance may cause problems when photographing skittish or cautious marine life. Many fish, especially those that are easily startled, may swim away if you get too close to them. This presents a challenge when trying to photograph subjects that are sensitive to human presence, as the photographer must get within a relatively short distance to achieve sharp focus. As a result, this can sometimes lead to missed opportunities, particularly when trying to capture elusive species that are naturally wary of divers.
Additionally, the 60mm lens can feel somewhat limiting for photographers who are aiming to capture broader compositions or larger groups of subjects. In certain underwater environments, such as vast coral reefs or open water, a longer focal length lens, like a 100mm or 105mm lens, might be more appropriate. These lenses offer a longer working distance, which allows photographers to stay further from their subjects while still achieving a high level of detail. For these situations, the 60mm lens may not provide the necessary flexibility to fully capture the breadth of the scene.
The Ideal Use Cases for the 60mm Macro Lens
Despite the limitations mentioned, the 60mm macro lens remains a versatile and powerful tool for underwater photographers who focus on smaller, detailed subjects. It excels in capturing micro moments, where the subject's size and fine details take center stage. If you're particularly interested in photographing invertebrates like crabs, shrimp, or nudibranchs, this lens offers the perfect balance between magnification and ease of use. Its short focal length allows you to get close to your subject and capture intricate textures, colors, and patterns that would be impossible to achieve with longer lenses.
The 60mm lens is also an excellent choice for capturing both the subject and the surrounding environment. If you want to photograph a tiny creature perched on a vibrant coral reef, the lens allows you to focus on the subject in sharp detail while still incorporating elements of the background. This is an important consideration for photographers who want to tell a more complete story about the marine environment. This type of close-focus wide-angle shot is highly popular among underwater photographers who want to emphasize both the beauty of individual marine creatures and the ecosystem they inhabit.
For divers who frequent areas with clear water, the 60mm macro lens is a powerful option that allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subjects while still capturing rich detail. In clear conditions, divers can afford to stay a little farther from the subject without losing the sharpness and clarity required for stunning macro shots. This makes the lens particularly well-suited for photographers who prefer natural light over the use of strobes or artificial lighting, as the lens allows you to get close enough to subjects without requiring an intense flash.
When it comes to photographing natural light scenes, the 60mm lens excels. Many underwater photographers choose to shoot with natural light when capturing small critters and underwater landscapes. The 60mm lens allows you to get close to the subject while relying on sunlight filtering through the water. This is ideal for capturing soft, natural lighting effects, especially in shallow waters where sunlight can create beautiful patterns and highlights. Its ability to get close to the subject makes it easier to capture these natural moments without the need for additional lighting equipment.
For beginner photographers just venturing into the world of macro underwater photography, the 60mm lens is a fantastic starting point. It provides a relatively affordable and user-friendly option while offering exceptional quality in close-up shots. Its compact size makes it easy to handle, even for those who are still mastering their underwater photography skills. The 60mm lens provides a solid foundation for learning the nuances of underwater macro photography, offering both flexibility and high performance without overwhelming the photographer.
Overall, the 60mm macro lens is a fantastic tool for underwater photographers seeking to explore the intricate world of small marine life. Its ability to capture close-up details with remarkable clarity, combined with its versatility in various underwater environments, makes it an invaluable choice for enthusiasts. While it has limitations, particularly for larger subjects or environments requiring longer working distances, its benefits in terms of sharpness, autofocus, and intimate subject capture are undeniable. By understanding both the advantages and the limitations of this lens, underwater photographers can make informed decisions on when and how to use it to its fullest potential.
The Power of the 100/105mm Macro Lens for Underwater Photography
When it comes to underwater photography, few tools are as essential for capturing intricate details of small marine life as the 100mm and 105mm macro lenses. These lenses have earned a well-deserved reputation as the gold standard for photographers who specialize in macro shots, particularly when it comes to photographing elusive creatures in their natural habitat. The unique advantages these lenses offer make them a preferred choice among professionals looking to take their underwater photography to the next level.
One of the key benefits of using a 100/105mm macro lens is its longer focal length, which provides a significant edge in certain underwater shooting conditions. This lens allows you to maintain a greater working distance from your subject while still achieving sharp focus. In underwater environments, especially those involving shy or easily startled creatures like small fish or crustaceans, this feature can be a game-changer. By staying further back from your subject, you reduce the risk of scaring it off and can still capture highly detailed, close-up images.
For photographers diving in clearer waters, the longer focal length enables them to isolate the subject from the surrounding environment, helping to create dramatic, focused compositions. The resulting image often benefits from a beautiful bokeh effect, where the background becomes a smooth, aesthetically pleasing blur that makes the subject stand out even more. This is particularly useful when photographing marine life in environments with vibrant and busy backgrounds, such as coral reefs, where isolating the subject can be tricky. The 100/105mm lens shines in such conditions, offering a tool that creates stunning images by ensuring the subject remains the focal point while softening the chaos of the surrounding world.
The ability to shoot in more complex environments is another key advantage of the 100/105mm lens. This lens allows photographers to work effectively in rocky reefs, deeper waters, or any situation where obstacles might be present. The increased focal length allows for more flexibility when capturing dynamic subjects in challenging underwater landscapes. For example, photographers don’t need to worry about getting too close to rocks, coral, or other obstructions, making it easier to frame a shot without constantly adjusting the position of the camera.
Potential Drawbacks of the 100/105mm Lens in Underwater Settings
While the 100/105mm lens is undoubtedly a powerful tool for many underwater photographers, it does come with certain limitations that can affect its performance in specific environments. The most notable challenge is its sensitivity to low-light conditions. Due to its longer focal length, the lens requires more light to achieve the sharp focus necessary for capturing high-quality images. This can be a problem in murky waters or low-visibility conditions, where natural light is limited and subjects may be moving quickly.
In such situations, the autofocus system of the 100/105mm lens can become slower, and achieving precise focus might become difficult, especially if you're attempting to photograph fast-moving subjects like certain types of fish. For photographers diving in darker environments or at night, this lens might not be the best choice. In these scenarios, a shorter focal length lens, such as the 60mm macro, might be a better option due to its faster autofocus system and ability to focus more easily at closer distances.
Another limitation of the 100/105mm lens arises when working in tight spaces. Underwater environments can often be confined, particularly in caves, narrow crevices, or dense coral structures. In these situations, the longer focal length of the 100/105mm lens might feel cumbersome, as it requires more space to properly frame the shot. For photographers looking to capture subjects in these confined spaces, the 60mm macro lens, with its shorter focal length and more compact design, can often provide more flexibility. The smaller size and closer focusing distance of the 60mm lens make it better suited for navigating the tighter, more restricted areas commonly found in underwater photography.
Optimal Scenarios for Using the 100/105mm Lens
Despite its challenges, the 100/105mm lens is a powerful tool when used in the right circumstances. It is particularly well-suited for underwater photographers who specialize in capturing detailed shots of small marine life, especially in environments where they can maintain a safe distance from their subjects. The ability to photograph shy or skittish creatures from a greater distance without disturbing their natural behavior is one of the key reasons why this lens is preferred by professionals. Subjects such as gobies, nudibranchs, and other small marine creatures often live in environments where approaching too closely can cause them to flee. The 100/105mm lens gives photographers the distance they need to capture these creatures without the risk of scaring them off.
The lens excels in clear water conditions, where visibility is high, and maintaining a safe distance from the subject is not an issue. In such environments, the lens’s ability to produce sharp, detailed images is unmatched. The increased focal length also allows for a more creative approach to framing shots. Photographers can isolate their subjects effectively, ensuring that the background remains subtly blurred and does not detract from the focus of the image.
For those looking to create stunning artistic compositions, the 100/105mm macro lens is an invaluable tool. The blurred background effect, or bokeh, that this lens produces is ideal for making a subject stand out against its surroundings. This is particularly useful when you want to capture the beauty and intricate details of marine life in a way that draws the viewer’s attention solely to the subject, allowing the background to remain soft and unobtrusive. It also provides greater control over composition, allowing photographers to experiment with different angles and perspectives to achieve the desired effect.
In environments where photographers have control over their surroundings, such as underwater photography from a boat or when diving in more controlled spaces, the 100/105mm lens provides ample flexibility. It allows for sharper images and better background isolation than shorter focal length lenses, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create professional-quality shots.
60mm Macro Lens: Ideal for Beginners and Close-Up Shots
For those who are just beginning their journey in underwater photography or frequently find themselves shooting smaller subjects in challenging, low-visibility environments, the 60mm macro lens proves to be an excellent choice. This compact lens is well-known for its quick autofocus, lightweight build, and ability to excel in murky waters where precise focusing can often be a challenge. Because it is smaller and lighter, the 60mm lens is particularly user-friendly for newcomers, allowing you to focus on composition and exposure without being overwhelmed by a heavy setup.
The versatility of the 60mm lens is one of its greatest strengths. It is perfectly suited for capturing a broad range of macro subjects, from minute nudibranchs to larger critters like shrimp or fish. If you tend to dive in waters where space is tight and the visibility is less than ideal, the 60mm macro lens will give you the flexibility you need to capture clear, sharp images even in the most challenging conditions. Its relatively short focal length allows you to work at close quarters with your subjects, ensuring crisp detail and a balanced composition without the need for excessive distance.
For photographers who love exploring coral reefs, muck diving sites, or areas with limited space, the 60mm macro lens will serve as a highly effective and reliable tool. Whether you're photographing small creatures or looking to capture broader scenes, this lens offers a level of adaptability that makes it a fantastic all-around option.
100/105mm Macro Lens: The Professional's Choice for Stunning Detail and Reach
As your skills progress and you start to experiment with more advanced techniques, you may find yourself drawn to the 100/105mm macro lens. This lens is favored by seasoned photographers who desire additional reach and flexibility when shooting underwater. With a longer focal length, the 100/105mm lens allows you to maintain a greater distance from your subject while still capturing incredible detail. This can be especially useful when dealing with skittish marine life, as it gives you the necessary space to shoot without disturbing your subjects.
The extended reach of the 100/105mm lens opens up a new realm of possibilities in underwater photography. It enables you to isolate your subject, achieving that classic, blurry background that adds artistic depth to your photos. Whether you're looking to create dramatic compositions with a soft, out-of-focus background or shoot subjects in confined spaces where getting too close would be impractical, this lens gives you the flexibility to compose your shot creatively.
One of the standout features of the 100/105mm macro lens is its ability to capture subjects with a high level of detail while preserving the natural environment. This lens excels at isolating the subject from its background, allowing the subject to stand out more distinctly. For example, if you're capturing an intricate pattern on a small fish or highlighting the delicate texture of coral, this lens helps to create sharp, breathtaking images that showcase the subject in all its glory.
For more advanced photographers, the 100/105mm macro lens is the go-to choice for underwater photography that requires greater precision, detail, and artistic flair. This lens is perfect for those who are comfortable working with the technical aspects of composition and exposure and want to push their skills further.
Which Macro Lens Should You Choose
The choice between the 60mm and the 100/105mm macro lens ultimately comes down to your personal style, experience level, and the type of underwater photography you most enjoy. Both lenses offer outstanding image quality, but they cater to different shooting needs, making them suitable for varying levels of expertise and types of environments.
If you're just starting out or tend to shoot in tighter spaces with smaller marine creatures, the 60mm macro lens is an excellent option. Its compact design, fast autofocus, and versatility in challenging conditions make it a great all-around lens for beginners. It allows you to focus on learning the technicalities of underwater photography while still producing sharp, detailed images.
On the other hand, if you find yourself gravitating toward more complex underwater environments and subjects, and you're looking for more artistic control, the 100/105mm macro lens is a fantastic investment. Its longer focal length gives you the ability to shoot from a greater distance, providing greater flexibility when photographing skittish creatures. Whether you want to focus on creating striking portraits of your subjects or capturing more detailed environmental shots, this lens offers the level of sophistication you need to take your photography to the next level.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your photography goals. If you're just beginning your journey, the 60mm lens provides an affordable and versatile option that will serve you well in a variety of underwater conditions. However, if you're an experienced photographer looking to experiment with artistic compositions and capture subjects from a greater distance, the 100/105mm lens will elevate your photography with its added reach and precision.
A Perfect Pair: Why You Should Consider Having Both Lenses
For the most versatility, having both the 60mm and the 100/105mm macro lenses in your underwater camera kit would be ideal. Each lens brings unique benefits to the table, and owning both would give you the flexibility to tackle any underwater photography scenario. The 60mm lens excels in tight spaces and fast-moving subjects, while the 100/105mm lens provides you with the reach and artistic control needed for more intricate compositions and distant subjects.
If you are an enthusiast who enjoys capturing both tiny critters and more elusive creatures, owning both lenses will allow you to adapt to different shooting situations and environments. Whether you're diving in clear, shallow waters or exploring deeper, murkier depths, having both lenses at your disposal ensures that you're always prepared to capture the beauty of the underwater world, no matter what the conditions may be.
While it may not always be feasible to have both lenses due to budget or space constraints, considering your preferred style of shooting and the environments you frequent will help you choose the right lens for your needs. Whether you opt for the 60mm lens for its versatility and ease of use or the 100/105mm lens for its superior reach and creative potential, each lens has something special to offer.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision of which macro lens to choose for underwater photography comes down to the type of images you want to create, the subjects you love to capture, and your experience level. Both the 60mm and 100/105mm lenses have their strengths and can help you take stunning photographs of the underwater world. Whether you are just beginning your underwater photography journey or are a seasoned professional, selecting the right lens for your style will empower you to capture the intricate beauty of the ocean in a way that speaks to your creative vision. Whatever lens you choose, remember that the key to great underwater photography lies not only in the equipment you use but also in your ability to connect with the subjects and environments you photograph.