{"id":2952,"date":"2009-02-27T00:13:40","date_gmt":"2009-02-27T00:13:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwphoto.onpressidium.com\/underwater-photography-lenses\/"},"modified":"2025-12-28T07:40:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T07:40:26","slug":"underwater-photography-lenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uwphotographyguide.com\/underwater-photography-lenses\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Lenses for Underwater Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Quick Links<\/span><\/h1>\n

Compact Camera Wet Lenses<\/a> | Olympus Lenses<\/a> | Best Nikon Lenses<\/a> | Best Canon Lenses<\/a><\/p>\n

Nikon Lens Chart<\/a> | Canon Lens Chart<\/a> | Tutorial on Lens Basics<\/a> | Intro to Fisheye Lenses<\/a><\/p>\n

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What are the best lenses for underwater use? What are the best macro lenses and wide-angle lenses? Just because a lens is a good choice topside doesn’t mean it is the best choice underwater. Let’s take a closer look at the recommended options for underwater lenses.<\/a><\/p>\n

In this guide to the best underwater lenses, we will look at the best choices for dslr cameras such as the Canon 5d MKIV, Canon 7d MKII, Nikon D850, Nikon D7000, Olympus E3, Olympus e620 and other dSLR models.<\/p>\n

\"seahorse<\/p>\n

Lenses can be a very personal choice. It largely depends on what you enjoy taking photos of. <\/em><\/h4>\n

You will probably want to start out buying one wide-angle lens and one macro lens. Please see my lens recommendations below. If you are looking to move into a dSLR system, don’t skimp on the lens. Start off with a good macro or wide-angle lens and at least one good strobe. Skimp on the body and\/or housing if you need to save money.<\/p>\n

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**For an explanation of terms such as fisheye, focal length, zoom, prime, macro, and wide-angle read the Lens basics and camera basics page.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Fisheye Lens vs. Rectilinear Lens<\/h2>\n

A “fisheye” else is a special kind of ultra-wide lens that gives a curved perspective.<\/p>\n

Fisheye lenses let you get closer to your subjects, which is important underwater for color and image sharpness<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\"Manta<\/p>\n

A fisheye lens is needed to get close to large animals like this Manta ray in Bali, surrounded by Snell’s window<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Most wide-angle lenses are considered “rectilinear” lenses. The Sigma 8mm, 10mm, 15mm, Olympus 8mm, Tokina 10-17mm<\/a>, Nikon 10.5mm, Nikon 16mm and the Canon 15mm are all “fisheye” lenses, that are extra-wide lenses with up to a 180 degree of view. Straight lines in the outer areas of the images will appear curved. It is  important to note the 17mm on a fisheye lens is not equivalent to 17mm on a rectilinear lens. See the field of view columns in the lens chart below. For example, the Tokina 10-17mm at 17mm is about as wide as the Nikon 12-24mm lens at 12mm.<\/p>\n

Fisheye lenses usually work better behind dome ports underwater than other wide-angle lenses.<\/p>\n

Remember that “fisheye” is a property of a lens, not a port. Some dome ports are called “fisheye” dome ports, but that is just a marketing term, meaning they think that dome port works well with a fisheye lens.<\/p>\n

Read more here about choosing a fisheye lens versus a regular wide-angle lens for underwater use<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\"Tokina<\/p>\n

Getting Sharp Corners on Wide-Angle Lenses   <\/h2>\n

Many photographers have been frustrated trying to get sharp corners on wide-angle rectilinear lenses underwater, especially in the 10-20mm focal length range. Many professionals end up testing combinations of diopters, ports, and port extensions to find out what works best. Many people simply switch to fisheye lenses. Visit the dome port optics section<\/a> for more details. I suggest you consult your housing manufacturer or UW photo shop for their most recent recommendations.<\/p>\n

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Nikon Lens Recommendations<\/h2>\n

Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye Lens<\/strong><\/p>\n