PDA

View Full Version : Underwater magnifying glasses



Sarah
04-26-2007, 06:08 AM
I would like this thead to be a discussion with photos and links to the various companies that sell underwater magnifying glasses/lenses for the wee critters.

Apparently water renders most standard magnifying glasses almost useless.

Reefnet (http://reefnet.ca/products/subsee/) sells the Sub-See magnifying glass that is well regarded.

NightSea (http://www.nightsea.com/mum.htm) sells their pistol gripped Mum1 shown below middle or not shown, their double magnifier glasses.

Trident sells through local dive stores their $15 rectangular magnifier, but I don't know how well it works for that price.

Anyone know any others or have recommendations?

James_sgp
05-02-2007, 04:20 AM
From what I know about optics and water, it is important that the magnifying glass is a high quality glass type. Not those cheaper plastic type, which will refract the light differently.

The Publisher
06-20-2007, 05:50 AM
Reefnet will be sending us their SubSee in time for our Sulawesi Indonesia trip in 2 weeks, so we will be using several different models while searching for macro subjects to HD video record so we will let you know how well they work.

The below underwater magnifier was sent to me by Prescription Dive Masks (http://www.prescriptiondivemasks.com/) in San Diego, California.

I REALLY like the retractor feature which allows me to take it down always and not worry about losing it or dragging it out of a BC pocket.

We hope to get in a NightSea magnifier also so we'll be able to compare about 4 different popular underwater magnifying glasses and let you know how well they work out for spotting and observing macro critters.

We'll be able to take both to the Lembeh Straits in August and we'll let you know how both work on Pygmy Seahorses and the likes.

263

Zero
06-20-2007, 07:46 AM
Hopefully we'll be able to take both to the Lembeh Straits in August and we'll let you know how both work on Pygmy Seahorses and the likes.


Not as good as they work on ants. Water keeps them too cool to burn:eek:
Couldnt resist. Pyro from way back.

Matt

acelockco
06-20-2007, 06:04 PM
I don't know how it works myself, but one of my dive buddies needs reading glasses to see his computer. He went to the corner drug store and bought these little stickey reading glass lenses for a few bucks. They are a flat sticker and he afixed them inside the bottom of his mask glass where you would expect. He says it really helps him to be able to read his computer, and I am sure he also uses it to see all of the wee little critters during his dive. I will have to ask him next time we go diving together.

BamaCaveDiver
06-20-2007, 06:26 PM
Not as good as they work on ants. Water keeps them too cool to burn:eek:
Couldnt resist. Pyro from way back.

Matt

Hmmm, that gives me an idea to try next time my bud hooks up that 500W HMI cave torch :eek:

Zero
06-21-2007, 07:33 AM
Hmmm, that gives me an idea to try next time my bud hooks up that 500W HMI cave torch :eek:

You wont need a magnifying glass with that baby. I had a 400W halogen light that doubled as a deco heater.

Matt

allisonfinch
08-08-2007, 09:13 PM
I believe that Ryan at Reef Photo and Video sells a nice one. It's pricey, but you really need air space between two lenses to work well under water.

Sarah
08-08-2007, 09:24 PM
...really need air space between two lenses to work well under water.

Ok, I am still scratching my head on that one! Allison, don't keep me in suspense! ;)

Tigerbeach
08-09-2007, 09:08 AM
Yeah, maybe you need space between the lenses to do needlepoint...
I just want to dive when I'm underwater...

allisonfinch
08-09-2007, 10:33 PM
Reef photo.com sells the sealed magnifier (subsea). Single lens magnifiers lose 66% of their power in water and cause distortion. The sealed lenses, according to them do not. Check their add, it shows pictures of the difference. Having used single lens magnifying glasses, I do know that they are underwhelming.

Sarah
08-10-2007, 12:11 AM
Oh, ok, I think I am getting the picture then that the SubSea is two lenses with air betwen them sealed in the single black cylinder.

That makes sense :)

Daddy-h2O
08-10-2007, 01:02 AM
ummm Isn't everything bigger underwater to start with?

acelockco
08-10-2007, 01:55 AM
No, they just look bigger.

Sarah
08-10-2007, 01:59 AM
Then why are guys so hesitant to go skinny dipping when the temperate water will magnify things?! ;)

Daddy-h2O
08-10-2007, 02:00 AM
Who said I have that problem? They are liars!!!

acelockco
08-10-2007, 02:04 AM
Then why are guys so hesitant to go skinny dipping when the temperate water will magnify things?! ;)

I have no problem skinny dipping in any water. Now, of course the cold will overtake the maginification by a long shot......er' short shot. ;)

Quero
08-10-2007, 02:59 AM
I have used the simple glass type mounted in a handle with a hoop to secure the lens--the kind you can buy at a stationer's shop. You cannot get the very cheapest plastic ones, but glass ones work okay if the lens is thick enough to provide at least 4x magnification. You cannot see a whole lot of detail with these, but at least you can *find* a pygmy seahorse on a fan. I would love to have a better one which would allow me to see the detail as well.

Tigerbeach
08-11-2007, 12:35 AM
Then why are guys so hesitant to go skinny dipping when the temperate water will magnify things?! ;)


Certainly none of the guys here worry about anything like that...

The Publisher
12-14-2007, 02:55 AM
We had a chance to use all three underwater magnifiers while diving in the Philippines at El Galleon Resort.

We also had some other divers try all three out and give us their opinions.

I found that the Reefnet (http://reefnet.ca) distributed model was the most compact of them all. The optics were good, there was no spherical aberrations to speak of, and due to its size, it could be easily lanyarded off to ones wrist or stowed in a BC pocket.

http://reefnet.ca/products/subsee/images/subsee_inhand.jpg

Some of the testers comments were: " I liked the small size and the undistorted image." "I liked the vinyl end protective caps for both optics sides so I didn't worry about throwing it loose along with heavier dive equipment in my gear bag". and "It was small enough to use the attached lanyard to my wrist without it interfering."

The NightSea (http://www.nightsea.com/mum.htm) model had the greatest potential for magnification if the 2nd lens and track was attached to the Mum1 single version. I found for average use, the 2nd optics were not needed, but this model would excel if you were looking for animals smaller than pygmy seahorses. If not, then the less expensive single optics model will suffice. The handle grip on this unit may be better for thick gloved hands compared to the compact SubSea.

http://www.nightsea.com/photos/mum2c.jpghttp://www.nightsea.com/photos/mum1.jpg

Some of the testers comments were; "This was really easy to hold with the non-slip rubber handle grip." "Really durable glass holder, good magnification undistorted, but I kept it in a sock for transport to protect the glass"

The last model tested was from Prescription Dive Masks (http://www.prescriptiondivemasks.com/). This magnifier came with its own retracting lanyard. I found the retractor most suitable for me, but the other models can have a lretractor added. I REALLY liked the fact that this glass was the largest diameter. Of all the units tested, this was the only one large enough where both eyes could focus through the glass when quick scanning. There is a stronger small diopter built into the lower part of the glass for really close in work. This unit comes with a built in plastic handle, but the slim handle is less suitable for abuse if tossed in dive bags with heavy equipment. This unit was less than half the cost of the other two.

http://www.prescriptiondivemasks.com/images/magnifier.jpg

Some of the tester comments were; "Love the large size of the glass!" "Easiest to look through as I could use both eyes or one." and "Attached retractor was a nice touch."

We think that you should look over what features you think would be most suitable of the three, and buy that one, but in reality they all worked great and all are a must have for macro photographers and videographers and divers who love to find the tiny critters others overlook.

If Trident sends us one of their large rectangular ones, we'll take that on our next HD video expedition and give it a go on the macro....

http://www.tridentdive.com/image/D6352942.jpghttp://www.tridentdive.com/image/D635PICT2946.jpg

rzade@hotmail.com
08-10-2008, 12:26 AM
Yeh you need a sealed air space between the lenses to get good magnification. Water in contact with the convex surface of a magnifier makes it just a flat piece of glass. Inon makes a nice 52mm closeup lense that works great but it is pricey. The Sub See one is a good magnifier but it is to small and it is difficult to get it close enough to your subject without blocking out your light source.