Underwater magnifying glasses

[Sarah]

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 sells the Sub-See magnifying glass that is well regarded.

NightSea 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]

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]

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 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.

magnifier.jpg

[Zero]

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
Couldnt resist. Pyro from way back.

Matt

[acelockco]

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]

Not as good as they work on ants. Water keeps them too cool to burn
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

[Zero]

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

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

Matt

[allisonfinch]

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]

...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]

Yeah, maybe you need space between the lenses to do needlepoint...
I just want to dive when I'm underwater...