The Art of Underwater Wide-Angle Photography – Tokina 10-17mm fisheye

I started shooting with the Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DXA back in 2012.  It is the most popular fisheye lens used for wide-angle underwater photography. It is also known for its close focusing capabilities underwater and on land. The lens is a high-quality product built for professionals working in the field. The Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye is my favorite lens in my bag and has been my go-to lens for the project “Crabs with Beach Trash Homes

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If you plan on using the fisheye lens underwater, you will need an underwater housing. I currently use the Nauticam Na-D500 with the 100mm Zen dome port (Dp-100-N120T).

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If you want to use the zoom function underwater, you must attach a zoom ring (P#19127) to the lens. The Nauticam zoom ring installation process is relatively easy.

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Below are some of my favorite underwater photographs taken with the Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DXA combined with my older Ikelite underwater setup. I mainly focus on macro photography, but I will be pushing myself to shoot more wide-angle this year. 

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Striped surgeonfish on the move (Rear curtain sync)

Ctenochaetus striatus on the move

Masked bannerfish on the move ( RCS )

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Okinawa is best known for its beautiful beaches and seascapes. All photographs were taken with the Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DXA.

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18237824403_2e1c1ab075_zLearn more about my favorite lens @ Tokinalens.com

I want to thank TokinaLight & Motion, Nightsea, and Black Fin Grouper for all their continuous support over the years.

Have a great day!

The Art of Underwater Motion by Shawn Miller

As an underwater photographer, there will be a time when you feel all your photographs look similar and you might lose interest for a while. Creating motion in still photographs will definitely give you a new challenge and purpose. The goal is to try to show some type of motion in a still photograph. The photographs emphasize the energy, power and or speed of the subject moving. Dramatic motion images will provide depth and variety to your portfolio.

Try panning or dragging the shutter underwater 

  • Move the camera in sync with the moving subject while the shutter stays open. A slow shutter speed will be necessary to achieve this.
  • Once you understand this technique try adding flash at the end of the exposure to freeze the motion of the subject (Rear curtain sync).
  • Get creative and add a spin the camera
Striped surgeonfish on the move (Rear curtain sync)

Striped surgeonfish on the move (Rear curtain sync)

Anemone fish with a spin ( RCS )

Anemone fish with a spin ( RCS )

Dragging the shutter underwater

Sea whip - feel the flow

Sea whip – feel the flow

Ocean art ( slow shutter with a spin )

Ocean art ( slow shutter with a spin )

Angelfish on the move ( Rear curtain sync )

Angelfish on the move ( Rear curtain sync )

Striped surgeonfish and coral reef (RCS)

Striped surgeonfish and coral reef (RCS)

Indian mackerel feeding

Indian mackerel feeding

Sunset wrasse reef racing ( RSC )

Sunset wrasse reef racing ( RSC )

Ctenochaetus striatus on the move

Ctenochaetus striatus on the move

Parrotfish on the move

Coral with a spin -Ie Island

Coral with a spin -Ie Island

Masked bannerfish on the move ( RCS )

Masked bannerfish on the move ( RCS )

Motion sickness (In camera triple exposure)

Motion sickness (In camera triple exposure)

Scuba-diving with a spin (RCS)

Scuba-diving with a spin (RCS)

Hopefully these images will inspire you to try something new underwater!