SeaLife introduces ultra wide angle dome lens for Micro-Series Cameras
Underwater imaging gear maker SeaLife, introduced an ultra-wide-angle dome lens for the Micro-series and ReefMaster underwater cameras that increases the camera’s field-of-view by almost 50% and allows photographers to get three times closer to the subject. The lens has a 13.3mm film-equivalent effective focal length when used with the SeaLife Micro 3.0 and is waterproof to 200ft/60m. The lens will retail for $349.
The wide-angle dome lens design uses high-grade optical glass components arranged in a 4-element/4-group array. All optical elements are fully multi-coated to prevent internal glare and maximize light transmission.
“This is a breakthrough for Micro-Series camera users, as the lens significantly improves the camera’s image sharpness” says Bjorn Harms, SeaLife’s Vice President of Product Development.
The lens fits all SeaLife Micro-series cameras (Micro HD, HD+, Micro 2.0, Micro 3.0) and also works with the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K increasing the tiny camera’s shooting angle to a massive 196°. The new lens is a “wet lens” and attaches and removes underwater. A locking ring prevents the lens from accidentally detaching when bumped or in rougher water conditions. The SeaLife Dome Lens weighs 11.7 ounces (331 grams) and is negatively buoyant. A lanyard is included to prevent loss underwater and the lens can dock on SeaLife’s “Lens Caddy” when not in use.
The inner airspace is back-filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging in extreme temperature conditions. The rotatable light shade prevents unwanted glare from external lighting or sunlight, as well as protects the dome lens from bumps and abrasion.
New strobe
SeaLife also introduced a new compact Sea Dragon 3000SF Pro Dual Beam Photo-Video light. The larger COB LED delivers 3000 lumens in an even 120° wide beam. The light offers a 90 CRI (color rendering index) with a proprietary COB LED array replicating natural sunlight (A CRI of 100 would be just like natural sunlight). With a simple one-button push, the underwater photographer can switch from the wide 120° beam to a narrow 1500 lumen 15° spot beam. For imaging, the spot beam offers many creative opportunities such as creating a narrowly focused snoot or stage spotlight effect.
The $499 Sea Dragon Pro Dual Beam light includes a Flex-Connect Single camera tray, Flex-Connect Grip, Sea Dragon EVA Travel case, adapter for GoPro cameras, Li-ion battery, AC Charger, and international plug adapters.
The Sea Dragon has a 25Wh 3400mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery pack, that runs the light for 60 minutes at full (3000 lumens) power.