Articles
Inon ships UCL-90 Close Up lens
Inon has announced the UCL-90 close up lenses. Available in M67 and LD bayonet versions, the lens offers +11 magnification with a minimum working distance of 69mm (2.7in.) with an 100mm SLR lens. Optically, it has HR glass in 3 elements in 2 groups with achromatic internal lenses and an anti reflective coating.
A new study explores the deep sea food chain
In a study published this month, scientists from MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) investigated the larger picture of the deep sea food chain. The study is a result of nearly thirty years of cameras being deployed for observations off the central California coast, sometimes at a depth of up to two-and a half miles deep. The ROVs revealed 242 unique feeding relationships comprised of 84 different predators and 82 different prey. Most notably, scientists have realized what an important food role jellies play in the larger food chain.
UN seeks to protect high seas
On 24 December, 140 member states of the United Nations voted to launch a 2 year process aiming to creating an international treaty to protect the high seas. This would extend protections to the oceans beyond national maritime boundaries. International waters account for over half the planet’s surface. The process will convene a two year intergovernmental conference to establish full treaty negotiations.
Underwater photographer winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year share their process
Underwater photographer category winners of the 2017 NHM Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest share their processes to their winning shots. Three underwater photographers, Tony Wu, Michel Roggo, and Laurent Ballesta, each talk about working in three very different environments to achieve their winning shots. The images include sperm whales in Sri Lanka, water hyacinths in the Pantanal, and an iceberg in Antarctica.
Aquatica ships AD850 housing for Nikon D850
Aquatica (PDF) are shipping their housing for the Nikon D850. It is machined with Aquatica’s new 5-axis milling machine, which has made in 12% lighter than their D800/D810 housings. It features self aligning controls and ergonomic access to camera functions including a redesigned lever for AF-ON and a low profile ISO lever.
UK Government relaxes cabin baggage restrictions for Egypt flights
The UK government has begun lifting the recent restriction on electronics in cabin baggage that were imposed on inbound flights from the Egyptian Red Sea airports at Hurghada and Marsa Alam. Passengers will now be able to carry cameras, laptops and other electronic items in the cabin as was the case prior to 28 July 2017.
Full details of the Inon Z330 strobe announced
Inon has formally released the full details and specifications of their new Z330 strobe. Featuring a guide number of 33 and a native coverage of 110°, it also has a rapid quench time, an integrated heat sync, 220 lumen focus light aligned to strobe output and a redesigned control interface. There is an active thread about the Z330 in the Wetpixel forum, and Wetpixel are currently evaluating the strobes too.
Communities agree further MPA in Raja Ampat
In a ceremony, community officials from the villages of Pam, Saukabu, and Saupapir in the Fam (locally Pam) Archipelago of Raja Ampat signed an agreement to protect their waters with the provision of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). This agreement will now move forward through the legal process. Thereafter, the MPA can be formally declared and join the other 5 that are already established within Raja Ampat.
Recent News
- Cold-Water Volcanic Vent Discovered (via DivePhotoGuide)
- The Economics of Tuna (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Can Fish Feel Pain? (via DivePhotoGuide)
- VIDEO: Is it a bird… No, it’s penguin-cam (via BBC)
- Lytro Takes a Dive…Literally (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Instagram Photo Feeds Now on the Web (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Photos Leaked for Latest Sony NEX (via DivePhotoGuide)
- February Monthly Contest Reminder (via DivePhotoGuide)
- AUDIO: Bee deaths ‘not down to pesticides’ (via BBC)
- DEEP Indonesia Competition Deadline Approaching (via DivePhotoGuide)