Gear News
New SW8 dome port for the Aquatica 4/3 Micro series housings
Along with its new line of housings for the Micro 4/3 series of Camera, Aquatica have introduced the SW8 Port, specially designed to cover Super Wide Angle lenses such as the 114o FOV Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F/4 and the 100o FOV Olympus M.Zuiko 9-18mm f/4-5.6. With these ultra wide angle rectilinear lenses, to get the best optical results, the use of a large radius dome port is required.
To achieve the optimum quality over the whole image area, Aquatica uses its legendary 8’’ diameter dome port with an added twist. The SW8 port only uses the portion of the dome lens required to cover the field of view of these extreme lenses. Consequently, the resulting dome port is substantially smaller and lighter, while retaining the optical performance associated with these large hemispherical dome ports.
Whenever a dome port is immersed in a liquid, it creates a Plano-Concave lens element of its own. This additional lens element has the property of retaining the original field of view of the lens (as opposed to a flat port which
will considerably reduce the field of view of a lens). One of the side effects of this optical phenomenon is that it creates a virtual image of the scene being photographed. This image is projected at 4x the radius from the optical center of the dome used. In other words, that scene is now projected at a much closer distance than it is in reality, and a lens will usually need to be focused close to its minimum operating distance.
Using an 8’’ dome wraps the projected virtual image at +/- 12’’ (30cm) from the external surface of the dome lens, while a smaller dome port, such as one with a 6’’ diameter, will force this virtual image to be wrapped a mere +/- 9” (23cm) away. This might be a relatively innocuous difference of distance in normal situations, but it is also common knowledge that the closer the focusing distance, the harder it will be to get adequate depth of field. At these close distances, such small difference does have a huge impact on the success of the images taken.
The Modular System:
Once underwater, a dome port will force the light to radiate towards a central point. To obtain the best performance, this optical center should be located, as close as possible, where the optical center of the lens used is when set at its widest field of view. With the Aquatica system, a modular port extension system allows the SW8 port to be optically optimized to this position so that it can be used successfully with wide variety of lenses.
To complement the SW8 port, Aquatica also offers its well established and renowned 4’’ BK-7 coated glass dome for the Panasonic Lumix G Fisheye 8mm f/3.5 lens, and for Macro work, two dedicated flat port for the Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 ED and the Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8.
In keeping with the spirit of the housings it was designed for, the Aquatica SW8 port is compact, and because of its modular nature, its footprint in your luggage will be 1/3 the space than a regular 8’’ dome port would require. This should be a welcome relief for the travelling photographers.
The SW8 Port is priced competitively at USD $579 and will be available in March 2014.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Maximum freedom of movement and outstanding comfort
The SP series neoprene suits deliver incredible diving comfort to even the most demanding divers. Fabulous style included. Designed and engineered in Germany.
The smart 3D cut and the pre-shaped arms and legs not only ensure flexibility and a perfect fit, but also help you slip into the suit with ease. Cuffs on the arms and legs guarantee perfect sealing, which is further enhanced by the flap on the back zipper.
Zippers at the wrists and ankles provide additional comfort and ensure easy donning and doffing. The small neck zipper adds another layer of comfort.
The neoprene ribs in the back of the knees and crook of the arms are unique. The clever concept ensures optimum comfort when bending the arms or legs.
Shoulder and knee protectors protect the suit in high-wear areas. The small computer safety strap holds the device in place. The SP suit series is available for men and women in 5 & 7mm and offers a wide range of sizes including numerous intermediate sizes.
Every day, DYNAMICNORD works to keep its environmental impact as low as possible. Only the best available neoprene is used for the SP series of neoprene suits. It goes without saying that the neoprene is made from limestone. It is sourced from nature and has less negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, Carbon Black, one of the main components of neoprene, is pyrolysed from used tires. This reduces energy consumption and cuts CO₂ emissions by 200 grams per neoprene suit. Innovative dyeing machines reduce water and energy consumption during production by 60%.
DYNAMICNORD’s R&D department is constantly testing recycled materials and other next-generation sustainable components to become even more eco-friendly in all areas.
The different models in the SP series are now available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
SRPs incl. VAT:
SP suit 7mm: £504.00
SP suit 5mm: £440.00
Sizes:
Women: XS-2XL, ST, MT, LT, M+, L+, XL+, 2XL+
Men: S-3XL, MT, MLS, ML, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
-
News2 months agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced