News
Underwater Photography News from DIVE 2016, Part 2: Nauticam
Nauticam are part of the furniture at the Birmingham Dive Show these days and you can be sure to find their stand in the Photozone, next door to BSoUP. You can also be sure that you are going to have to wait in a crowd three-deep as people lust after the Nauticam underwater housings and all the accessories that Alex and Kat from Underwater Visions have to offer. Martin Edge was also to be found at the Nauticam stand, promoting his courses and books. Respected photographers Pash Baker and Rob White were also around to help so there was plenty for the visiting underwater photographer to get excited about.
New from Nauticam for this year’s show were housings for the Canon 5D MKIV and the Panasonic GX85. These new housings have had a make-over with new and typically good-looking styling that also makes these new housings even sleeker, and they have a new smaller vacuum testing system. Nauticam are always bringing out new & innovative products, and the Compact Macro Converter II was proving to be a particularly popular accessory with those that like their critter photography.
Aside from all the lovely Nauticam gear, there were plenty of other products to see on the stand; the Zen Tripod Base, in particular, caught our eye. It has been designed to work with housings large and small, and will provide a stable platform on which to leave you camera for remote or slow-shutter shooting. Alex also showed us the 10 Bar Laser Snoot which has a red LED to guide you on snoot positioning (something I could do with!). The LED turns off when your strobes fire, so it doesn’t ruin the image. These are available for INON strobes and also the Sea & Sea YS-D1/D2. Another snoot accessory was the FIT Multi-Snoot which fits on the end of existing FIT video lights and offers varying sized snoot options by turning the head of this accessory; an inexpensive bit of fun for macro photography.
The final bit of kit we looked at was the FIT Strobe Dome which works on selected INON and Sea&Sea strobes. A clear, air-filled, acrylic dome that will increase your light spread, and also give you a softer light across your image. As you can see, there was a huge amount to look at on the Nauticam stand and we hope to get some of these products underwater in the near future for review.
When he was not busy on his stand, Alex also spoke on the Centre Stage, giving a talk titled “No More Fiddlesticks”. We will cover all the talks from the Photozone in a separate article later this week. The final word from Alex was that he “really enjoyed seeing lots of happy returning customers”.
For more information, visit www.nauticam.co.uk.
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.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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