Sea frogs Salted Line a6xxx waterproof housing - First impressions
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- Опубліковано 8 сер 2024
- UPDATE: You can get a 5% discount off your order for the Sea Frogs Salted Line housing and accessories by putting the code: LSP in the discount box on the checkout page.
Buy here: seafrogs.com.hk/collections/s...
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The Sea Frogs Salted Line a6xxx series is a versatile water housing that has all the features surf photographers need, and some they don't. Buy it now if you want to take dive and surf photos. - Наука та технологія
I need more of your videos!!
As always another great review thanks Ben. Tried to do a collaboration with Meikon on a pistol grip housing over a year ago. Looks like they thought it was a good idea hahaha. Love the Chinese for their integrity and innovation. ;) I have one on order, interested to see how it goes with my Tokina 10-17 and Sigma MC11 paired with the dome. Hope that fits.
Cheers,
Harry
KNEKT wow, it's a shame the collaboration didn't work out, I think the grip could only have benefited from your input, you're setting the benchmark for one handed surf photo control.
I think the Tokina + MC11 would be a good fit in the current dome, if you don't mind the bulk. Not sure there would be a huge benefit over a GoPro Hero 6 + KNEKT KSD6ss + KNEKT GPSS though, I guess bigger raw files and everything that comes with that is the main one, so it's definitely worth a try.
I'd be really interested to hear how it works.
whoa, how is the autofocus with the mc 11 and tokina 10-17 combo
Sorry, missed this comment - I don't use that combo myself, but the MC-11 converter worked great for me with the Sigma 150-600mm. I didn't try it with any lenses that weren't officially supported though.
Great review. Just ordered the telephoto port for my 55-210. Not really worried about the limitations for the zoom because of the A6300’s crop factor.
thank you for this video ! very professional !!!
Great review. What is the O ring durability in these Meikon housings compared to other brands?
hey boss, great review, nice to see something for the less high end cameras that are still a popular choice. Do you have an update on this housing with regards to using the 10-18mm and also the dome ports available?... i have the a6500 and 10-18 and looking for an all round water housing, the setup would suits my needs, but like you showed the dome ports are huge....did they ever bring out a smaller port and if so how does it work with the 10-18? do you have any images i can see. cheers
was waiting for your review!
Hi did the bigger dome work well with the Samyang 8mm lens with the adapter did it fit well
Hi ben, are you still there? i just wanna know if the cheaper meikon if the best option to start take surf photograhy even have no pistol grip or viewfinder ?
thank great channel
Thanks mate!
Great review! I was trying to decide whether i should get a pro pro or a warehousing for my a6500. I would like to achieve that water split image, with this housing with the dome port, however i have the sony 35mm 1.4, and the kit lens, will it provide that water split image? Or is a dome port not necessary for water split images?
Liza G. Sey You definitely need a dome port for the best split image. You also.jeed a very wide lens, the 35mm and even the kit lens at 16mm will not be wide enough for a really good split shot.
You'd be better off with a fisheye lens.
The GoPro has a very wide lens built in, and there are a lot of dome ports available now too. So that's the easiest way to get the split shot if that's the only reason for getting a water housing.
Thanks for a review, very helpful. Do you maybe have a 18-55mm lens to check if it is working with zooming ring as well in standard port? It's not officialy supported that's why I am asking.
Thanks
Sebastian Stachowiak I don’t have that lens unfortunately, I think it’s quite a bit bigger than the 10-18mm or 16-50mm so I doubt it’ll work, I’ll see if I can find some measurements for it for the next video.
Hi, great video, thanks, one question: Do you know if possible to use red filter with the housing? (i guess should be internal one attached to the lens), is possible or will affect the focus or other, thanks in advance
I don't use one myself, and the standard port doesn't have a thread for an external "wet" filter, but I'm sure you could add one to whatever lens you're using. I don't think it would affect focusing on anything else, but it's worth checking with your lens manufacturer to check.
ben do you ever use the screen on the a6000 rather than the viewfinder? i am the guy that posted the video of the Aquatech mod for the a6300 on your page, i usually shoot canon but have been using my a6300 a bit...just wondering as it seems much easier to be able to sit the head back from it a bit to assess whats happening
Do you think it's compatible with sony 16-70mm?
Great review mate, I'm considering this for my a6300 for some freediving. Looks like it's more versatile if I wanted to change lens compared to the other housing also by seafrogs. One thing concerns me though.... How are those latches going so far? Looks a bit too easy to snag on something. Does it feel flimsy or will it last?
Mew Tube The latches have been fine, there’s always a chance they’d snag on something I guess, but I’ve not had any issues. It feels solid enough, and its definitely rated for deeper than I’d ever need to go.
Great review thanks! I've been using the Meikon A7ii housing (with the dome port and 16-35 f4 lens) and it looks like the bayonet mount port system is the same as this new salted line. I'm hoping these new ports will be interchangable with the A7ii housing.
I've found that the dome port gets unsable after 24mm (surface shots become super blurry). Have you seen this happen?
Thanks!
Daniel Adams I think you're right, the ports are interchangeable, it was confirmed in an Instagram comment somewhere.
I've always had issues with anything other than super wide angles inside a dome port. The rule of thumb I read from Mike Waggoner (of Essex water housings) is that if a lend accepts screw on filters you should use a flat port, if not, use a dome.
The problem then is that you need a big front element for the 16mm end, do you see some strange flared out, funnel shaped ports from Aquatech and others for these lenses.
I think if you tried shooting with a dry dome port it might help, but I've always used the spit and dip wet port method with my comes.
Cool thanks for the reply Ben. I read on your website you had had problems shooting with a 50mm inside a dome port (blury shots) so i was relieved to know it wasn't the Meikon dome port that was faulty or something. Seeing that the ports are interchangeable, I emailed Seafrogs to see if it's possible to purchase the new "Standard" flat port of the a6xxx salted line by itself to use it with the A7ii housing. That would probably open a a few more lenses to be used on the full frame cameras hopefully.
Cheers!
Daniel Adams yeah, that would be a good idea I think, it's a nice all round flat port for a bunch of small primes and zooms.
Great review, just a couple of questions... After the flash has been activated, can it then be retracted? This was a massive failing on Sony’s part for underwater photography. When the flash is on, it cannot be de-activated in the menu system. So after activating the pop up flash, if you then want to shoot with only with ambient light, it can’t be done. I REALLY hope there is a button on this housing that allows this. This is the one feature that would 100% make me buy this. Secondly, is the dome port a wet lens or dry? Oh and thirdly, is the thread for the dome port any better quality than the previous 67mm one on the A6000 housing? I found that a nightmare to thread every time.
Elaine Ross it’s a dry dome, so no need to thread it on or off. There is a macro port that has a 67mm thread on it too though.
There’s no way to retract the flash once it’s popped up, not sure how they could implement it physically, but I’m surprised there’s no way to do it via the menu, that’s a bummer. It’s not a problem for my surf photography, if I’m shooting with a flash I won’t want to retract it during a session.
Sounds like a more advanced dive housing would be better for your needs, you could get a wired sync cable for your flash and a full selection of dry dome ports for your lenses of choice.
learningsurfphotography.com thanks for the super quick response, appreciated. Yeah the flash thing is a real bummer with Sony. Sometimes you just see some beautiful ambient light and want to ditch the flash. The strobes can be switched off obviously on their own controls but not the internal flash of the Sony. Think they missed a trick there. I’ve got the 16-55 but prefer the Sigma 19mm. Apart from that one negative feature it seems like good housing, albeit a bit bulky. Subscribed.
Hey ben, Nice Chanel you have here, congrats. Would you go into à big shorebreak with this one?
Today, with the 4'' dome and the 55-210 do you think it' s the best choice to surf photography? Thanks a lot for all your informations
Hi Olivier, I haven't taken my Sea Frogs housing out into large shorebreak, but I have shot using it in big reef break waves, with a channel.
I have other housings which are more suited to being constantly pounded in a shorebreak, but my Sea Frogs has taken occasional abuse in larger waves.
Overall, unless you plan on only shooting shorebreak (which I assume you don't, as you're looking at the 55-210mm lens), then it's a great value choice. The latest version has a reinforced base plate where the pistol grip mounts, so they're thinking about ways of addressing people's concerns about durability, although I never had any issues before.
@@Learningsurfphotography1 thanks Ben, you help me a lot. Love your work!
@@Learningsurfphotography1 Thanks a lot for these details, I was a bit suspicious about the solidity. These vids are incredible ! Thanks for your work
Great review as always!
I thinking of purchasing this housing with the dry dome port, do you think that the Sigma 19mm 2.8 prime lens would work fine? With the flat port they confirmed the Sigma, but im curios about the dome port...
Thanks.
abuhunter I’d always use a flat port with the 19mm. You’re likely to have focus issues using it in the dome port. It’ll work perfectly in the flat port, do no need for the dome.
Hi ben thanks for the answer, i really want to take split photos, which lens do you recommend? it is because the focal length or the physical size of the lens?
abuhunter for split photos you want a really wide angle, a fisheye would be best. I’ve just received my samyang 8mm f3.5 fisheye and it fits in the dome port, if you remove the lens hood. If you want to shoot split shots with this housing that’s probably the best option at the moment.
THANKS again...
Till i get lens like this, the kit lens of A6000 (16-55) should work fine with the dome?
Sorry - I missed this reply, I'd use the flat port with the 16-50mm. You could try split shots with the 16mm and the dome, but I think you'll be much better off with a wider angle lens.
Great review, thanks! Do you have a link for the flash set up?
Andrew Hertel I'm using a Fuji nano flash, there's some more info and a link about half way down this page: www.learningsurfphotography
learningsurfphotography.com excellent, thanks.
hi! thanks for the great video! i just wanna know if the 6inch dome port make any improvement when i use my 16-50mm or 30 mm lenses, i don't have a fish eye lens right now
It might help if you're shooting under water, giving you a slightly wider field of view and possibly preventing some distortion at the edges of the frame. But above water, it will not make any difference, and it'll be bigger and easier to scratch.
So, if you're shooting above water, stick with the flat port.
so you say i need this dome because is a good improvement? for take a photo with the water in the bottom and the land on the top i need the dome right?
@@Learningsurfphotography1
@@TEOFX for an over under or split shot, you'll need a dome port. But I'd really recommend getting a fisheye or ultrawide lens for that style of shot. The 16-50mm might work at 16mm, but to get good results you want a very big depth of field and a wide angle of view, and a fisheye gives you both of those.
There aren't many fisheyes that will work with that port though, you need a longer one. The Samyang 8mm f3.5 is the only one I tried that worked in the 6" dome.
There's another 6" dome by FrogPorts USA that might want to better for you, check out the latest video on my channel for all the details.
Have you had a chance to try the Sony 16mm 2.8 with fisheye converter in the dome port?
Jeff Albritton No, I haven’t picked up that lens and adapter, I probably need to get rid of a couple of fisheyes before getting another one. I’ll see if I can find a local shop with one I can try out maybe.
Great Review!!!
I was curious if my sony 18-105 f/4 would fit in this housing or in the housing with the extended port. Thanks!
Silas Gramaglia the 18-105mm f4 is listed as compatible with the large dome port, but you don’t have zoom control when it’s in the housing.
Do you think it could work with the long port that you use for the 18-200 and the 55-210?
I think it would be too wide for that port, but I don't have that lens anymore so I can't check it myself unfortunately.
No worries, thanks so much for the quick replies!
Did you know if a Meikon water housing a6300 work on a Sony A6000 ? Thank great job
It might do, as the cameras are very similar in size, with the a6300 being a few mm deeper than the a6000. The only way to know for sure is to try it out, and I haven't tried it myself.
Do you think I could fit my adapted tokina 11-16 2.8 in that dome port?
Johnny Welk I think it would be a tight fit. The Samyang 8mm f3.5 is about 10cm long and it fits nicely, you might be able to get away with a bit longer than that.
If you can measure the total length, including the adapter, and the diameter of the lens at the front, I should be able to give you a good idea.
Would the sony 20 mm pankake work well with this housing?
Daniel Rolim I expect it would work in the standard port, but I don't know for sure as I don't have that lens. The Samyang 19mm f2.8 works in there, so that's an alternative if you don't already have the 20mm pancake.
You talk a bit about third party pistol grip for your old Meikon housing. Where can you buy those?
Ben Loss I'm not sure how active they are anymore, but here's an Instagram account of the people who made the pistol grip for the original a6000 meikon housing: instagram.com/fusionhousings
Do you think the kit lens 16-50 would work in the dome?
The 16-50mm works great in the standard flat port, there's no reason to use the dome, it's bigger, costs extra and might give you focus issues at longer focal lengths. If you want to take split or over/under photos - get a fisheye or ultra wide angle to go in the dome port.
Hi nice review...Im using meikon a6300 and Inon UWL-H100 28m67 wide lens at scuba diving..it gave me great video and pics .this time I wanna buy A6xxx slated line for scuba diving. bundle flat port has no 67mm thread and too big and wide. But Macro port for sony 30mm macro lens has 67mm thread. Dont you know if there is vignetting at 16-50mm at A6xxx salted line macro port for sony 30mm macro lens ? and if i can control zoom of 16-50mm lens when I use 30mm macro port?
Hi Daniel,
You can use the zoom control with any port, it's built in to the body of the housing.
Someone else asked Sea Frogs about the 16-50mm in that port and got the following response:
"sadly 16-50mm won’t work properly in macro port because there is
vignetting from 16mm till 24mm. Only starts to work correctly at 24mm.
Later on we will release a new shorter macro port, where 16-50mm lens
will work as well."
Read more in the comments here: www.learningsurfphotography.com/sea-frogs-salted-line-a6xxx-series-waterproof-housing/
Thanks your kind reply
This housing gen 1 can i fit sony a6000. A6500. A6400?
I'm pretty sure it can fit those. The latest Gen 3 version certainly can. I'd email Sea Frogs directly to make sure if it's really important that it fits all three of those camera bodies.
hey great video, thank you for that! i thinking about to buy it with the dome, next trip with wale watching, free diving with mantas and filming surfer! but i got som little questions !! what did you think abaout to use the dome with the sigma 30 f1.4 and did you think the samyang 12mm work with it? i got no more money right now for the sigma 16F1.4 ...
Adrian Kern The Sigma 30mm f1.4 will work in the standard flat port, no need for the dome. It will work great above water, and as long as the visibility is good it should work great underwater too.
The Samyang 12mm will probably be fine in the flat port too, but you won’t have focus control. That might not be an issue if there’s enough light to stop it down and you set it up appropriately.
but does this lens work with the dome for some half over/under water shots
Adrian Kern the 12mm should work ok for over/under, but I’m not sure you can get enough depth of field to get both over and under in focus.
I’ve got some time next week to do lots more testing with some different lenses and ports. I’ve had lots of questions about over/under shots with various lenses, so I’ll test some different setups and write up a blog post and video to explain the pros and cons of different lenses.
tanks thats will be really helpfull
Hey hey... Me again! Got now the seafrogs with Dome port for a6500.. I find out the samyang 12mm is my best option for under and over water pictures! The 16-50 is also a nice lens in it! Now I'm think about to test the sel16f2. 8 or the sel20f2. 8! Have you already test this lens too?
One question. I had the old meikon Waterhouse for the same Sony and I had a lot of problems with fog inside the case. The first 20min is ok but after that I can't shot more. With that new waterhouse did you have problems with that?
Luis Firmo Not so far, but I’ve only used it once in the sea, so a bit early to tell. I’ll update if I do have issues.
Did you had the same problem than me with the old case?
Luis Firmo I didn’t, but I never used it for an extended period, only for relatively short sessions.
I think you need small desiccant bags, put 2-3 into housing, u will never see fog again.
I had the same problem with the original meikon and a6000 setup...I turn up the a/c before putting camera in case and blast air directly into the case and it’s works for up to 2-2.5hrs. I’m in a humid climate too...Hawaii 🤙
Sorry for the rookie question but... what's the advantage of a dome over the regular lens housing? Are domes required to get those half underwater / half above water photos?
No probs, there's only a few types of photo that require a dome:
TL;DR: if you've got a fisheye, you need a dome.
1: over/under style shots - exactly what you said - this type of shot is only possible with a dome, and the bigger the dome, the easier they are to shoot.
2: If you're shooting with a fisheye or other ultrawide lens. Fisheye's are so wide that if you shoot through a flat port you'll see the edges of the port.
3: Underwater photos with a wide angle lens. Light is less distorted if it travels through the port at right angles to the port material - this is an issue above and below water, but I've only ever noticed underwater. A dome will give you a wider field of view and a sharper image at the edges of the frame.
@@Learningsurfphotography1 thank you, very much appreciated!!
Hi Ben - any update on this housing? is the handle holding up ok? Cheers
It's still going strong, although I split my use between this and the Liquid Eye C6000, so it hasn't seen loads of action.
Hello every one I need some help,
I have a sony a6300 lens 16-50mm (sony) and lens samyang 8mm 2.8 and I'm looking for compatibility equipment what's better for me ?
The 16-50mm will work great in the standard flat port and the best port for the Samyang 8mm f2.8 is the 4" dome port.
Can you change the settings when the pistol grip is attached? I read a review on seafrogs that this is NOT possible (which I can't believe).
You can change the settings at all times, as you'd expect.
Maybe the person who wrote that review didn't have the multi port attachment plugged all the way in to the camera, this can cause the camera to constantly try and autofocus, as if the trigger is half pushed at all times. This would result in not being able to change any of the settings (and it runs down the battery quickly, and the camera can get hot too), but it would still take photos when you pushed the button to take a shot.
I've had it happen before, but it's not an issue with SeaFrogs, just a quirk with the Sony multi port connector. You need to push it in further than a normal micro usb cable. Once you are aware of that issue you can avoid it easily by making sure to push the cable in firmly every time.
@@Learningsurfphotography1 Thanks a lot!
Will this housing work with the a6400???
Yes it will
Hello what are fisheye lenses or convectors can be suitable for dome port-Sea frogs-Green line a6xxx
Евгений Николаевич the only fisheye I've used that works with the current dome port is the Samyang/Rokinon 8mm f3.5 fisheye for e-mount. I'm sure some others will work with adaptors, but I haven't tried any myself.
thanks
sea frogs of course
DID THE CANON LENS EVER WORK! THANKS !!
Jake David which Canon lens are you interested in?
The Samyang 8mm f3.5 fisheye for e mount did work in the big dome port.
They’ve released the small dome port now, I’ve got a video coming soon about it.
Does it fit the sony zve10?
No, it only fits the Sony a6xxx series
is it work for Sony a6400 ? Thanks
Yes, it does work with the a6400.
My dome port just arrived I was planning on using the 10-18mm will it work still without a fisheye?? I leave for my trip in 3 days need a response asap thanks so much!
Ben Brodsky yes, the 10-18mm will work in the dome and the standard flat port. What type of photo and/or video are you planning on shooting?
Headed to Mexico - Mostly cliff jumping and whale shark exploration. Also a little upset the flat port doesn't come with a lens cover.
You should be fine with the flat port in that case. The dome will be cool for over/under shots, stick to 10mm for the best results for over/under.
Thank you! Also was wondering why the zoom rings have sticky adhesive what is this for?
Ben Brodsky my zoom rings didn’t have adhesive on them, but I got one of the first housings, so they might have changed since then.
I really want one for my A6000, but how can I get one in China...
Mark WANG there’s a link in the description for the seafrogs online store. You should be able to place an order there for shipping worldwide.
learningsurfphotography.com Thanks
Hi Ben! Great review! Looking at ordering one. Do you have an update? Has it had any problems up until now?
Hi Dean, I haven't had any issues with mine, it's a great budget option. I'd consider alternatives if you're going to be using it in really heavy waves, but for most surface work, and all underwater shooting, it's a good choice.
Hi Ben, could you tell me if the liquid EYE is also for diving? I thing it is just surface photography correcorrect? its definitely smaller but I want to be able to go down under to shot diving also... I am between both of them :/
Liquid eye is 33’ depth limit. Salty housings bottom out at 50’. Have the same concern for surf/free diving option..Both options run $900-1000 with port and hand for kit lens. Seafrogs about half the cost for start port and handle.
is the laowa 15mm dream lens competable with the flat port?
I'm not sure which laowa 15mm is the 'dream lens', is it the f2 or the f4 macro?
If you can find the length of the lens you're interested in I'll measure the port and find out for you.
its the laowa 15mm f2
Filter Thread Front: 72 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 2.60 x 3.23" (66 x 82 mm)
It'll be too long for the standard flat port (max length of lens that it'll take is about 77mm).
It might be alright in the smaller macro port though, I can't tell if it would vignette or not without trying it out.
will the dome port fit?
if i were to use the dome port i belief it will also have some distortion to the image?
It'll probably fit in the dome port, it probably wont distort much, but focus might be an issue. You're not going to able to control the focus in the housing.
Is there a reason you'd want to use the 15mm in a housing?
You could use the Sony 10-18mm at 15mm and get the benefit of autofocus, zoom control and a port that's designed for that lens.