A wide angle conversion lens broadens your angle of view while increasing the depth of field. This allows you to capture the same area from a much closer distance. The result is improved sharpness and minimal backscatter (which is caused by particles in the water).

Color is quickly absorbed as light travels through water. First and foremost are the reds and oranges which provide vibrant contrast to the blue underwater backdrop. Reducing the amount of water between the lens and the subject is one of the most simple and effective ways to improve the color and clarity of your video.

Exactly how much does a wide angle conversion lens affect your angle of view? Just multiply the conversion factor of the wide angle lens by the focal length of the camera's lens.

For example, a 0.56x conversion lens converts a 50mm lens into a 28mm lens:

This effectively increases the angle of view by approximately 70 percent.

The #6420 Ikelite W-20 is a 0.56x conversion wide angle lens. It is referred to as a "wet lens" because it is independently sealed and can be removed and replaced while underwater.

An external wide angle lens provides maximum versatility in the ability to alternate between wide angle and macro while on a dive. However, the distance between the camera's lens and the rear element of the wide angle lens can affect sharpness and angle of coverage. The edges of the video image may appear slightly soft in some portion of the camera's zoom range.

The front lens ports of most Ikelite video housings feature 67mm threads which accept the Ikelite W-20, Inon Type II and Epoque DCL-20 external wide angle conversion lenses. Look for "external" in the W/A Lens Option column of the Sizes and Features Chart to determine whether the W-20 Lens is recommended for your housing.

The W-20 Lens accepts 3.6" Color Filters #6441.42 for Tropical Blue Water and #6441.82 for Green Water.

Click Here for more information on the Ikelite W-20 lens.

Many Ikelite video housings can be set up to accept certain internal wide angle conversion lenses from Raynox, a respected manufacturer of accessory lenses for video cameras. Because it attaches to the front of the camera, an internal wide angle converison lens provides maximum sharpness and clarity throughout the camera's zoom range.

We currently support the Raynox HD-5000, -5005, and -5050 Pro high definition wide-angle conversion lenses. These lenses are 0.5x conversion, which provides 100 percent more area of coverage. High-index optical glass elements provide amazing 600 lines/mm resolution power, especially important in high-definition applications.

Use of these internal lenses requires replacement of the housing's standard front lens port with a longer accessory port. Accessory ports are available in both dome and flat versions.

The #9304 Optional Dome Port (MSRP $250) provides increased angle of coverage and improved clarity, but slightly limits zoom and macro range.

The #9304.1 Optional Flat Port (MSRP $175) offers full zoom and macro capabilities but reduces the overall conversion factor of the lens.

These ports accept 3.6" Color Filters #6441.42 for Tropical Blue Water and #6441.82 for Green Water.

Look for "Raynox (3)" in the W/A Lens Option column of the Sizes and Features Chart to determine whether these lenses are recommended for your housing.