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 greater 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 #1" in the W/A Lens Option column of the Sizes and Features Chart to determine whether these lenses are recommended for your housing.

Some Ikelite video housings support the use of the Raynox DCR-730 wide-angle conversion lens. This lens is 0.7x conversion, which provides 37% more area of coverage. High-index optical glass elements provide 375 lines/mm resolution power at center.

Look for "Raynox #2" in the W/A Lens Option column of the Sizes and Features Chart to determine whether this lens is recommended for your housing.

Please Note: Most cameras require an accessory step-up or step-down adapter ring for the attachment of this lens. Refer to the appropriate housing webpage for more information. Raynox lenses and adapter rings referenced are not made by or supplied by Ikelite.

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 #9306.70 Optional Dome Port (MSRP $250) provides increased angle of coverage and improved clarity, but limits zoom and macro range.

The #9306.71 Optional Flat Port (MSRP $175) offers 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.

This represents the premium end of Ikelite wide-angle options and delivers the ultimate in resolving power for high-definition applications. This remarkable port is designed by renowned Fathom Imaging and uses only the highest quality optical grade glass elements. Its glass elements feature a superb anti-reflective coating to transmit a maximum amount of light.

The WP-80 is useable above water for up to 90 degree field of view, and underwater for up to 80 degree field of view (exact angle of coverage varies with camera model). The resulting image is exceptionally crisp edge-to-edge, without distortion or vignetting.

The WP-80 Port replaces of the housing's standard lens port. No additional lens or adapter is required. This port cannot be removed and replaced underwater.

The WP-80 Port accepts Color Filters #6441.45 for Tropical Blue Water and #6441.85 for Green Water.

Look for "WP80 Port" in the W/A Lens Option column of the Sizes and Features Chart to determine whether this lens is recommended for your housing.

Click Here for more information on the Ikelite WP-80 Port.