Canon RF 100mm Macro Focus Gear Installation // 200DL Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

Featuring Logan Wood

If you want to shoot macro with a Canon R-series camera underwater, the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens is definitely the way to go. We're using Canon's killer autofocus system most of the time, but in those situations where manual focus is necessary we've got you covered. 

Logan Wood shows you how to set up this Focus Gear for manual focus operation when used with a compatible Ikelite underwater housing with DL port mount. 

Follow along with the video below, or scroll down to read the video  transcript.

Compatibility

This gear is not compatible with housings featuring the compact DLM port mount.

Compatibility includes but is not limited to:

• Canon EOS R
• Canon EOS RP
• Canon EOS R5, R5 II
• Canon EOS R6, R6 II, R6 III

 

Setting & Installing the 100mm Macro Lens 

The Canon RF 100mm macro is the go-to lens for shooting macro underwater on Canon cameras. But sometimes you need some fine-tune adjustment over your focus. And that's where the Focus Gear for Canon RF 100mm Macro Lens # 50015 comes into play. Use this step-by-step guide to setting it up in your 200DL Underwater Housing.

With the camera installed in the housing, put the housing on its back and remove the body cap from the camera. Grab the lens and make sure that the AF/MF switch is set to MF for manual focus, switch the focus range to FULL, and turn the stabilizer ON. Line up the indexing dots on the camera and lens and feed the lens through the housing port mount opening and bayonet the lens onto the camera.

 

Installing the Focus Gear

Slide the manual focus gear over the lens teeth-side down into the port mount opening and push down until you feel it stop. Use the retainer tool to tighten down the retaining ring, this doesn't need to be over-tightened. Turn the knob on the side of the housing to test for proper functionality. 

After installing the lens and focus gear secure the retaining ring. Fit one side of the retainer tool into one of the slots on the retaining ring, tighten the retaining ring down until it stops, no need to over-tighten.

 

Installing the Lens Port

Use a small amount of Ikelite lubricant and apply to the o-ring on the front of the housing. Make sure that all three thumb screws are backed out of the inside diameter on the extensions and port. Apply a little bit more lubricant on the inside sealing surface of the extension before attaching to the housing. Line up the thumbscrews with the three pockets on the port mount of the housing and press down to seal then tighten down all three thumb screws.

As you apply a small amount of Ikelite lubricant to the o-rings and sealing surfaces of the port mount, extensions, and port you'll also want to check for any debris which could compromise the seal. After successfully sealing the housing we recommend putting a vacuum on your housing to check for leaks and to reinforce all the closing mechanisms on the housing.

 

Featured Equipment

• Focus Gear for Canon RF 100mm Macro Lens # 50015

 

Additional Viewing

Best Macro Lens for Canon Mirrorless Shooters: RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM

Underwater with the Canon RF 100mm Macro Lens and EOS R5

Canon Back Button Focus for Underwater Photography [VIDEO]

Canon MF Override for Fine-Tune Focus Adjustments [VIDEO]

Getting it Sharp: Back Button Focus and Post Processing Workflow

 

 

Logan Wood is a published photographer, cinematographer, and Producer at Ikelite. Stemming from a great appreciation for the outdoors and living an active lifestyle, his work focuses on capturing and sharing the natural world through the latest technologies. When not in the studio, Logan can be found cruising on his bike, going to concerts, and researching where to go next. You can see more of his work at loganwood.net and on Instagram @jlowood