Sony 16-55mm f/2.8 G // Setting It Up 200DLM Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

Featuring John Brigham

The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens is a high quality lens aimed at crop sensor Sony mirrorless cameras like the a6700, a6500, and a6400. John shows you how to set the lens up for zoom operation in your Ikelite 200DLM/A or 200DLM/E Underwater Housing. The full zoom range is supported with the compatible zoom gear and lens port.

Scroll down to read the video transcript.

Equipment Used

DLM/E Housings (e.g. Sony a6700, a6600)

• Universal DSLR Zoom Gear 5509.27 for Lenses up to 2.8-inch Diameter # 5509.27
• DLM 1.2 Inch Port Extension # 5516.65
• DLM 6 inch Dome Port with Zoom Extended .375 Inch # 5516.16

DLM/A Housings (e.g. Sony a6400, a6500) 

• Universal DSLR Zoom Gear 5509.27 for Lenses up to 2.8-inch Diameter # 5509.27
• DLM 1.2 Inch Port Extension # 5516.65
• DLM 6 inch Dome Port with Zoom Extended 1.0 Inch # 5516.17
  

Installing the Zoom Clamp on the Lens

For this demonstration we're using the Sony a6700, which is the DLM/E system. If you're using the DLM/A system everything will be the same except you will use the extended version dome port at the end.

Use the clamp that is provided with the Zoom Gear. Due to the large diameter of the zoom ring on this lens you will not need to use any of the provided pieces of foam. 

Take one of the tabs on the zoom gear clamp and orient it so that it's in line with the white indexing dot on your lens, that will make it easier to bayonet your lens onto the camera later. Work the clamp onto the lens ensuring that the two tabs are pointed away from what will be the camera body once installed. Make sure the edge of the clamp is in line with the edge of the lens zoom ring and that it is even all around the circumference of the lens.

Note in this photo that one of the tabs on the clamp is oriented to the white indexing dot on the lens and both tabs are facing away from what will be the camera body once installed.

Attaching the Port Extension 

Install your camera in the housing and remove the camera's body cap. Apply a small amount of lubricant to your index finger and thumb and apply it to the o-ring located on the port base of the housing. While you're applying the lubricant make sure your feel for any debris on the o-ring that could affect the seal.

Loosen all three thumbscrews on the DLM 1.2 Inch Port Extension so that they're not protruding into the inside diameter of the extension. Apply some of the lubricant to the sealing surface of the extension, again checking for any debris. Orient one of the three thumbscrews to the top (noon) of the housing and press the extension onto the housing's port mount base ensuring it is fully pressed down, then tighten each of the three thumbscrews.

Installing the Zoom Gear and Lens

On the gear sleeve you will notice two ribs on its inside diameter, align one of those two ribs with the white indexing dot on your camera body. Pre-extend the lens and remove both the front and back caps from the lens. Align the tabs of the clamp on your lens with the ribs on the gear sleeve and bayonet your lens into place.

Once the lens is installed you can turn the gear sleeve to test zoom functionality before proceeding to the next step.

Installing the Dome Port

For 200DLM/E shooters: DLM 6 inch Dome Port with Zoom Extended .375 Inch
For 200DLM/A shooters:  DLM 6 inch Dome Port with Zoom Extended 1.0 Inch

Next is installing the dome port. Similarly to the port base, apply lubricant to the o-ring on the port extension and feel for any debris that could compromise the seal. Back out the thumbscrews from the inside diameter of the dome port, just like you did with the extension. Apply some lubricant to the sealing surface of the dome port

Before attaching the port gently pull the drive gear out just a little bit, this will help reengage the gear after it's been installed on the housing. We recommend installing the dome port so the drive gear will be on your left hand side since your shutter trigger will be on your right hand side.

Ensure the three thumbscrews are aligned with the pockets on your extension. Then, gently press the dome port into place. Tighten the three thumbscrews. Push on the drive gear and test for zoom functionality.

Our next recommended step is creating a vacuum on your housing to test for leaks, and then it's time to dive!

If you have any questions about this set up process, send us an email. We're always happy to help.

Additional Viewing

Sony a6700 Underwater Photos & Review

Sony a6700 Setting it Up // 200DLM/E Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

The Right Lens for Every Situation Underwater

Why You Need Strobes Underwater

Sony a6700 4K MACRO in Anilao, Philippines in the 200FP/T Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

John Brigham is the Vice President & head of product development at Ikelite. He was born with a flair for design and an entrepreneurial spirit as son of Ikelite founder Ike Brigham. He worked his way up in the business and is a natural fit in the R&D side of things. John dives the equipment as much as possible to test product and put himself in the "fins" of the user. You may also find him on the other end of an email or phone call when you reach out for product advice and support. When he's not underwater he's flying drones, setting off rockets, training his German Shepherd "T2", and spending time with his family.