Use a Wide-Angle Lens for the Best Underwater Photos

The best underwater photos are the detailed shots of fish, mammals, vegetation or other divers. Whether you are a new or experienced diver, make sure you have training and education for diving in exotic environments. A wide-angle lens essentially brings the camera eye closer to the subject, closing the distance between you and a school of fish. The standard wide angle is a 20 mm lens.  Here are some advantages to using a wide-angle lens underwater:

  • A wide-angle lens lets you back off to capture the entire subject in your frame.
  • You are more likely to get the photo you want. Fish swim by quickly and it may be hard to get close for the best shot.
  • A wide-angle lens provides a crisp photo, something you won't get shooting from a distance with a regular lens. Underwater photos tend to look soft from a distance with a standard lens, because of silt and particles in seawater.