Canon RF 15-30mm Installation for 200DLM/D Underwater Housings [VIDEO]

The Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens is one of our favorite wide angle zoom lenses to shoot underwater because it's lightweight and very sharp from edge to edge. John shows you how to install the lens and zoom gear onto an Ikelite 200DLM/D Underwater Housing for Canon 's line of compact R-series cameras including the EOS R100, R10, R7, and R8.

 

 

Installing the Zoom Gear & Lens

Before installing the Zoom Gear, we suggest using the Anti-Reflection Ring # 0923.15 on your lens. This self-adhesive vinyl label covers the white lettering and ring details on the front of the lens to reduce reflections when used behind a dome port underwater.

First, we're going to take the body cap off the camera and set it aside. Now, the gear solution for this lens (Zoom Gear # 5509.31) comes with adhesive pads but due to the larger diameter of this lens, we won't be needing those.

Note the two tabs on the zoom gear clamp, these will face away from the camera and should line up with the indexing mark on your lens.

Take the clamp with the two tabs and they're going to face away from the camera body. I like to go ahead and align one of those tabs with the red stripe (lens indexing mark) on the lens itself and then gently slide it forward. Take the opportunity to check that the switches on your lens are set the way you want them to be. 

Next, take the gear sleeve and drop it down into the port opening and align one of the ribs with the red dot on the camera body, making note of where the red dot is on the lens and the rib on the gear sleeve. Next, line up the tabs with the rib of the gear sleeve so that the ribs go into the tabs of the clamp and then bayonet the lens onto the camera body until you hear it click.

Installing the Lens Port

Now we can install the Dome Port # 5516.17. 

Position your the dome port zoom knob so that it is on the left hand side when using the housing so you can still easily zoom and access the shutter with your right hand.

Put a little of the Ikelite lubricant between your finger and thumb. It doesn't take much, this is just to overcome the friction of the port as it goes on to the port base. Apply it around the port opening o-ring and apply a little bit of lubricant while feeling for any debris or hair and visually inspecting it.

Make sure that your three thumbscrews on your port are unscrewed so that they're not protruding into the inside diameter of the port and then run your finger along the sealing surface. Again, feeling for any hair or debris, anything that might affect the seal.

Align it over the port opening, applying some downward force onto the housing. You may need to turn the drive gear so that the gear teeth mesh properly. Check to make sure that it's meshed and zooming the lens.

Then all you need to do is tighten the three thumbscrews down till they're flush. If you find any resistance or they're not going down all the way, it means they're not corresponding to the groove in the port opening. There's no need to use a tool here, as this seal occurred when the two pieces went together and those three thumbscrews are just retaining the port.

It's as simple as that. If you have any questions contact our team today - we're always here to help!

 

 

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. 

  

Additional Reading

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro Underwater Review and Tips [VIDEO]

The Best Canon RF-Mount Lenses for DLM Underwater Housings

Canon R10 vs R7 // Best Crop Sensor for Underwater Photography [VIDEO]

Canon Mirrorless Lineup Explained for Underwater [VIDEO]

Assemble Your Housing Like a Pro [VIDEO]

What's in My Gear Bag // Steve Miller 2023 [VIDEO]