Sony 16-35mm F2.8 GM Setting It Up // Ikelite 200DL Zoom Gear Assembly [VIDEO]

Featuring Logan Wood

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM (Mark I) Lens is a classic focal length for underwater photography with your full frame Alpha series Sony mirrorless camera. Logan Wood shows you how to set it up in your Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing.

Follow along with the video below or scroll down for the video transcript.
 

** NOTE: This video shows the original GM Mark I lens. The Mark II lens is different and requires different port components. Refer to the Sony port chart for port recommendations for this and other popular lenses.

 

Products Used

• DL 8 inch Dome Port # 75340
• 28mm Extension # 75028
• 50mm Extension # 75050
• Zoom Gear # 5509.16
• Anti-Reflection Ring # 0923.74

 

Applying the Anti-Reflection Ring Sticker

The first thing we're going do is add an anti-reflection sticker to the front. This will help reduce unwanted reflections.

Remove the sticker from the backing paper and apply it on top of the white lettering of the lens then use your finger to smooth out any bumps.

Attaching the Zoom Clamp to the Lens

Next, we're going to assemble the zoom gear.

This zoom gear will come with pads. Peel off the backing paper and apply the pads to the inside diameter of the clamp.

Next, switch your lens to autofocus (AF) before sliding the zoom clamp onto the lens.

Apply the clamp so that the two tabs are facing towards the camera body (or the back of the lens). It's easiest if you line up the tabs with the white dot on the lens.

Walk the clamp up the lens and sit it at the top of the zoom ring. This will allow the lens to fall all the way down into the housing.

Installing the Zoom Gear in the Housing

Now you can put the lens to the side and focus on the housing itself.

Using the included zoom gear retainer tool, we're going to take off the zoom gear retainer and flip over the housing to remove the dust cap.

Drop in the zoom gear teeth side down. Replace the zoom gear retainer and secure with the zoom gear retainer tool. It doesn't need to be super tight, just make sure the zoom gear isn't moving.

 

Attaching the Lens to the Camera

Remove the body cap from your camera. Using the zoom knob on your housing, line up the indents on the zoom gear with the white dot on your camera. Line up the white dot on your lens with the white dot on your camera and bayonet the lens into place.

Test for zoom functionality to ensure everything is moving properly.
 

Port Extensions & Dome Port

For the Mk I version of this lens, you'll need a 50mm and 28mm port extensions.

Before putting these extensions together, add a little bit of the included Ikelite lubricant to the o-rings on both extensions, this will help everything slide together and this is a good opportunity to check for unwanted debris which could compromise the sealing surfaces.

There are three thumb screws on the port extensions as well as three pockets that correspond with those thumb screws.

Back out all of the thumb screws from the inside diameter of the extensions. Check this area for unwanted debris.

Line up the pockets of the extension with the corresponding thumb screws on the other port extension and press them together then tighten down each thumb screw. These thumb screws just need to be hand tightened, no tools required.

If you feel any resistance when tightening the thumb screws then you might not have lined up the pockets correctly, so just back it out and try again.

The pocket on the outside diameter of each extension line up with the thumb screws on each extension or dome port. Line these up and tighten the thumb screws down.

Lubricate the o-ring on your housing's port mount. You'll notice the port mount on the housing has the same pockets as the extensions do. Align the top thumb screw with the pocket at the top of the housing then tighten down all three of the thumb screws.

For this set up we're using the full 8 inch Dome Port. As before, make sure that all three thumb screws are backed out of the inside diameter and that the sealing surface is clean of any debris.

On the dome port, one of the three thumbscrews corresponds with one of the shades, this will be oriented at the top of our housing. Line up the top shade with the top of the housing and pocket and press it on then tighten down all three thumb screws.

Check and make sure that you have full zoom capability and you’ve just successfully assembled the zoom gear for the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 GM Mk I lens.

From here, I would put a vacuum on the housing. Ideally 24 hours or the night before your dive, but 10-15 minutes before also works.

If you have any questions, email us at ikelite@ikelite.com!

 

Additional Viewing

The Right Lens for Every Situation Underwater

When to Use a Compact 8" Dome Port Underwater

Ikelite DS230 Strobe Features // The Perfect Wide Angle Strobe? [VIDEO]

Rectilinear vs Fisheye Lenses for Underwater Wide Angle Photography [VIDEO]

My South African Ikelite System for Sony a1 // Logan Wood's Underwater Photo Gear [VIDEO]

Checking for Housing Leaks Using a Vacuum Pump and Valve

 

 

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