TomR1

Forum username: TomR1
Posts: 557
Active years: 2003–2021
Primary forums: Photography Gear and Technique, Photo/Video Showcase
Specialization: Nikon macro lenses, super macro photography, long-distance macro techniques

Community Role

TomR1 was a dedicated Nikon macro specialist on the Wetpixel forums, active across an unusually long span of 18 years from 2003 to 2021. His contributions centered on exploring unconventional macro lens choices for underwater photography, particularly longer focal length options that most photographers overlooked.

He was especially known for pushing the boundaries of macro working distance, experimenting with lenses like the Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4 D IF-ED and the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro, which he tested alongside more standard choices like the Nikon 105mm VR. His approach emphasized the advantages of greater working distance for lighting precision and subject behavior — reasoning that in clear water conditions like those at Wakatobi (where he reported routine 30-meter visibility), the limiting factor was strobe reach rather than water clarity between lens and subject. (^[1])

TomR1 maintained a personal website at tomandginnie.com where he shared his underwater photography galleries, suggesting he dove regularly with a partner named Ginnie. (^[2])

Notable Contributions

Nikon 200mm Micro-Nikkor Underwater Trials

TomR1 started one of the most technically interesting threads on the forums in 2013, asking whether anyone had tried the Nikon 200mm f/4 Micro-Nikkor underwater. The lens provides 1:1 magnification at approximately 10 inches working distance, and he proposed adding diopters for even greater magnification while maintaining adequate subject clearance. The thread drew responses from experienced macro shooters including divegypsy (Fred), who had previously used the lens in the film era with Kenko extension tubes, and reported the 200mm + Nikon 5T close-up lens achieved 0.29x to 1.4x magnification range with 7–28 inch working distances in air. TomR1 ultimately found that the non-removable tripod mount collar posed a practical barrier to housing the 200mm, and Nikon service declined to remove it. (^[3])

Sigma 150mm Macro Experiments

He authored a thread in 2013 documenting his decision to try the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro as an alternative to the Nikon 105mm VR, driven by a practical constraint: the 105mm VR’s focus extension prevented it from fitting in his housing port configuration, while the Sigma 150mm could be modified by removing its limiting switch to fit. He shared detailed working distance measurements — the Nikon 105mm VR at 6 inches versus the Sigma 150mm at nearly 8 inches — and tested the combination at Wakatobi with a SubSee diopter. Community member glasseye snapper (Bart) provided a particularly detailed technical explanation of focal length magnification characteristics, noting that multi-element macro lenses reduce focal length as they focus closer, meaning the 150mm offered approximately 1.5x the magnification of a 100mm lens at the same shooting distance. (^[4])

Super Macro Photography at Wakatobi

TomR1 was a regular visitor to Wakatobi in Indonesia, sharing super macro galleries on both his personal website and the Wakatobi Facebook page. His 2011 showcase thread drew praise from forum members including tdpriest, who called his “Study in Blue” image “gorgeous.” The thread revealed his dedication to pygmy seahorse photography, though Tim Priest noted the eyes were not quite sharp in some shots. (^[5])

Other Technical Discussions

• Started threads on Nikon lens selection, the Nikon D300 autofocus system, diffuser use on Inon Z-240 strobes, and general DSLR upgrade paths (^[6])
• Contributed to printer selection discussions for underwater photography prints (^[7])
• Started 43 threads and participated in discussions spanning compact cameras, mirrorless options (NEX-7, EVIL cameras), and DSLR systems over his 18-year tenure
• Contributed to critter identification threads and downsizing gear discussions

Activity Profile

• First post: November 29, 2003
• Last post: January 11, 2021
• Peak years: 2007–2015 (heaviest participation)
• Threads started: 43
• Comments left on articles: 3
• Primary gear: Nikon D200 in Ikelite housing, Nikon D300 in Seatool housing, Nikon AF-S 105mm VR Micro, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro, Inon Z-240 strobes, SubSee +5/+10 diopters
• Favorite destination: Wakatobi, Indonesia