Southwest Ramblings

Alex Tattersall · Issue 87, Nov/Dec 2015 · pp. 62–64

Products mentioned: Nauticam NA-D7200, Nikon 105mm VR

The last few days, having seen so many new and interesting animals, I decided to use the macro lens, the 105mm VR mostly. The technique used in tropical waters was very similar in temperate waters, AF-C 3D focusing mode with back button focus on the thumb lever. I stuck to the settings with which I am comfortable to give me enough depth of field as a buffer and went to work. The first subject on the hit-list was the Grunt Sculpin, a unique little fish similar to a devilfish in that it uses its spiny pectoral fins to crawl over the sandy bottom. It has an odd appearance and anyone interested in marine life should read up on its very idiosyncratic defensive behaviour of using its transparent tail to mimic a feeding barnacle. I had the amazing Decorated Warbonnet high on my critter hit list as our UK offerings, the Tompot and Yarrell’s blennies are distinctly less glamourous. I’m sad to say…