An issue that we often talk about when considering spearfishing masks is field of view. A while back I purchased a Cressi Minima mask which obviously has a smaller field of view. I finally tried out the mask and really enjoyed the compactness of it. I can almost feel the energy savings turning my head from side to side. The small loss in field of view didn't bother me at all. I thought about why this is so.
My idea is fairly simple. As spearfishers we're always trying to focus our vision on small areas. Distinguishing fish from bottom structure is not something that can be done with peripheral vision. It takes some concentration to sort things out on the bottom and when you're doing that peripheral vision goes out the window. That's why I wasn't at all bothered by the loss of some field of view. Think about how many times you saw something outside the area that you were focused on that turned out to be a viable target. For me most often it's a piece of sea weed on the surface, another diver just before I bump into him, or one of those little fish that choose to hang out around your face and startle the shit out of me the first time I see them. I can honestly say that spearfishing wise nothing worthwhile has ever come out from peripheral vision. I think it may actually be better to limit the field of view as it helps me concentrate and focus my vision where it will be productive, not waste my time with fantasies about noticing a shark rushing me at the last moment.
I'm also aware that as I change my focus my head moves. This is done subconsciously. Slight changes in the angle of the head produce a much larger field of view than any mask. Then again, if you're really in the market for the largest field of view possible maybe these are the masks for you..
http://www.hydrooptix.com/index2.html
QuoteThis is not a currently shipping product -- the patented MAX optics will only be available for commercial and military divers, integrated as part of full-face masks and helmets made by other companies. Divers with 20/20 vision do not need to wear contact lenses to use this mask, as they do with MEGA Double-Dome masks. The laws of optics dictate the dimensions of the lens barrel -- but their cost and size makes this an impractical solution for recreational divers. The MAX multi-element optical package, sealed in pressure-proof lens barrels, is expected to be available in late 2009 and retail for about $1,500 + the cost for the full-face mask / helmet.
This is a photo of one of our proof-of-concept MAX masks, which provides a flawless 140-degree field-of-view. Each MAX proof-of-concept mask cost over $60,000, and allows those with 20/20 vision to use their eyes in the exact same manner as they do in air.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8zJZwsehXM
QuoteThe HydroOptix MEGA 4.5 DD is the world's only mask that puts your eyes at the center of a dome. This geometry lets you see objects at their TRUE size, distance and shape. However, the concave shape of water creates a secondary optical phenomenon: you must be nearsighted to use the mask.
Many naturally nearsighted divers can use the mask with just their naked eyes. The view is so astonishing that hundreds of 20/20 divers (called 1.0 in Japan) have learned to wear contact lenses. They become temporarily nearsighted just to use the mask, and tell us that wearing contacts is worth the hassle, because of the vast improvement in vision. Low-cost disposable contacts are now part of their standard dive gear. Yes, if you are 20/20, this probably sounds ridiculous. But once you try it, you may decide that your valuable time underwater deserves a razor-sharp view almost 5X greater than anything else. Both new divers and Instructor-Trainers are wearing contacts again, years after successful LASIK made them 20/20.
