Hey everyone,

If you’ve ever taken a great underwater shot with your Salted Line Dome Port only to find an unwanted reflection of the lens itself in the frame, you’re not alone. This is a very common issue with dome ports that almost every underwater photographer runs into. The good news is that the problem can be solved completely-either during the shoot or later in post-production.

At Salted Line we’re focused on helping you get the best possible image quality straight out of the water. In this guide we’ve collected the most effective real-world solutions that underwater photographers have been using successfully for years on forums like Reddit, ScubaBoard, Wetpixel and others. We’ve ordered them from the simplest to the more advanced so you can easily review each one and pick what works best for you.

Why Lens Reflections Occur

It all comes down to basic light physics. Bright sources-whether direct sunlight, strobes or ambient light-reflect off the white lettering and glossy edges of the lens barrel, bounce inside the Salted Line Dome Port and appear in your final image. This happens most often with wide-angle and fish-eye lenses on 6" or 8" dome ports. The fix is always the same: block or absorb those reflections at the source.

6 Real Solutions-From Simple to Professional

1. Quick Fix Using Black Electrical Tape or Flock Tape

Need a fast and low-cost solution before your next dive?

• Wrap the front of the lens barrel with matte black electrical tape or flock tape (soft anti-static fabric tape).
• Apply smooth, even layers so the tape stays secure underwater.

Please note: Use tape that won't leave any residue when removed and won't damage your lens.

This is perfect for quick testing. Many travelling photographers and surfers always keep a roll of this tape in their housing bag for exactly this reason.

2. Smart Shooting Techniques

Combine any of the fixes below with these practical habits to reduce the problem even further:

• Position yourself so the sun is behind you or at about a 45° angle whenever possible.
• Avoid shooting directly toward bright surface light or strobes aimed at the dome.
• Always test your full setup in a pool before an important dive-a few minutes of checking can save you hours of frustration.

3. Optimizing Lens Position: Choose the Right Extension Ring

In some cases, the geometry of your setup is the main cause of the problem.

• Select the appropriate Extension ring to ensure the lens sits in the correct position inside the Salted Line Dome Port.

4. DIY Black Felt Ring (Budget-Friendly and Highly Effective)

Looking for excellent results with minimal cost? This fix takes just 10 minutes to make.

• Get a sheet of self-adhesive black felt or matte black vinyl film (easy to find online or at any craft store).
• Use your lens cap as a template to cut a precise ring that covers the front barrel but leaves the optical glass clear.
• Apply the ring-and you’re done.

Experienced photographers often say that felt rings frequently work even better than commercial options because the material not only blocks light but actively absorbs stray reflections.

5. Ready-Made Anti-Reflection Ring (The Most Recommended Professional Solution)

The solution recommended by thousands of underwater photographers: ready-made anti-reflection rings.

• These are thin, matte-black self-adhesive vinyl rings designed for most popular lenses.
• Simply peel away the backing and apply the ring to the front of the lens-it completely conceals all white lettering and reflective surfaces.
• Users consistently report that the reflection disappears entirely, even when shooting into the sun or using powerful strobes.

Ready-made anti-reflection rings are available from third-party manufacturers.

6. Quick Post-Production Fix

If a small reflection still makes it into the frame, you can easily remove it in post-production. It only takes a few seconds.

Ready to Capture Reflection-Free Images?

All of the solutions above work perfectly with any Salted Line waterproof camera housing and Salted Line Dome Port. The vast majority of our customers who have tried even one of these methods say lens reflections no longer appear in their photos.

If you have any questions about the best extension ring for your specific lens, feel free to contact us through the form on our website, by email at support@saltedline.com or via social media. Just let us know the complete model name of your lens and we’ll gladly recommend the most suitable solution for you.

Stay safe, stay dry, and happy shooting!

- The Salted Line Team

---

Follow us for more tips, gear reviews, and epic underwater shots:

Instagram @saltedline & @saltedlineeurope

Facebook Salted Line & Salted Line Europe

YouTube Salted Line Waterproof Housings & Salted Line Europe