Wow, thanks Genny that is very kind of you to go through that process...much much appreciated.

Sometimes I wonder about Maya...and its too bad because it[envfog] does create a great underwater environment...

I can see some argument since it is really an option in the Maya Software render...but alas I can create the same banding using Maya Software...so I would assume Autodesk must be aware of this...

For now, my workaround is compositing an MR render and a render using Maya Software for the fog.

But I definitely need to learn use volume shaders and and volume caustics etc...and a million other things.

I can see now why people specialize...

Thanks all...when I get a decent sequence I'll post...