help need camera advice!!!

defugium · May 9, 2015

so I'm looking to get a new camera. Id like to get one that can take some nice pics of my tank, corals ect... Ive been reading forms etc and I'm more confused now then before i started lol. So if you guys could tell me what you use camera, lenses, software if any that would help me out a lot!!

defugium · May 9, 2015

also post some some pics of what you have taken with your camera would be awsome!!!!!

LetItReef · May 10, 2015

Look into Canon starter kit and pair it up with Canon 100mm 2.8L macro lens. Check out BH online or Calumet near your area OR even Costco.

defugium · May 10, 2015

Awsome thanks!!! I'll look into it

coral_addict · May 10, 2015

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1431291556.468479.jpg

here is mine. Using a Nikon d300 and 100 mm Marco lens. Pm me if you need help.

coral_addict · May 10, 2015

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1431291619.194972.jpg

Reefguard · May 10, 2015

coral_addict said:

That is a very Nice picture

Reefguard · May 10, 2015

Nice chopsie to see all The pholyps ( sorry for my bad english )

RavenSF · May 10, 2015

I have the Canon 60d, but if you can swing it the 6d would be what I'd go with. This is with the 60d and the 100mm f/2.8 IS macro lens.

CORAL JUNKY · May 10, 2015

chopsie said:

Wow! Great pics . I'm also struggling to take good pics . I have a Nikon d 3200 with a few basic lens . No macros . Any lens recommendations for my camera and could u please share your mode and settings ? Thanks

Miamifish897 · May 10, 2015

Honestly you don't need any fancy equipment I shoot with a D5200 Nikon and a couple minutes spent searching and you could find a 300 dollar 90 mm tamron to pair it with and you should be set. Other goodies to help would be a decent tripod and a yellow filter to catch some fluorescent colors. Good luck!

hopeitlives · May 10, 2015

Do you adjust or shoot on a particular setting? White balance? I find it looks blue I am lighting with 20 k halides.

Miamifish897 · May 10, 2015

hopeitlives said:
Do you adjust or shoot on a particular setting? White balance? I find it looks blue I am lighting with 20 k halides.

White balance is a big thing to it

jsker · May 10, 2015

Go to costco, by a good camera. Then learn how to us it. the cameras now can do so much but learning how to use them is the question.

CORAL JUNKY · May 10, 2015

chopsie said:
Hi Coral Junkie
I love the Tamron 90mm macro it's a great value lens.
I use manual mode
Set the aperture, then a suitable shutter speed, if you want more light up the iso.

Hey chopsie . I've actually been watching a few 90 mm on eBay . I've had a lot of people recommend this lens . Guess ill just have to wait due the right deal , buy it and start shooting . Thanks for your help .

defugium · May 11, 2015

Thanks for all the tips guys!! Love the pics!!

RavenSF · May 11, 2015

The biggest hurdle for me was white balance. With my Canon I can take a picture then use that as a basis for the camera to establish a custom white balance setting. I also figured out how to manually adjust the white balance. Whichever camera you have, pull out the manual and check out how to adjust it on yours. Also if you want to take coral shots, I found that you can buy a tabletop tripod for cheap on Amazon to set up next to your tank. The tripod will allow you to take longer exposures. Also turn off your pumps and the water will be much more clear. You can see in the shot I did of my wrasse that there's streaks where particles floated by. In that shot it works because it gives him a sense of motion along with the blurred background.