Help out a thicko would ya

[ReefPig]

I currently take tank pics with my Iphone and clip on orange filter, saying that they're "ok" would be an overstatement.

I'm not a photography person, I really just want to cut through all the complexity and someone to say "buy this = better pictures".

I appreciate people are very loyal to certain brands, I'm not, nor do I really care. I also don't mind throwing a bit of money at the problem, this isn't a "a want better pictures for cheap" type conversation, I appreciate this gear is expensive.

I'm not being completely lazy, I've done some research, I'm just struggling to understand the million different camera and lens options.

My tank is very blue, so I'll need some filter I guess, and I want to take some nice macro shots.

Someone throw a camera, lens and filter combo at me please.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[dmy535]

I purchased the ice cap filter and macro lense combo kit for the iPhone from BRS and I am really happy and impressed how the photos come out. I run blues as well so the filter worked well.

 

[jorwill]

I run blues as well and am very confused how places like tidal gardens get these amazing photos with all the vivid color. With my orange filter lens for my iPhone it makes the fluorescent tones really pop but I am not getting that color pop like others get. I have reef breeders running all blues no whites, red or green.

I know obviously using an iPhone and they have a $5k camera with all kinds of crazy lenses but still.

Here is a pic. @ReefPig_UK you got a sample shot of yours with the orange filter?

 

[ReefPig]

I run blues as well and am very confused how places like tidal gardens get these amazing photos with all the vivid color. With my orange filter lens for my iPhone it makes the fluorescent tones really pop but I am not getting that color pop like others get. I have reef breeders running all blues no whites, red or green.

I know obviously using an iPhone and they have a $5k camera with all kinds of crazy lenses but still.

Here is a pic. @ReefPig_UK you got a sample shot of yours with the orange filter?

Here are a few recent pic on an iPhone with the Orphek orange lens.
The FTS are under blues, and acro is under peak daytime light (on XR30 blue, so it's still fairly blue).

The images look blurry and out of focus.
They're missing definition and clarity.
The colours also don't look right. Even if I look through the orange lens, the picture doesn't come close to.

The main issue is the iPhone hates blues IMO.

Hence why I want a real camera.

 

[AZMSGT]

Budget?

 

[jorwill]

Yes looks about the same as mine on the pics. iPhone hates taking pics of our tanks it seems.

 

[ReefPig]

Budget?

I'd say no more than about $1500, but I don't really have a number in mind as such.

 

[Acros]

Tidal gardens have a video about coral photography. It basically says better camera = better pictures.

 

[AZMSGT]

I'd say no more than about $1500, but I don't really have a number in mind as such.

That’s a pretty good budget.
Lens

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens

Canon Macro Lens: EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens features EF Mount Lens, Aperture Range: f/2.8-32. Canon Macro 100mm.

www.bhphotovideo.com

Camera body with accessories

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black)

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens Kit (SL3 EOS Rebel Camera Kit - Black).

www.bhphotovideo.com

And a tripod of your choice.

 

[ReefPig]

That’s a pretty good budget.
Lens

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens

Canon Macro Lens: EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens features EF Mount Lens, Aperture Range: f/2.8-32. Canon Macro 100mm.

www.bhphotovideo.com

Camera body with accessories

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black)

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens Kit (SL3 EOS Rebel Camera Kit - Black).

www.bhphotovideo.com

And a tripod of your choice.

Perfect! Thanks very much.

Do I need an orange lens like I would on a phone?

 

[AZMSGT]

Perfect! Thanks very much.

Do I need an orange lens like I would on a phone?

No one needs a filter. Filters really are for people that want to hyper accentuate the colors. Just adjust your aquarium lighting and use the white balance adjustment in the camera to achieve good photos. If you don’t know what that is, there are hundreds of websites that talk about white balance.

Photography has a learning curve and unless you take the time to read and learn to use the equipment success will elude you.

 

[ReefPig]

No one needs a filter. Filters really are for people that want to hyper accentuate the colors. Just adjust your aquarium lighting and use the white balance adjustment in the camera to achieve good photos. If you don’t know what that is, there are hundreds of websites that talk about white balance.

Photography has a learning curve and unless you take the time to read and learn to use the equipment success will elude you.

Very good, thank you for the info

 

[Jedi1199]

I am using this:


I have not even BEGUN to explore all of the options available on this camera. IMO this is a fantastic "starter kit" for those interested in learning about photography.

One feature I have found particularly useful, is the ability to resize photos within the camera itself. Meaning, I can take a photo in full size, and compress it via the camera itself to a size acceptable for posting to this forum.

Happy shooting,
Steve