Just can't seem to take good pictures

[Fishyj]

Hi everyone, I am having a problem getting close up pictures of my corals. I have a Canon EOS Rebel XTi with a efs18-55mm lens. I can take full tank shots but when I try the close ups, it just doesn't happen. Do I need a different lens or is it me and my settings on the camera? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ritter6788]

The stickys in this forum helped me a lot.

 

[KorD]

First.. are you using a tripod? are you manually focusing the lens, and if your vision is not spot on are you making corrections for the issue.

I wear glasses and that is where I tend to have problems. What looks clear and focused to me, is not really how it is.
Another thing I have learned is I tend to get too close to the glass of the tank, Even though the camera is in focus, move back a few inches and re-focus. The camera is nothing like the human eye, it needs a little more room to fully function.

 

[Wbrian]

The 18-55 kit lens is a good lens for walk about shooting. It just isn't sharp enough for macro photography, though.

 

[get_armbarred]

Post a pic. That way we can see what your having problems with. A kit lens isn't ideal but you should still get some quality shots.