Looking for advice with my DSLR.

[reef_flapper]

First of all I would like to thank you for your help in advance.

Ok so here it goes I just bought a Nikon D5200 and a micro lens just for tank pics. The lens itself is what I could afford after spending a nice little chunk on my camera. So I bought a AF-S Micro NIKKOR 40 mm 1:2.8G , I have been playing around with it and shot some decent pics but I know that they can be better. I will post some of the shots as soon as I upload them. However with that being said I have been watching some YouTube videos explaining my camera, but I feel lost as I am a beginner. Like I said before I know that it is not the best macro lens, but it should work. So I plead to all of the photography guru's out there for some specific to my camera and lens advice. I have read some of the other posts and that has helped a little, but now I defer to experience.

 

[MrDJeep123]

All DSLRs are pretty much the same in how they work. There's a sensor that captures the image and displays it on the screen. How you get there is a bit different that difference being where the buttons are. My advice would be to shoot in M (manual) and you'll quickly get a feel for how aperture affects exposure affects the image.
The lens in question is a prime lens. The downside to this specific lens is it can't reliably be used for macro. That's no big deal really. You'll still be able to get great shots of your tank and specific subjects you choose to shoot. I'd also recommend shooting things around your house, inside and out. You'll learn how to focus, adjust exposure, adjust your aperture for the lighting you are in.
I can't tell you anything specific to this camera, like I said, they all work pretty much the same. Don't get discouraged, read your manual, take your time, and learn what the basics are. It's the only way to improve. There's no magic how-to.
I hope this is helpful.

 

[reef_flapper]

I appreciate it, every bit of knowledge is helpful!

 

[Genesis Corals]

Use a tripod when shooting in macro and either the timer or remote to prevent camera shake. You also want to make sure you are perpendicular to the glass or else you will have distortion. If you are using a photobox for top down shots make sure your shutter speed is fast enough to prevent camera shake (you can increase ISO or aperture to get the right exposure). I like to shoot in RAW and process in Lightroom, especially because I have LEDs which are hard to get accurate colored photos just using the cameras WB. I use auto WB and just process afterward in Lightroom. I tend to use aperture priority mode when shooting and keep it around f11 or f13, but plan on doing more manual here when I have more time. Have fun, remember a lot of the amazing photos you see on R2R, the photographer behind it has years of experience and the right equipment.