Good camera for shooting some pics of my reef?

dan_k · Aug 29, 2013

I'm looking to buy a good camera for taking some pics of my reef without breaking the bank
can anyone suggest one? I see some amazing pictures on here so would like to know what people are using and a good place to find one
Thanks

ThatGuy · Aug 29, 2013

Canons and Nikons are good, but most of the UPCLOSE shots are the $$$ macro lens. Someone on here is selling a decent one for a reasonable price.

http://www.njreefers.org/showthread...-Sale-Trenton-NJ-08618-AiSol-s-Mini-Reef-DSLR

asonitez · Aug 29, 2013

Hey Thanks for the plug ThatGuy - and Dan I'll knock off 25 bucks if you bring my Sand with you when you come. Another member in blackwood is holding it for me

(P.S) I also have some lens that you can try with the camera before you buy to see the macro capability.

BryanDuggan · Sep 6, 2013

Try a cheap pair of extension tubes ($100). I had a $700 macro lens and swapped it for something, the results I get with extension tubes are fine. Having a tripod and understanding depth of field will yield you good results.

Spideybry · Sep 6, 2013

BryanDuggan said:
Try a cheap pair of extension tubes ($100). I had a $700 macro lens and swapped it for something, the results I get with extension tubes are fine. Having a tripod and understanding depth of field will yield you good results.

Seconded on the extension tubes. I got some off ebay and it worked great.

iTzJu · Sep 6, 2013

agreed on the extension tubes and a good tripod! I haven't been able to capture any photos since my tripod has been out of commission. I just recently ordered a new one. Also, learn how to set your white balance correctly. This can be done post-shot if shot is RAW format but I find it easier to have it setup before the shoot.

Empire · Sep 7, 2013

i'm thinking about getting the olloclip for the iphone 5..

dan_k · Sep 7, 2013

Empire said:
i'm thinking about getting the olloclip for the iphone 5..

I have to wait couple months for the iPhone 5 might look into that if you do can you share some pics so I can see what they look like

dan_k · Sep 7, 2013

iTzJu said:
agreed on the extension tubes and a good tripod! I haven't been able to capture any photos since my tripod has been out of commission. I just recently ordered a new one. Also, learn how to set your white balance correctly. This can be done post-shot if shot is RAW format but I find it easier to have it setup before the shoot.

What kinda of camera are you using

iTzJu · Sep 7, 2013

I currently have a Canon Rebel T2i (550D)

ThatGuy · Sep 7, 2013

Not to highjack the thread, but how are people's experience with the tube extension? Is it easy to use or is it a pain?

BryanDuggan · Sep 9, 2013

Depth of field is tricky but that's the case with a macro lens too. Live view mode is critical, as is keeping the lens glass parallel to the tank glass. The rest is straight forward.

howze01 · Sep 9, 2013

I have a Nikon Coolpix and the macro mode on that took some great shots when I had my reef running. More than adequate for some great pics and it won me a few photo of the month contests too. Honestly, it's not easy to tell the difference between some pics I have taken and ones that are taken with much more expensive set ups.

Spideybry · Sep 9, 2013

ThatGuy said:
Not to highjack the thread, but how are people's experience with the tube extension? Is it easy to use or is it a pain?

They work, but you have to be a very specific distance from a coral. That and you will be swapping out different tubes to get the right look. Worth it imo for the shots you get with a low price.