Camera with nice macro

[needmorecowbell]

I'd like to buy a camera in the next few months that will take good close up macro photos of corals. I can't do a dslr, just too pricey. I was thinking under 400$ if it's possible, I know these things are expensive.. I also like taking videos so if there is a camera with that also it would be nice. I have looked at psteelebs camera, the Sony xr250 or something. It looks like exactly what I want but I'd like some other opinions, thanks

 

[Mr31415]

I'd like to buy a camera in the next few months that will take good close up macro photos of corals. I can't do a dslr, just too pricey. I was thinking under 400$ if it's possible, I know these things are expensive.. I also like taking videos so if there is a camera with that also it would be nice. I have looked at psteelebs camera, the Sony xr250 or something. It looks like exactly what I want but I'd like some other opinions, thanks

I found my iPhone 4 produces better close up pictures than many $400+ compact cameras I tried.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Really? I have an iPod without a camera do I wouldn't know. I'm looking for pictures like this...

 

[mwladdicted]

It's not about the camera you buy, it's the lens you buy for your camera

 

[needmorecowbell]

I don't want a dslr unless I can get one and the lens for under 400$.. I don't think that's possible. Thanks though.

 

[Zeyko]

I have a Canon t3i with 50mm lens1.8, Is there any recommendation for a better pictures? Its the Tamron 70-300mm good for it?

 

[Allmost]

70-300 mm is a zoom lens.

try a macro lens, I have the 100mm and its great.

 

[needmorecowbell]

After looking at slr cameras, I'm thinking I'll try to find a used body and pay for the lens. Everyone talks about 100mm so that's what I'll get. Any cheap body that someone would recommend?

 

[Allmost]

read the stickies here on the photography section.

they will help alot.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Alright I'll check them out, thanks.

100mm macro is what everyone says to use. I'm not sure how pricey they are though.

 

[Allmost]

macro lens arent cheap, but you can use poor mans macro, which would be Extension tubes [have their own downsides] . they move the lens further away from the image snesor, increasing the focal lenght.

there is a sticky on macro lens too, ALOT of good info by misled and Bluecorn here.

 

[Mr31415]

Really? I have an iPod without a camera do I wouldn't know. I'm looking for pictures like this...View attachment 193559

That photo was most likely taken with a DSLR with a macro lens. The background blur (bokeh) is very smooth, something hard to do with compact cameras.

 

[mwladdicted]

100mm gives u the ability to shoot from further away, however, al that space between you and the subject can cause imperfections, a 60mm is also a good macro. really depends on your tank size i guess. i use a 100 because i have a deep tank but sometimes i wish i had a 60. It's all personal preference i guess. I would test both and see which you like best!

 

[needmorecowbell]

That photo was most likely taken with a DSLR with a macro lens. The background blur (bokeh) is very smooth, something hard to do with compact cameras.

I'll be going with dslr then.. Just too many pros about it. I found the t3i canon on craigslist for 100$, the guy is upgrading. These deals seem to come up fairly often, should I be jumping on one of these?

With a thirty gallon tank (36"x16"x12") would I use a 60 or 100? I know you said try both, but I'll probably buy one first, save up for one later.

 

[Mr31415]

The tank size does not make a difference to the lens you should get. Important is to ensure the macro lens can do 1:1 magnification - then it is considered a true macro lens and you can get really close. A 100mm lens will most likely focus further at 1:1 than a 60mm, though this depends on lens construction. For the aquarium I'd say 100mm is great - allows you to get nice shots of critters deeper in the tank, though I think price/availability is the bigger factor here.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Alright, then I'll do a 100m... How bad would an extension tube be comparatively? If I spend 100$ to 200$ or so on the body off of Craigslist, I would have 200-300$ for a lens. I know that's not much for a lens though.. Ugh. I feel like.. 400$, that could be a ton of nice things for my aquarium lol.

 

[Hookup]

Macro lens is $700+ new
Older used bodies are fine and typically are $200+ dollars

Not sure what your plans are for your $400 budget

 

[needmorecowbell]

A person on Craigslist has a 100$ t3i canon for sale. The macro lens is going to be 700$?? Can't do that lol. I'll have to find some other lens or just not do dslr.. Or wait until December so I can combine all holidays together for it lol.

 

[jtrasap]

A person on Craigslist has a 100$ t3i canon for sale. The macro lens is going to be 700$?? Can't do that lol. I'll have to find some other lens or just not do dslr.. Or wait until December so I can combine all holidays together for it lol.

Have you contacted the guy on craigslist. @ $100 for a t3i I'm going to bet that's a scam. The t3i goes for a whole lot more than that even in non-working condition.

This is the lowest present buy it now price for a t3i on Ebay so if that's not a scam I'd jump on it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-R...al_Cameras&hash=item1e6ed7524f#ht_2615wt_1270

You can find a good canon 100mm macro on ebay for around $400.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EF-Ma...51040737?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item3cc7dac3e1

 

[needmorecowbell]

Ugh.. I'm so tired of scammers. Yep, tracked his ip, he lied just a little

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/327

Would this be okay? I know it's probably crappy.. I'll start looking for used dslrs, from what I've read, it doesn't really matter what body you buy.