camera

[regina]

I have a canon Rebel XTi EOS 400D, I wanted to take some close pic of corals and fish.
My lens are 18-55mm, added macro lens superwide 0.42X AF lens (bought off of ebay) the ad stated fish eye and my lack of knowledge I thought I was getting something great. Well it stinks to say the least.

My question is what lens, macro should I purchase to take pics of the corals
etc.?
They have so many choices, EF=S60mm f/2.8 Macro USM, EF 100mmf/2.8 macro USM, EF50mm f/2.5 compact macro?

I am a nurse and really do not know anything much regarding this issue.

Thanks,Regina

 

[Reef Bass]

I have the Canon EF 100mm F2.8 Macro USM and love it. It allows me to take pics like these:

 

[regina]

thanks

thanks

thanks reef bass that is the one I have been looking at actually.

 

[wetWolger]

I have used that lens before....it is a great one

IMO (and probably lots others too), if your looking for a macro lens, your going to get some great qualities from the prime lenses like the one stated above.

 

[regina]

got my lense

got my lense

I purchased the macro 100mm ef 2.8. I do like it but it is hard to get use to. I purchased it used so it didnt have a manual.

How do you get such nice pictures, I must be doing something wrong I am even using a Tripod.

Do you take the corals out of the tank to get such a great picture? haha

Where can I download a manual for this lens?

Here is a couple of my photos.[/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

Hit and miss on clarity

P.S. I notice that the lens doesnt state USM is that where I made the mistake?

 

[Reef Bass]

Your pics don't have any EXIF info with them, so I'm unable to examine your exposure settings. Offhand, it looks as though you may not being shooting straight through the glass. Like absolutely straight through / perpendicular to the glass. Shooting at an angle through glass introduces clarity ruining distortion. If you can't get a good view of the coral shooting straight on, move the coral. Also make sure your pumps are off as that slows / stops water motion and hence coral movement. Use a tripod and a remote shutter release or self timer so that pushing the shutter release doesn't cause the camera to move while you're taking the pic.

 

[regina]

thanks

thanks

Okay going to try your suggestions and will get back with you. I am pretty ignorant when it comes to this so your advice is apreciated. How do I make it so you can read the EXIF what ever it is?

I have set up my tripod and am going to shut pumps down later. Is there maybe a class or book out there on this?

thanks again

 

[Reef Bass]

The EXIF info is information such as the exposure settings, camera used, flash settings, etc. that is included with the digital photo, When it's not available, usually it's been stripped out or not saved with the photo during post processing or image hosting.

I like the information at Ximinas site. It has good overviews of photography combined with a slant towards taking reef tank pics.

 

[DetectiveTofu]

I second the 100mm f/2.8. I use it for non-macro work too The 100mm is sharp, quick, and produces great colors.

 

[regina]

thanks

thanks





thanks for all information, I am working at it and will go to the site you suggested.

Here are a few shots I took this morning.