Help with Macro pics needed

[GlassReef]

I've been trying to get some decent macro pics with my Nikon 200mm Micro. Sharp pics have eluded me completely! I've tried both manual and auto focus. The pics are always blurry and chromatic aberration is very bad.

I have quite a bit of experience with non-aquarium macros and have no problem get sharp photos.

My aquarium has 3/4" Starphire glass - could that be the problem? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[BlueCorn]

For the CA problem, the angle that you're looking through the glass makes a big difference. Try to set up so that the sensor plane is parallel to the tank glass. Even then it's sometimes unavoidable.

 

[areze]

got it shooting wide open and on a tripod I presume?

just to ask the obvious...

 

[GlassReef]

I probably didn't have the sensor plane exactly parallel with the glass - probably close but I can get it better.

I've tried everything from F4 to F22 - all comes out about the same. Always use a tripod.

Thanks for the tips, so far.

Has anyone ever had blur problems because of extra thick glass?

 

[Reef Bass]

I've had lots of problems shooting through glass at an angle but have not noticed a problem shooting through any particular thickness of glass.

If it were me, I'd try a couple test shots with my lens hood right up against the glass. I'd loosen the ball mount and make sure that lens hood was kissing glass all the way around. Then I'd tighten it back up, click off a couple and check 'em out. I'd use a midrange fstop like f8 for minimal diffraction.

I can imagine how one might get some optical variability through low quality thick glass, but you've got Starphire glass, so I'd guess that's much less likely.