I have a new toy

[psykobowler]

I got a barely used Nikon D-50 dslr camera from my friend with 2 nikon lens, tripod, battery/charger, sd card, bag, etc. I just got my tripod today and more stuff coming in the mail soon. I am still debating over getting either a nikon 105mm micro or a Tamron sp 90mm macro lens. I already have a macbook pro and will likely purchase photoshop in the near future. My reef is maturing quickly and I am in the process of acquiring the nice corals now after over a year of tweaking my tank. It is definitely ready for the good stuff. I refrained from ordering ORA corals until now. I just want to document the process. Pretty exciting times. Cheers! :rollface:

 

[artkwan]

Awesome!

 

[reefinsomnia]

Come on Glenn lets see some pictures with the new VHOs :bounce1:

 

[Twin Reefs]

Looks like we'll be seeing some very close up pics....right?

 

[psykobowler]

Come on Glenn lets see some pictures with the new VHOs :bounce1:

I have not read the manual yet. I just figured out how to turn on and off the camera last night. It was quite a breakthrough. I will be caught up with the basics this weekend.

 

[psykobowler]

Looks like we'll be seeing some very close up pics....right?

Absolutely. As soon as I purchase a macro lens. I was able to take pictures last night but I have yet to figure out how to import the pictures, etc.

 

[Apisto]

Congrats! You are going to have fun with it. I had a Nikon D70s, which is pretty similar to the 50. It was great, but it had some drawbacks that incited me to eventually sell it. I also had a Tamron 90mm that was very nice. I am a novice and largely used auto settings, but still got some pretty reasonable pics:

If you choose to go with the 105mm (which is a great lens, but expensive), you will love it, but the Tamron (or Tokina 100mm) is a very nice choice, as well.

I just purchased a Nikon D5100 and plan on actually trying to learn about white balance and DOF this time around. I might try the Tokina macro when I get more familiar with my new toy.

Maybe we can compare notes along the way. Have fun!

 

[psykobowler]

There are plenty of used Nikon 105mm in eBay. The only thing is they are all shipping from Japan. I will likely get a used macro lens with my used camera and eventually get a new camera/Lens in the future. Right now my priority is to go to Kim's tank breakdown sale since that won't last very long.

Glenn

 

[mpoletti]

The Nikon 105 is the way to go. Also, do your research and get glass that is made in the US. It may be 5-10% more expensive, but it's worth it.

B&H photo is like crack for photo enthusiasts.

 

[psykobowler]

Thanks Mark. Will do.

Glenn

 

[sgammon1]

Nice! Why didn't you go with canon? I shoot with the 5D MKII and Canon 100mm 2.8L for macros

Glenn, get Adobe Lightroom, it'll be better for you needs. If you need any photography advice, feel free to PM me

 

[kczoogirl]

I shoot with a Canon 7D and Canon 100mm macro as well. Love taking pictures of my tank! White balance is definately tricky with the lighting. Could use a few lessons myself.

 

[psykobowler]

The Nikon d50 was only $300 bucks with all the accessories included. Came with 2 nikkor lenses. Looks practically brand new. It is the first half of the budget, the macro lens will cost more than the camera. My friend got hooked with dslr cameras quickly and purchased multiple nikons so this one barely got used. It will be my beater camera eventually and will also be used to take pictures with the family. I would feel comfortable taking this one out. Don't worry, I already have my eye on the Canon EOS that cost around $3400.

Photoshop is very pricey. Need to get a reasonably priced one for my MacBook Pro.

The 2 Tunze 6255s i ordered are suppose to be coming in today. It set me back quite a bit too.

Glenn

 

[psykobowler]

Just looking at Lightroom on eBay. Looks like I will be getting that. Reasonably priced too!

 

[sgammon1]

Good deal then. It's more about the quality glass you're using anyways, not necessary the camera.

I'll hook you up with Lightroom, I have it on my MacBook Pro.


kczoogirl, the easiest way is to shoot RAW, and then post process in an image editor. Quick and easy

 

[79chopperdr]

I know of a photographer that offers a " how to use your digital camera class". Possibly she could tailor some specific to reefers that deal with intense lighting and intense close ups.

I'm not really interested but her website is below. Happy shooting.

http://www.marieortmanphotography.com

 

[sgammon1]

I'm a portrait and landscape photographer... I think I should look into doing workshops for the Fish, Coral, and Aquarium photography

 

[reefinsomnia]

There are plenty of used Nikon 105mm in eBay. The only thing is they are all shipping from Japan. I will likely get a used macro lens with my used camera and eventually get a new camera/Lens in the future. Right now my priority is to go to Kim's tank breakdown sale since that won't last very long.

Glenn

Glenn, I was there yesterday things are going fast hurry up and go there!

 

[psykobowler]

I am. Leaving around 5pm.

 

[psykobowler]

Check out the growth shots and difference in camera used.

Iphone 5 picture around October 2012

Dslr pictures March 2013

You could see all the corals taking off in growth. I have my tank dialed in after a year and switching to 400 watt radiums increased the growth. That is why I am buying more corals these days. The tank is filing in well.

Glenn