interesting observations from a newbie reefer

[griffithimage]

Hi, I'm a newbie reefer (haven't even set up my tank yet) and a professional photographer - 21 years.

Currently I'm reading like crazy trying (don't know what I'm doing yet) to figure out the appropriate equipment for setting up a tank and sifting through various brand names, reviews etc.

As I read the various posts about reefers taking pictures (this is a subject that I do have some expertise) I can't help but see that we are dealing with a particular gadget friendly class of people here! As I go through the description lists of people's cameras, I can't help but smile and can readily see the influence of some very heavy marketing campaigns.

Reef keeping, like photography, requires excellent equipment for excellent results. However, by reading the various posts, not all of us are able to separate what is vital and what isn't. Somebody is making alot of money! In photography, the person behind the lens and what they do with their equipment is the most important thing.

Hopefully, one day I will know enough to go through a marine store's equimpent lists and be able to know what brand is "vital".

Just a quick thought from a newbie, but a comparison and a lesson to be learned here.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

As you grow more aware of the reef keeping world, you'll realize that there are very few pieces of equipment that are truly vital besides the tank, the stand, and the rocks (which can be debated on). Everything else is optional if you know what you're doing. And of course, different brands have better or worse performance ratings, just like cameras and gadgets. You can still take a nice picture with the simplest camera, but there are better cameras and better gadgets out there to make the chances of getting a good picture the first time higher just as they also bring ease of use.

In short, your perceptions are correct. I think a little stretched out, but it has the same point. Take it from someone who's been around the hobby a while, but not so much with cameras

 

[griffithimage]

Thanks for the comment, I really enjoyed your building your tank thread.

 

[Rosseau]

I think sometimes it takes failure with the top-equipment to realize where the real shortcomings lie. So, we buy away until we've narrowed it down... It's a humbling way to spend your money.

I "upgraded" my camera equipment not that long ago from a Canon Powershot Pro1 to an XTi and have slowly been collecting lenses. I couldn't be happier with my choice to move up (though it cost me a few bucks) yet once I had the XTi I realized how much more I could have gotten out of my Pro1.

Sure, it applies to reefkeeping, cameras and a whole lot of other things.


By the way, at Henry's a few weeks ago I was looking for a telephoto lens. The Canon 70-300mm IS and the 70-200mm L non-IS were equally priced and the salesman was desperately trying to talk me into the L.

I stood strong and said I will get more use out of the IS and its longer range - ultimately the lens far exceedes my current abilities. He held strong also.

I went for the non-L. Only after I had signed the Visa slip did he say something to me like "Oh, alright... You are probably right, this lens is much more practical and will take great shots"

 

[skozzy1]

I recently recognized the need for a manual focus, as I have been using a "decent" point and shoot (canon s500) only to realize that I cant always get that super sharp shot that we all strive for. Thats when I tried out my underwater housing and went in the tank with it. While it was a great improvemnet, it is not always convient.

 

[griffithimage]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10858241#post10858241 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rosseau
I think sometimes it takes failure with the top-equipment to realize where the real shortcomings lie. So, we buy away until we've narrowed it down... It's a humbling way to spend your money.

I "upgraded" my camera equipment not that long ago from a Canon Powershot Pro1 to an XTi and have slowly been collecting lenses. I couldn't be happier with my choice to move up (though it cost me a few bucks) yet once I had the XTi I realized how much more I could have gotten out of my Pro1.

Sure, it applies to reefkeeping, cameras and a whole lot of other things.


By the way, at Henry's a few weeks ago I was looking for a telephoto lens. The Canon 70-300mm IS and the 70-200mm L non-IS were equally priced and the salesman was desperately trying to talk me into the L.

I stood strong and said I will get more use out of the IS and its longer range - ultimately the lens far exceedes my current abilities. He held strong also.

I went for the non-L. Only after I had signed the Visa slip did he say something to me like "Oh, alright... You are probably right, this lens is much more practical and will take great shots"

the L series lenses will become more important with the improved sensors on the 1ds series cameras. On your xt, the optical difference in quality will be minimal and if you like the extended range, you made a good choice.