Is this a good buy need input!

[this is me]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12513358#post12513358 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mitch529
The camera came with some 62mm Merkury Optics UV Filters are these worth using? They seem like they would protect the lens if anything but I wonder if they can affect the pictures?

I don't use any UV filter for any of my lenses. Putting a $20 UV filter in front of a lens is a little daff IMO. There are times that a polarizer and ND filters are needed for the scene.
The lens hood that come with the lens offer way more protection without degrading your image quality of your lens.
Nice pick up.
Happy Shooting.

 

[LostOmen]

I know you just got the camera, but it seems to me that you should be getting clearer, more detailed shots with that macro lens. Are you using a tripod? Have you adjusted the viewfinder to your eye? It might just be the fact you are shooting through a glass tank. The pictures look great regardless!

 

[latazyo]

Mitch, on the macro, how close are you standing to the subjects?

and as lostomen suggested tripod is key

oh yeah, since you got a good deal on the camera, buy a nice tripod

I bought a cheapy and now I need a nicer one, essentially wasting the $50 on the cheap one, that could have gone somewhere else

 

[Mitch529]

I have a tripod, nothing special I plan on buying a new one quite soon... But this one works fine and is stable for now.

The camera is pretty close to the subjects, the lens most times is fully extended 1:1 unless I am trying to get something further back in the tank. Should I be letting it auto focus or manually focusing it? It is difficult to focus by moving the camera when it is 1:1, is this how I should be focusing or I am doing something wrong?

These pictures were taking using Av mode, ISO 200, experimenting with the aperture keeping it pretty high to get more of the coral in focus. Imported into lightroom only adjustment was white balance on a few, all shot in RAW mode.

Looks like I have some sensor dust, guess I need to order a kit to clean it.

 

[Mitch529]

Some more attempts, I took one of an object not in the tank to see if it turned out any better.

Again all manual focus, similar settings... Maybe I need to try out manual mode and experiment there.

 

[Mitch529]

Here are a few more I felt were pretty good, polyps on these are a bit blurred as the pumps are back on.

Anyone want to critique, maybe some pointers?

 

[Mitch529]

Ok last pics for a bit I promise! Tried out the macro lens far away I am pretty happy with the results, I am sure they can be improved upon but I am beginning to get the hang of this lens I think.

Sorry for the cut off pics, I can only backup so far where the tanks are so I cannot get the full frame.

 

[LostOmen]

Looking good! Macro shooting is tougher than you would think! Have you adjusted the viewfinder focus as well? It's a must when using manual focus. Your tanks are beautiful btw!

 

[Mitch529]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12517354#post12517354 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LostOmen
Looking good! Macro shooting is tougher than you would think! Have you adjusted the viewfinder focus as well? It's a must when using manual focus. Your tanks are beautiful btw!

I did adjust it, not sure if its correct or not. I wear glasses and I have been shooting with out them, I set it to auto focus and then adjusted the viewfinder until it was clear and sharp...

I don't remember seeing anything about it in the manual I will have to go back and check, maybe I have it adjusted wrong. It's clear when focused both wearing glasses and without, is that correct? (I am nearsighted if that makes any difference)

 

[LostOmen]

Yeah, that's the way I always adjusted mine. Sounds like your doing everything right. Keep those pictures coming!

 

[Mitch529]

Here are a few from this morning, starting to get the hang of this!

 

[fatrip]

just wondering where you had looked to find this deal? i really cant find anything about used camera stuff in my area.

 

[Mitch529]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12523122#post12523122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fatrip
just wondering where you had looked to find this deal? i really cant find anything about used camera stuff in my area.

Found it on craigslist, guy had just listed it. Just check daily, make sure you search for broad terms too... Like say you want a Rebel XT, search for 350D, Rebel, XT, Cannon XT, etc......

If you are patient you can find great deals.

 

[latazyo]

I'll say you are getting the hang of it

 

[RevHtree]

Looking great Mitch!

 

[Mitch529]

Thanks guys!

Here are a few attempts at fish, my flash batteries were dead so these are not great... It was an experience manually focusing the 100mm while tracking the fish!