Lens for fish shots?
- Thread starter edwing206
- Start date
It depends. I use a Canon Rebel XT, so I can't give specific Nikon recommendations, but currently I use the kit lens that came with the camera; 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6. I like it for it's ability to take a wide shot of a full tank at around 18mm without having to stand back far, and it having a medium range for average fish and coral shots. It has worked well for me so far, but in the near future I'll be looking to also get something like a 100mm macro lens to take some nice close ups.
Hopefully that helps a bit.
Hopefully that helps a bit.
jeffbrig
Premium Member
Be sure to think about lighting levels and what sort of shutter speed you'll need to freeze movement. I find that fish typically don't sit still for long periods. 
My 100mm f2.8 macro is is used for the vast majority of my tank shots, including fish. I've also been known to use a 50mm f1.8, especially in my lower light quarantine tanks.
My 100mm f2.8 macro is is used for the vast majority of my tank shots, including fish. I've also been known to use a 50mm f1.8, especially in my lower light quarantine tanks.
maroun.c
New member
17-55 Nikonm: very expensive very sharp 2.8 aperture which is really good in lower light, especially if you want to shoot without flash or handhold.
17-50 18-55 from Tamron and Sigma are also very good choices at a lower price with a 2.8 aperture too.
when my 18-200 VR was in repair I used the 50 mm 1.4 for fish shots and results were great. although a bit of inconveneinece without the zoom.
50 mm 1.8 comes with a very cheap price tag and is known to be a very sharp lens. Very usefull for lower light levels or to make use of shallow DOF...
then you still need a macro lens (and or extension tubes reversing rings closeup lenses depending on your style of pictures)
Nikon 105 Vr: expensive but great to have
Nikon 105 non Vr: Cheaper than VR still a great lens
Nikon 60 mm macro very good lens but shorter focal length could be a bit of a limitation in deeper (front to back) tanks or in insects shots.
Tamron 90mm or Sigma 100 are also cheaper and still very good choice lenses.
HTH
17-50 18-55 from Tamron and Sigma are also very good choices at a lower price with a 2.8 aperture too.
when my 18-200 VR was in repair I used the 50 mm 1.4 for fish shots and results were great. although a bit of inconveneinece without the zoom.
50 mm 1.8 comes with a very cheap price tag and is known to be a very sharp lens. Very usefull for lower light levels or to make use of shallow DOF...
then you still need a macro lens (and or extension tubes reversing rings closeup lenses depending on your style of pictures)
Nikon 105 Vr: expensive but great to have
Nikon 105 non Vr: Cheaper than VR still a great lens
Nikon 60 mm macro very good lens but shorter focal length could be a bit of a limitation in deeper (front to back) tanks or in insects shots.
Tamron 90mm or Sigma 100 are also cheaper and still very good choice lenses.
HTH
