My new "special" macro lens

[alkamar]

As has happened before, I have gotten side-tracked and started playing with my expensive and rather complex Macro lens. I had to experiment with it instead of doing something productive after the kids went to bed.

A black stomatella thinks he is Superman after I dose the tank with Vodka.

I can't resist the Acans

Hammer Time - This was your baby, Melissa. He is really growing.

A little contrasting piece.

 

[alkamar]

Oh, I forgot to add in the details of that "special" macro lens. My wife says I am "special", but she doesn't mean it in a good way. I was trying to take some close-up shots with my wife's point and shoot, but it doesn't play nice with tank macro. I found a slightly scratched up magnifying glass in the bedroom while working on a pc, and then I got side-tracked. So the only way I can get Macros is by adjusting the magnifying glass and manual settings of the little camera.

Oh, did I mention I like Acans?

A SPS I didn't think would survive.

The red cap I got from ihavetats

 

[alkamar]

One day I'll get a nice SLR. For now, this is as good as I can get. The ones further from the glass do not come out as good.

Grapes of Wrath

Did I mention I like Acans?

Not so good, but you get the picture.

From Jay

Blue candy canes from dzones

 

[Grendel0501]

Those look pretty good for a point and shoot.

If you don't want to pay the SLR price , the "advanced point and shoots" take decent macros.
My gf has a Canon SX10IS ($400) , it takes pretty good tank macros. Examples from Kermit's1 2 .

 

[alkamar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14314300#post14314300 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Grendel0501
Those look pretty good for a point and shoot.

If you don't want to pay the SLR price , the "advanced point and shoots" take decent macros.
My gf has a Canon SX10IS ($400) , it takes pretty good tank macros. Examples from Kermit's1 2 .

Those are nice. I expected this one to do better, but it is a $100 pocket camera that will serve my wife well. I hope I am able to get a digital SLR before the year is up.

 

[Grendel0501]

Make sure you get a Canon.

A friend has a XSI ($600) and they really are great cameras. He was using a $1300 lens though.

The gf is a camera nut and even though she got the SX10 about 2-3 months ago , she already wants to upgrade to a SLR.

 

[Goibot]

Marcus your tank is really looking good. That camera is holding its own as well.

 

[gflat65]

I remember the days of the magnifying glass to give me 'macros'. Keep playing with it and you'll kep getting better. Figuring out what angle you can hold the mag glass, etc. is part of the challenge, but it gives a few options.

I've not got an XTi with a Sigma 150mm lens. I think the XT body runs somewhere between $300-400 and the lens was ~$500. Most of the good macro lenses are in the $500 range (not professional, but give execellent quality pictures). The Canon 100mm f2.8 is the other lens of choice among reefers.

 

[alkamar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14315621#post14315621 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gflat65
I remember the days of the magnifying glass to give me 'macros'. Keep playing with it and you'll kep getting better. Figuring out what angle you can hold the mag glass, etc. is part of the challenge, but it gives a few options.

I've not got an XTi with a Sigma 150mm lens. I think the XT body runs somewhere between $300-400 and the lens was ~$500. Most of the good macro lenses are in the $500 range (not professional, but give execellent quality pictures). The Canon 100mm f2.8 is the other lens of choice among reefers.

I have looked at camera kits and was wondering if I should just get the body and the lens I want. I don't think I will be able to spend $500 on a lens to start off with, though.

 

[MrRyanT]

You guys can come by and look at my tank for $500 if you want, I really don't mind at all.

 

[Reefdiver77]

What is the formula for dosing vodka?

 

[alkamar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14321336#post14321336 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefdiver77
What is the formula for dosing vodka?

About 1.5 - 3 oz. Vodka and topping it off with OJ suits most applications. Repeat as necessary until desired results are achieved.

 

[MarineFlake]

I recommend the canon 40d with the 60mm macro, you will love it. If a good slr is out, there are some really nice point and shooters out there that will give a decent slr a run for the money at a much lower cost. If you go to http://picasaweb.google.com/81gibson you should see a gallery called for sale. Those were shot with my canon 40d and a 60mm macro. Another piece of advice... If do go slr, dump the money ingood glass, don't spend a ton on a body. Great glass can make a pos camera look like you work for national geographic : ) If you are worried about buying a good piece of glass (and who isn't, right ; ) goto www.lensrentals.com they are in Memphis and you can rent some amazing lenses, pick them up and save on shipping. Also, they say one week min rental but if you reserve for fri and can have it back on Monday, they will honor a weekend rate depending on lens availability. I have rented from them several times for shooting local bands and major acts like Seether, Staind, etc and the glass has always been great.

 

[ducklabdad]

MarineFlake,

Thanks for the information on the lensrental site, that is Great!!

Most of us will never use some of these lenses on any kind of a regular basis and that is a wonderful option. The site is good also with some really good information on it. I am really glad to pick up that piece of knowledge.

 

[alkamar]

Renting a lens to test out or use temporarily is a great idea. It will be a while before I can buy nice glass. I have so many interests and not enough cheddar to support them all. Like ducklabdad said, thanks for the info.

 

[Grendel0501]

+1 for lensrentals

I have a buddy who uses them often , I got to take acouple of shots the other day with his XSi and $1300 lens from Lensrentals.
Amazing lens. No clue on what it was though.