Nikon D40x

[oceanreefer124]

Ok so I usually don't post on this site only read and dream my tank can look as good as the ones on here. So, I just bought a Nikon D40X that comes with the 18-55mm. I was not able to get the distance I wanted so I purchased the 55-200mm lens. Now can anyone explain how to get the really really good Macro pics I have seen on here. I really don't understand the F-stop thing I was reading eailer. Thanks in Advance

Forgot to ask how to get that great color too.

 

[Nick A]

Congrats on the new purchase . There are quite a few lenses that are specifically designed for macro shots. For some reason Nikon calls their macro lenses micro, but if I were to choose a micro it would have to be the 105mm AF-S VR. Its a hefty price, but then it can be pretty worth it.

As for F-stop, it can be known as aperature, or as nikonians describes aperature, "The adjustable opening in a camera lens that -like an eye's iris- controls the amount of light that reaches the film or digital sensor. The size of such aperture is called the f-stop, like f/2.8"

Great color can be achieved by configuring settings on the camera correctly. A good page on how important camera settings can be can be found here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/camera-adjustments.htm

 

[maxalmon]

First off, you have to have a tripod. It's almost impossible to hold a camera perfectly still, even the faintist movement will cause image blurr or visual noise. Make sure the glass is scrubbed clean both inside and outside of the tank.

I have the same camera, including the 18-55mm standard lens, I also have the 55-200mm VR and the 105mm Macro VR.

You'll have some issues using the 55-200mm lens due to focal length, it can be done, but you'll have to be about 4' away from the tank in order to focus on the subject. When I first got my rig, I had the same setup, and I used the 55-200 lens all the time, it was a pain but the images aren't bad, your just limited as this lens is not designed for this type of photography

Your better off using the 18-55mm and then the included softwear to crop and enlarge

Use MANUAL focus, autofocus sux on macro lens, just can't capture the details that a human eye can

Put the camera in "A" mode,

Set the ISO to 200 by hitting the magnifying button twice and then use the arrows to adjust

Hit the magnifying button again, then use your thumb to turn the rotating control on top right and set the fstop at to something like 16

If the photo comes out to dark or light, then use the (+/-) exposure control button to the very right of the on/off button, HOLD it down and at the same time use the thumb control dial to adjust the exposure lighter or darker and then take another photo.

 

[maxalmon]

Oh yeah, use the auto timer to capture images, this alone will improve guality of the images

 

[oceanreefer124]

Guys, Thank you for all the advice. Hopefully I will be posting pics as good as yours.

 

[maxalmon]

Here's one using the 105mm Macro lens.

Forget the program or auto settings, it's really tricky shooting thru glass. try and shoot eye level or horizontal to the the subject. The F/18 was a little high on this image, could have been shot at F/13 but depth was an issue.



Lens: VR 105mm F/2.8 G
Focal Length: 105mm
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Center-Weighted
1/2 sec - F/18
Exposure Comp.: -0.7 EV