Trouble Focusing through glass - Help

[zibba]

I'm having trouble focusing through the glass on any object. I'm using a Nikon D40x with the Macro Lens. Does anyone have some recommendations?

I'm getting the same result with the 35-155 and 70-300mm lenses.

I'm very new to the camera so I'm still learning...but I would love some help.

Thanks

 

[edwing206]

Are you shooting trough an angle? Cause if you are then it distorts the pictures.

 

[zibba]

I'm trying to shoot straight through. Not sure why it's not focusing though...still needing help

 

[edwing206]

How close are you to the tank? Lenses have a minimum focusing distance, so you have to be at that set length or further away.

 

[maxalmon]

I have the same camera. The glass on the tank has to be clean on the outside and the inside. I've found that if I run my algae scraper across the inside of the tank it makes a huge difference in how the camera is able to focus. Even though you may not see any algae, you can almost be certain that there is a thin film on the inside of the tank, this will cause the camera to focus on the thin algae film and not the items behind it.

 

[zibba]

maxalmon -

since you have the same camera - have you been able to accurately adjust the white balance to successfully shoot under actinic lighting? I've been trying for awhile and just can't seem to capture the right colors.

 

[maxalmon]

Ihave to admitt that I'm new to using this camera. It's taking me a while to figure out how to capture nice, crisp images.
Clean glass, both inside and out.
Turn off all pumps.
Use a tripod!
Use a remote shutter control!
I run MH's and have yet experimented with WB control.
Here are several of my best images, not the best, but 100% better than my P&S camera