Usual newbie help

[glance2]

After looking at MBZ's results I am inspired....

Just got a D90 with tripod/remote tamron 90mm macro lens. I seem close on the zoa shots but having trouble with everything else for some reason. Can't seem to get any focus on the frags
Was trying in M mode with auto iso.


Any comments and help appreciated.

<a href="http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv303/glance22/?action=view&current=zoa1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv303/glance22/zoa1.jpg" border="0" alt="zoa1"></a>

<a href="http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv303/glance22/?action=view&current=bigzoa.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv303/glance22/bigzoa.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv303/glance22/?action=view&current=aca.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv303/glance22/aca.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv303/glance22/?action=view&current=sgc.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv303/glance22/sgc.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[glance2]

Seems that most of my problem is that the camera won't focus unless its perpendicular to the glass... wow what a limitation, what are the methods used to cope with this?

Thanks

 

[davidk]

Couple of things:

1. When shooting at a very slow shutter speed (you're at 1/3 to 1/4 second) even when using a tripod, use the mirror lock up feature of your D90 with your remote shutter release.

2. Turn off all pumps to minimize any movement

3. If you're not using manual focus - try it for the coral shots.

4. If you have a speedlight you can hold it wirelessly over the tank while shooting (you D90 can control it) and the flash will help freeze the coral and add some nice pop to the picture. You will have to adjust the power down on the flash possibly.

Good luck.
David

 

[glance2]

Thanks David I did use mirror lockup with remote and had the pumps off. It was all manual focus but it is a tall tank with 3/8 glass and it really seemed that the glass was ruining the ability to focus.

 

[Reef Bass]

Yes, you must shoot absolutely perpendicularly through glass. A very annoying yet simple fact of reef tank photography.

You choices are to 1. shoot straight through the glass, not at an angle OR 2. shoot at an angle other than perpendicular and create blurry pics. Your choice.

+1 for turning pumps off and using a triopd as well.

 

[xtm]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15613135#post15613135 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by glance2
Seems that most of my problem is that the camera won't focus unless its perpendicular to the glass... wow what a limitation, what are the methods used to cope with this?

You can always make an acrylic photo box that allows you to shoot from a different perspective.

 

[glance2]

Thanks, I plan on giving the photo box a try

 

[boodlefish]

+1 on photo box