Looking for a fish tank lens for my Canon DSLR

[Qckslvr]

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L seems to be the recommended lens for tank photography. Thoughts? Only stipulation is autofocus is a must. I can't shoot with my glasses on, and so I really rely on the camera to focus for me.

 

[CaseyP]

I don't have any specific lens recommendations since I shoot with a Fujifilm.

At 100mm, I'm assuming you're looking to do macro shots of corals? The only downside I see with that specific lens is the 11.8" minimum focus distance. I see that your oceanic 90g is 18" deep so that means to focus on any coral within 12" from the front of the tank, you'll need to have your camera further from the glass. I personally like to have the lens hood or filter ring right up against the glass to reduce glare and ensure the lens is perpendicular with the pane. Not having it perpendicular will create distortion. Top down shots with something like an Avast Porthole also means you won't be able to focus on anything in the top half of your tank.

 

[psidriven]

@CaseyP what would you recommend for a good beginner body/lens setup for coral macro shots? Preferably for both for in tank and extreme closeups photos.

 

[CaseyP]

@CaseyP what would you recommend for a good beginner body/lens setup for coral macro shots? Preferably for both for in tank and extreme closeups photos.

Anything with interchangeable lenses. Which camera depends on level of control (auto, manual), intended use outside of aquarium if any, and form preferences. The used camera market is a great place to look for deals and previous generation models are perfectly fine. I've only used Sony and Fujifilm so these are my notes:

• Mirrorless cameras are a lot smaller than full size DSLR. For me, I want to bring my camera around more often with less bulk so this is the choice for me
• Sony: The A6xxx lineup is great for beginners learning photography. Easy to use, images are great. A6100 is their entry camera
• Fujifilm: I like their cameras because of the physical manual controls and the image aesthetic renders like film. I find this fun but it requires a lot more hands on adjustment. I currently shoot with an X-E5. The X-T30 is a good starter. The X-M5 has less daunting Auto features and pocketable in size.
• Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic also make well reviewed mirrorless cameras. I don't have any experience with them
• For corals, I use TTArtisan 60mm and 40mm macro lens. They're cheap, image quality is excellent, but only have manual focus. Some examples of photos I've taken with them: https://bareefers.org/forum/threads/caseys-red-sea-s-1000.33335/post-560294

 

[spuri87]

Anything with interchangeable lenses. Which camera depends on level of control (auto, manual), intended use outside of aquarium if any, and form preferences. The used camera market is a great place to look for deals and previous generation models are perfectly fine. I've only used Sony and Fujifilm so these are my notes:

• Mirrorless cameras are a lot smaller than full size DSLR. For me, I want to bring my camera around more often with less bulk so this is the choice for me
• Sony: The A6xxx lineup is great for beginners learning photography. Easy to use, images are great. A6100 is their entry camera
• Fujifilm: I like their cameras because of the physical manual controls and the image aesthetic renders like film. I find this fun but it requires a lot more hands on adjustment. I currently shoot with an X-E5. The X-T30 is a good starter. The X-M5 has less daunting Auto features and pocketable in size.
• Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic also make well reviewed mirrorless cameras. I don't have any experience with them
• For corals, I use TTArtisan 60mm and 40mm macro lens. They're cheap, image quality is excellent, but only have manual focus. Some examples of photos I've taken with them: https://bareefers.org/forum/threads/caseys-red-sea-s-1000.33335/post-560294

This is great review! Thanks much for sharing!! Does anyone have experience with mobile cameras? Heard Pixel does a very good job at taking pictures of the corals.. my iPhone photo taking skills suck!

 

[Baykes]

I would also throw in the Olympus TG series cameras. They are waterproof cameras with decent macro abilities. Very easy to use as well. I have some pics in my journal from that camera. https://bareefers.org/forum/threads/baykes-105-gallon-first-big-reef.27970/post-568671

 

[Mike Yasin]

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L seems to be the recommended lens for tank photography. Thoughts? Only stipulation is autofocus is a must. I can't shoot with my glasses on, and so I really rely on the camera to focus for me.

I use Nikon. But the two lenses most useful for me are both macro Nikon lenses - 60 and 105mm. Nikon doesn’t do 100, but I don’t think you can go wrong with the 100. Just keep in mind that there is a min focus distance and the longer the lens, the longer that distance is.

Inside the tank I use the new avast marine porthole - pay attention to your lens filter mm number is prior to ordering- out side the tank i tripod the camera and use a remote shutter to minimize motion. Lens filter- 85b color

 

[Qckslvr]

so I shifted from the 100mm to my Canon 50mm 1.4. The 50mm 1.4 is known to be an awesome portrait lens, and so I literally gave it a shot. I don't have an anti glare hood, or a filter for the 50 yet. And the photos came out good. Again nothing that color correction in PS can't fix. Also I did play with the colors of the Radions a bit to see what would happen.

I ordered a Tiffen 85b, and an anti glare hood off eBay for my 50mm. Can't wait for them to arrive

 

[Mike Yasin]

so I shifted from the 100mm to my Canon 50mm 1.4. The 50mm 1.4 is known to be an awesome portrait lens, and so I literally gave it a shot. I don't have an anti glare hood, or a filter for the 50 yet. And the photos came out good. Again nothing that color correction in PS can't fix. Also I did play with the colors of the Radions a bit to see what would happen.

I ordered a Tiffen 85b, and an anti glare hood off eBay for my 50mm. Can't wait for them to arrive

You’ll love the result of adding the filter!!