Neptune Aquatics

Photography Forum?

For macro shots of things like zoos:
103216614_75f5bb8a05.jpg


I would recommend no less than a 105mm Macro lens and a tripod. 105mm mostly because our subjects aren't always right next to the glass.

The 105mm vs. 60mm macro lenses mean that you can be further away from the subject in the 105mm to get a 1:1 magnification than a 60mm. Even with my 105 sometimes I can't get close enough to a coral for 1:1 unless I build an enclosure to stick the camera in the tank.

They're mighty expensive for true 1:1 macro lenses, but the difference is noticible, though it might not be important to everyone.

I would highly recommend the Sigma 105mm F/2.8 1:1 Macro w/ HSM. It's a great lens, super sharp, and I use it on all my macros. It's only $400 new, and I may be selling mine very soon.

Another option is to go all out and spend $1000 on a Nikkor 105mm F/2.8 1:1 with VR. Those things are awesome, maybe 1:1 macros can even be handheld at the fastest of shutter speeds ;)

I think for reef tanks, maybe 150mm macros might be our best bet. I haven't looked into them much yet though.

cheers!
 
damn $1000 for a len??? :eek:
My wife wouldn't even let me buy a $1000 camera >:( .. This is what happen after you get married ;D ..
 
yeah it's only $400. Compared to the big time macro lenses, $400 for a really high quality macro lens is really great.

for serious macro that's what you'll need. Though I'm not sure if we all neeeed that kind of detail and optical precision.

There are tons of lenses out there that go from $100 to $10,000 easily.

Heck, I want a Hassleblad medium format with digital back for $24,000. Camera body only. Let's not go into how much the lenses are for this badboy.
 
I haven't, but I heard there are a few vulnerabilities, such as you're exposing the rear glass element, which is pretty dangerous. You also need to buy expensive reverse adapter mounts. Ebay has a few cheap ones, though I'm not sure if it's the best.

I know 50mm F/1.8's are darn cheap these days, going for about $100 each. It's also one of the sharpest nikon lenses ;)
 
[quote author=seminolecpa link=topic=1643.msg16553#msg16553 date=1172644363]
Put me in line if you decide to sell that 105 macro.
[/quote]

really? I'm definitely considering selling soon.
 
[quote author=kinetic link=topic=1643.msg16529#msg16529 date=1172615809]
yeah it's only $400. Compared to the big time macro lenses, $400 for a really high quality macro lens is really great.

for serious macro that's what you'll need. Though I'm not sure if we all neeeed that kind of detail and optical precision.

There are tons of lenses out there that go from $100 to $10,000 easily.

Heck, I want a Hassleblad medium format with digital back for $24,000. Camera body only. Let's not go into how much the lenses are for this badboy.
[/quote]

$400.00 is cheap for a decent macro lens.

Art - have you checked out Luminous Landscapes - Michael Reichman - granted he is mainly shoots with Canon gear, but he does use a variety of pro-gear.
 
[quote author=Raddogz link=topic=1643.msg16581#msg16581 date=1172695471]Art - have you checked out Luminous Landscapes - Michael Reichman - granted he is mainly shoots with Canon gear, but he does use a variety of pro-gear.
[/quote]

I haven't checked out his stuff. Are you referring to him as a macro guy? Landscape sounds more like a 10mm non-macro stuff =)

I will google in a bit, thanks for the heads up. BTW: Canon gear rocks too. I just decided to go down to Nikon path because all my friends already had Nikon. So don't shy away from Canon guys! I just don't know much about equipment specific canon info.

[quote author=seminolecpa link=topic=1643.msg16583#msg16583 date=1172700998]
Yep. Give me an idea of price and timing. Have to make sure it fits into the I just bought a house budget.
[/quote]

I'm in no rush to sell it, though if an opportunity presented itself (Like a huge rebate online for a nikkor something and I had to sell it then...) I wouldn't mind selling it. When you're really ready for the lens, let me know. Otherwise if I decide to sell it I'll post about it on this forum for ya ;)
 
[quote author=Thales link=topic=1643.msg16591#msg16591 date=1172707484]
Art - still interested in moderating the forum? If so, let me know and I will set it up.

:D
[/quote]

Yes I can do my best at moderating the forum =) Set it up!

Can you call it Kinetic's Krazyhouse Forum?

or does it need to say photography somewhere?
 
[quote author=CitS link=topic=1643.msg16631#msg16631 date=1172768592]
Kinetic's Kool Klips

or is that too many K's?

:D
[/quote]

that's either not enough K's or too many... =P
 
w00t... what the mother of pearl the forum name is photography forum? how uncreative ;)

It should be something like Take Photos of your Tank and Tahitian Girls Forum really.

Anyway, start posting!!! =) this is exciting. thanks rich!
 
If you guys are interested in trying out some gear, just let me know. I have the following. I'm just gonna list the macro stuff. :)

Nikon D2X
Nikon D200
50 1.4D w/reversing ring and back coupler to be used with a filter to prevent damage to rear element
Nikon 60mm f/2.8D micro
Nikon 105mm f/2.8D AFS VR micro
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 (adaptall mount; no metering)
SB-800s (2 working; 3rd one needs to go in for repairs)
68mm of Kenko tubes

The 50mm lens can do wonders with photography, granted that your object isn't too far away. Here's a test shot that I did awhile back to verify how close the magnification is.

50 1.4D by itself
54742333.DSC_0961.jpg


Reversed 50 1.4D
54742334.DSC_0552.jpg



Also, the micro/macro lenses can be used for both macro and for landscaping purposes. Here's a shot that I took with the D70 (when I had it) and the 105mm f/2.8D micro (non-VR; when I had it).
56067238.DSC_2361.jpg
 
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