SLR lens and accessories

[gflat65]

Okay. I'm getting ready to bite the bullet on a new lens and some accessories. I'm thinking of the Canon 70-200mm f4 IS L series (and an extensino tube). I've read on it and it seems that at low f stops, it isn't as clear as some would like, but everyone seems to like the weight and function otherwise. I don't mind spending a little more for a good thing (and not have to buy 10 more lenses as a novice to do different ypes of things-indoor, outdoor/wildlife, etc.). Anyone have experience with this lens and macro coral shots?

Next, does anyone use filters for tank shots? If so, what do you use.

Also gonna get a tripod, so I won't have any more excuses.

TIA.

 

[gflat65]

Okay, more questions. I'm looking at getting a tripod ring. Will any tripod work (I'm assuming parts come off to allow different mounts or configurations?). Looking at the 'Deluxe Tripod 200 (Quick Release) with 3-Way Panhead & Free Case' from B&H.

Also, which remote switch would I want for tank shots (don't need anything fancy-thinking of the RS-60E3).

 

[surfn]

i dont think that telephoto lens will be appropriate for tank shooting.

i have the canon 70-200mm f4 L series (no IS), and its a great lens for the price. i just can't see myself putting $1k into a lens yet. but i've heard nothing but good things about the ISO technology. i really wish i had it with the f4, b/c its hard to shoot things indoors (like basketball game, graduation etc.), or any kind of sporting event at dusk and night.

if you want a lens to take pics of the tank, you are better off getting the canon 100mm macro lens. and i just use the timer function on my camera to take pics on a tripod.

do you have a battery grip on your camera? if you don't, i'd highly suggest getting one.

i can't help ya on tripods, IMO.....a tripod is a tripod if it never leaves the house that much.

 

[surfn]

oh yeah, the min focus distance on that lens is 3.9 feet (1.2m)........so you'll have to stand quite a bit far back from the tank...

i've honestly never even tried to look at my tank through my telephoto L lens, but i just can't see it even comparing to a real macro lens.

 

[gflat65]

Okay. I placed an order for the Sigma 150mm. I checked it out everywhere I could and asked over at photography-on-the-net and decided to go with it over the Canon. There were no real negatives for the Canon. For the Sigma, the negatives I heard were the weight, more camera shake, and a little more difficult to use. The working distance is a little longer than the Canon (if I understood one of the posts, the way they measure/report the minimum focusing distance is one of two ways and that the Sigma lense is actually closer to 7.5" than the 13 or 15" listed with the lens). It'll be on a tripod most of the time and a couple of pounds of lens isn't going to make my bones crumble. The picture quality from each lens is incredible, so I don;t think I can go wrong. Besides, the Sigma includes a tripod ring (already have one, but...) and a lens case... Ordered it from sigma4less, but they are closed until the 5th, so I have to wait... I can't wait to see what I can do with it. The 70-200mm f/4 L IS is great and allows me to get some decent shots of the tanks, but not what I want at all (can't get the awesome shots others get really up close). Not a big deal because I should now have all the lenses I need for a long time (unless another addiction bites me).

 

[gflat65]

What constitutes a good tripod? I got a cheaper one ($80 range), but saw some that were into the $3-500 range. The one I have should do fine for indoors, but outdoors, it won't do much for me, most likely.

 

[Rob]

I have a Canon 100mm Macro lens, it is *very* nice and great for shooting corals.

 

[gflat65]

Okay. I've had it less than four hours, so don't be too hard on me. I like it. The case it comes with is really nice. Solid piece of glass. I just need to learn the ins and outs. I see now that the $80 tripod I bought is crap... It can't hold the weight of the camera and lens. I thought I used that as a criteria for selection, but...

Not sure what this is... Any ideas?

Wild SM

the 'real deal' SM

pink mille

ORA blue tip

slimer

 

[gflat65]

These familiar, Al?

Leptastrea pruinosa

Coccinaraea?

Mystery LPS from a piece of Caribbean LR (Tampa Bay, maybe?) from a LFS in Nashville

Any ideas on the type of Blasto here? Small heads like a merletti, but no stalks like a wellsi...

 

[gflat65]

A few acans

A few ric shots

 

[surfn]

the big thing with the sigma 150mm is the lens has GOT to be perfectly perpendicular to the glass or the image will come out blurry, almost like you cant find the "sweet spot" where things are focusing.

also, how do you have your metering set?

lastly, all water movement has gota be off, as it will pick up any slight movement as bluriness obviously.

what other settings did you use to take those shots? (make sure to use the mirror lock up function too)