Macro Photography

mpyers · 02/28/2017, 03:27 PM

I am looking to do some better photography on my corals. I wanted to know if there are any options for me to do this (particularly macro shots) with my phone, and not have to buy some expensive camera, as this will likely be the only time I use it.

I tried to buy some clip on lens for my phone, and it was awful. I don't know if was brand specific awful, or if that is just not realistic.

Does anyone know of any products or techniques that would allow me to do this?

Thanks!

crawlerman · 03/01/2017, 10:23 AM

The macro shots you are seeing are coming from quality DSL cameras with expensive macro lenses. No way to replicate that with a phone.

Xandernfs · 03/01/2017, 11:02 AM

The shots that you are seeing are SLR cameras with a specific macro lens. In order to get these shots, it takes lots of practice since the depth of field, white balance, and ISO can all be tricky. I use a Nikon D750 with a Sigma 105mm (f/2.8) macro lens for my shots. I have yet to try it with coral, but we use it a lot for our wedding and engagement sessions with the rings.

mpyers · 03/01/2017, 06:47 PM

I guess a better question would have been how close can I get to replicating those shots for under $100?

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VirginiaMarine · 03/01/2017, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpyers

I guess a better question would have been how close can I get to replicating those shots for under $100?

I have often wondered the same thing. I like blue in my tank but my iPhone gets overwhelmed by the blues when I snap pictures of it. I read about someone using camera flash gels (red) to take pictures. The author said he holds the red gel in front of the lens when he snaps pictures and it improves the picture somewhat. With that said, it will still not come close to the right equipment taking pictures. It seems that one can spend a lot of money on good cameras with excellent lenses in order to take nice pictures of their coral.

CSalty · 03/01/2017, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crawlerman

The macro shots you are seeing are coming from quality DSL cameras with expensive macro lenses. No way to replicate that with a phone.

A buddy of mine had a DSL camera that he traded his 40 gallon tank for with everything included. This camera took the best pictures I have ever seen. Local fish stores even hired him to take pics of their new arrivals for their advertising.

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WatDatThing · 03/01/2017, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaMarine

I have often wondered the same thing. I like blue in my tank but my iPhone gets overwhelmed by the blues when I snap pictures of it. I read about someone using camera flash gels (red) to take pictures. The author said he holds the red gel in front of the lens when he snaps pictures and it improves the picture somewhat. With that said, it will still not come close to the right equipment taking pictures. It seems that one can spend a lot of money on good cameras with excellent lenses in order to take nice pictures of their coral.

You can probably find a used Canon T2, T3, T4 for $100-150. An entry level macro lens cost about the same. If you are a parent with active young kids, those DSLR are great for taking pictures of their extracurricular activities. It's worth the investment.

mpyers · 03/02/2017, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaMarine

I have often wondered the same thing. I like blue in my tank but my iPhone gets overwhelmed by the blues when I snap pictures of it. I read about someone using camera flash gels (red) to take pictures. The author said he holds the red gel in front of the lens when he snaps pictures and it improves the picture somewhat. With that said, it will still not come close to the right equipment taking pictures. It seems that one can spend a lot of money on good cameras with excellent lenses in order to take nice pictures of their coral.

If you get an orange or yellow piece of plastic it works too. Just hold it in front of your phone. Filters out the blue.

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mpyers · 03/02/2017, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WatDatThing

You can probably find a used Canon T2, T3, T4 for $100-150. An entry level macro lens cost about the same. If you are a parent with active young kids, those DSLR are great for taking pictures of their extracurricular activities. It's worth the investment.

I might be able to justify that with the wife if I spin it that way lol!

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bo0sted2g · 03/02/2017, 12:24 PM

Not to hijack the thread but I have a Canon Rebel T5 is there a macro lens that won't break the bank to start out?

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mpyers · 03/02/2017, 06:17 PM

Ok so I'm pricing cameras and lenses before I bring it up with the wife. What kind of lens do I need to get the shots I want? (You know what I'm after) 50mm? 100mm?

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mpyers · 03/02/2017, 06:30 PM

FYI I'm thinking about the canon rebel t3

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mpyers · 03/02/2017, 06:32 PM

Also I would like to be sure I can take a close up shot of a coral at the back of my 18" tank.

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02/28/2017, 03:27 PM	#1
mpyers Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Cambridge, OH Posts: 311	Macro Photography I am looking to do some better photography on my corals. I wanted to know if there are any options for me to do this (particularly macro shots) with my phone, and not have to buy some expensive camera, as this will likely be the only time I use it. I tried to buy some clip on lens for my phone, and it was awful. I don't know if was brand specific awful, or if that is just not realistic. Does anyone know of any products or techniques that would allow me to do this? Thanks!

03/01/2017, 10:23 AM	#2
crawlerman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 503	The macro shots you are seeing are coming from quality DSL cameras with expensive macro lenses. No way to replicate that with a phone.

03/01/2017, 11:02 AM	#3
Xandernfs Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: STL Posts: 730	The shots that you are seeing are SLR cameras with a specific macro lens. In order to get these shots, it takes lots of practice since the depth of field, white balance, and ISO can all be tricky. I use a Nikon D750 with a Sigma 105mm (f/2.8) macro lens for my shots. I have yet to try it with coral, but we use it a lot for our wedding and engagement sessions with the rings.

03/01/2017, 06:47 PM	#4
mpyers Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Cambridge, OH Posts: 311	I guess a better question would have been how close can I get to replicating those shots for under $100? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

03/02/2017, 12:24 PM	#10
bo0sted2g Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Vail Colorado Posts: 215	Not to hijack the thread but I have a Canon Rebel T5 is there a macro lens that won't break the bank to start out? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03/02/2017, 06:17 PM	#11
mpyers Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Cambridge, OH Posts: 311	Ok so I'm pricing cameras and lenses before I bring it up with the wife. What kind of lens do I need to get the shots I want? (You know what I'm after) 50mm? 100mm? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

03/02/2017, 06:30 PM	#12
mpyers Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Cambridge, OH Posts: 311	FYI I'm thinking about the canon rebel t3 Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

03/02/2017, 06:32 PM	#13
mpyers Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Cambridge, OH Posts: 311	Also I would like to be sure I can take a close up shot of a coral at the back of my 18" tank. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk