Box for Top-Down pictures

[LakeEd]

Hi all,

I am wanting to make some type of Top-Down box for my Camera.

What I'm thinking of making is a Tube out of ABS that will go around my lens, with plexi covering the bottom. Hopefully, this will allow me to dip the end of that tube under the water so I can get some nice shots.

I've concidered the standard "Box", but how in the heck can you get a camera INTO a box, and still get your finger's around to do anything with the zoom, or even push the button to take a picture... without that box being HUGE?!?!?!?!

Does my idea of a sealed tube that only the lens fit it, sound like a workable Camera-Box type thang? Any drawbacks? I understand to actually focus, I'll need to be up about 12"-18" from any corals, but I don't want to submurge this tube fully anyway. Will having just a round circle at the bottom of this tube cause any focusing problems?

 

[dragoneggs]

Get some good quality acrylic (cast) 1/4in should do... make sure it is water tight. What kind of camera do you have... SLR? Will the lens poke into the tube? You will want the camera lens as close to the tube lens for max light and also least distortion. Keep it the lenses parrallel. I am not sure of your camera/lens set up so I can't help much more for now.

 

[LakeEd]

Mark,

Thanks for the quick response.

I have a Canon Digital Rebel (300D)[the original Digital Rebel].

What I'm envisioning, is having this tube sealed at the "Tank" end with clear Plexi... then putting the lens of my camera into the tube, most likely with the very end of the lens sitting on the inside of the plexi (or, within about 1/4" of it at least). Then, dipping the end of that tube into the water to break the surface... doing the auto-focus (this may not work, I'll have to play with it), and taking a picture.

Right now, I only have the stock 17-55mm lens, but will shortly be purchasing a 28-135 IM lens... so will probably make the diameter of this tube larger than I need for now, so that new lens will still fit inside.

 

[salmonslayer]

Fallowing along. Just the info I need. Thank's Danceing machine/ ED

 

[LakeEd]

Fallowing along. Just the info I need. Thank's Danceing machine/ ED

Danceing Machine?!?!?! LOL

 

[dragoneggs]

I have a 20D with a 100mm macro and just love it! I am sure you will like your 'IS' lens. I have 70-200IS that is awesome. I think your autofocus should work if the plexiglass is close. Jeez don't get to excited and dip your lens though!

Maybe you could fashion a foam washer that will allow you to snug fit the tube over the end of the lens? Watchout for that saltwater it will do damage if you're not careful. I would stick the lens in a bag afterward with a little silicone pack to draw out any moisture if you had a long photo session over your tank. Thats just me though... I am a bit anal when it comes to taking care of my toys.

 

[LakeEd]

Thanks for the info Mark!

I just can't see how I would take any pictures, if I was trying to place the entire camera into some "Box"... and figured this design should work fine to get the lense JUST under the water, yet keep my finger's free to actually do something with my Camera.

 

[dragoneggs]

I have wanted to do the same but I haven't really given it much thought until you brought it up. I don't think a floating box in the water is the most attractive solution since you wouldn't have much leeway with the shooting angle.

I would be interested in seeing what you come up with.

 

[Krish]

In a rush, but not sure if this was mentioned

http://www.melevsreef.com/topdown.html

 

[LakeEd]

Mark,

I'm still in recovery from last week's vacation... so may not get around to making something this weekend, but will definately take pictures and post them here once I do!

Thanks for the link Krish!

 

[salmonslayer]

Hay ED can you post a pic of you box/tube when you get it set up.

 

[LakeEd]

Hay ED can you post a pic of you box/tube when you get it set up.

I sure will. Either be this weekend (If I get off my backside), or next at the latest.

 

[kendog261]

try this link

http://www.melevsreef.com/topdown.html

 

[salmonslayer]

Thank's kendog, after that,what do I need ED for LOL. Thanks ED but I cant wait that long. Were wasteing time come no let's go, come on, come on, come on. :razz:

 

[LakeEd]

Thank's kendog, after that,what do I need ED for LOL. Thanks ED but I cant wait that long. Were wasteing time come no let's go, come on, come on, come on. :razz:

Okay... c'mon! You got pictures of YOUR box yet?!?!?!?! :shock: :razz:

 

[salmonslayer]

I do but it's to big to lift. I will post a pic tomarrow

 

[Maxx]

Ed,
Just a suggestion, for tank type pictures, I'd suggest going with some sort of macro lense as opposed to the 28-135 IS. I have a Canon 10D with a 28-105mm lens and its difficult to take detailed pics of critters in the tank. Next lense I purchase will be the 100mm Macro lense....

Nick

 

[LakeEd]

Nick,

I've been thinkin about a Macro lens also... but will only be able to afford 1 lens for now... so that one will probably take a back seat to the IS lens.

Gotta keep the Better-Half happy too when spending money... don't ya know.