Lenes

[tyson256031]

im new to reef photography, whats a good lens to use? i just got a new DSLR camera and am wondering what lens would be a good lens for corals shots. thanks

 

[Almondsaz]

You might want to invest in some extension tubes, they are fun to work with for extreme closeups and not too pricey

 

[returnofsid]

Extension tubes do allow you to focus closer, but also decrease available light. There are very good Macro lenses on the market, for each brand of DSLR. If shooting Canon, I strongly recommend the 100mm Macro.

 

[spllbnd2]

All depends on how much you are willing to spend. Also what brand of DSLR do you have as that would help.

IMO Sigma, Tamron and Nikkor (for Nikon DSLR) are all good quality lenses. You should be able to find a good macro lens for anywhere between $350 -$1,400 depending on the lens and the specs.

B&H photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/) or Abe's of Maine (http://www.abesofmaine.com/) on the internet or locally in Seattle are at Glazers (http://www.glazerscamera.com/) or even Kenmore Cameras (http://www.kenmorecamera.com/) they are all great places to shop and all are very reputible companies.

Also you can check out Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/) for reviews of cameras and lenses.

 

[tyson256031]

i have a Olympus E-410 that i just got a few months ago.

 

[spllbnd2]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse410/


I will assume you got a screaming deal on it as it is an older model of an Olympus (came out in 2007). Check with the local camera places and see what they recommend. Not really to familiar with Olympus DSLR cameras.

Also be aware that this camera may have high levels of noise reduction, which can impact image sharpness and detail at lower sensitivities. And the image quality may not be that of a Canon or Nikon but may be good enough for what you're looking for. If this is your first DSLR you probably won't even notice the image quality unless you're taking a side by side comparision.

Hope this helps you out.

 

[returnofsid]

Yikes. That's going to make it a bit harder to find decent lenses, than if you had a Canon or Nikon. However, you may find some Tamron or Sigma aftermarket lenses, that are fitted with the Olympus mount. There's also the 50mm Macro, by Olympus http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=21060

Oh, here ya go!! Sigma 105mm Macro, with Olympus Mount, at a great price, for a Macro.
http://www.adorama.com/SG10528DOM.html

 

[tyson256031]

i bought it at a kits camera closing store sale for 40% or so ff, but i think it was 250-300. i wish i bought a nikon d60 or a d90 im also thinking about getting a sony a350. any ideas? or where i can get them at good prices? thanks guys

 

[spllbnd2]

Here are a few macro lenses at BH Photo that will fit you Olympus.

Olympus Brand
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/301932-REG/Olympus_261003_50mm_f_2_0_Macro_ED.html

Sigma Brand
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/463442-REG/Sigma_581107_18_50mm_f_2_8_EX_DC.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/463451-USA/Sigma_432107_24mm_f_1_8_EX_Aspherical.html

FYI your camera has the standard 4/3rds lens mount.

 

[spllbnd2]

If you go Nikon do the D90 or the D700. The D60 as well as the D80 are old news and the D90 as well as the D700 put the AF motor into the camera body so you will not have to buy those expensive AF lenses all the time. It can save you thousands of $$$ to put the AF in the camera body versus AF lenses if you really get into photography.

 

[spllbnd2]

The D40 is a good entry level Nikon but you will have to buy those AF lenses. And with the D90 you can use any lense that Nikon has made in the last 50-60 years.

 

[tyson256031]

ok i wll look into the d90, do you know of anywhere that has them cheap?

 

[spllbnd2]

D90 Does not = Cheap. Buy from a reputable place and do not get a gray market non warranty camera.

Average price at the moment for a new D90 is around $1,200 or you can pick one up body only for around $950 average.

 

[tyson256031]

HOLY ******!!!! haha ok well it might be a month before i can get one of those lol. guess i need to sell a ton of corals at the frag swap coming up lol or in general lol you looking to buy some corals? lol

 

[spllbnd2]

Sorry Ty but if you remember I sell corals too. *lol*

 

[tyson256031]

oh yea right lol is there any one on here that dposent lol

 

[spllbnd2]

Here is the info on the D90 prices,

Body only
BH Photo 890
Abe's of Maine 900
Amazon.com 853
Glazers 899
Kenmore Camera 899

Body/lens combo
BestBuy 1999.99
Amazon.com 1139.99

 

[tyson256031]

wow a bit expensive lol. i will be getting one very soon. looks like a tank liquidation sale is about to happen lol

 

[spllbnd2]

Personally I would give your Olympus a try first. If you don't like it then take it into Kenmore Cameras or Glazers and trade it in for a Nikon D90 or something a bit better.

Just my opinion.

 

[returnofsid]

Do you have any camera rental places near you? Over here, we have Huppins. They're also the Onecall link I provided earlier. They rent photography equipment. See if they have either of the Macro lenses I posted above, that'll fit your camera. Rent them, try them out...see what ya think. There's a good chance that your camera will fit your needs, if paired with the proper lens, and with the right photographer...lol.