My new toy - Nikon D40 DSLR - any tips/tricks on shooting pics of my corals/fish?

[JacquesB]

Hi everyone -

I got a new toy 2 days ago - and just want to ask anyone who has a similar camera (or just some general tips would be great too), whether they can offer me some tips on taking pics of my fish and corals in my aquarium?

ie. shutter speeds to use, apertures setting to use, ISO settings, Program mode, Auto mode, etc....

I have a "standard" 18mm to 55mm lense with the camera - so no real makro lense.

Many thanks.
:thanks: :thumbsup:

[Reef bloke]

For fish no slower that 125/sec,for a reasonable depth of field try f8 with an iso of around 100-400.If you stick it in AV mode set the aperture to F8 and adjust the iso if the shutter speed is too slow.For coral shots keep the lens square with the glass so you dont add distortion to the shot,use a tripod or steady the lens against the glass so you can set a slower shutter speed.If the corals are swaying about turn the pumps off so you can use a slower shutter speed and bring the iso down to keep the pics noise free.
Just keep playing mate,its all i do.

[smurch1]

I also bought a d40 back in May and am very happy. I got a set of macro rings off ebay for "Cheap" and often have a play with these an also now have the 70-200 zoom which can get slightly better macro's.

I am now looking at either a sigma 105 or tamron 90mm but understand these will only work in manual focus on the d40 (to me not an issue with macro work). Trouble is justifying the cost:dance::dance:

Anyway, as has already been said - have a play - post your pics for advice - and go from there.

For fish i generally use "Sport" and manual for corals on tripod with no flash.

Here is a link to my first play.

http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=251085

Cheers

[JacquesB]

Hi guys - many thanks for the advice! Much appreciated!

I will sure try this out. Will post some tries soon....

[JacquesB]

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[JacquesB]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/jbotha01/SQaxapgSKMI/AAAAAAAAAJc/CFc0ghkIk_Q/s320/DSC_0030.JPG

[furface]

Some nice shots there mate, looks like your already getting to grips with it :)

[Reef bloke]

Not bad at all matey!!!

[bristol_rich]

looks like you have got the hang there bud, great looking shots