cameras and lenses 4 macro photography?

A

arpy

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Jun 2, 2007
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Chesterton, IN
I am intrested in getting a camera that will allow me to take (at least) decent pictures of anything I might find crawling or swimming in my tank (the tiny guys too!). I'm looking for any suggestions on what, in general, to look for... or specific camera/lens suggestion.

I would be looking to spend under $1,000, but the less expensive, the better. I am not experienced in photography, so please don't assume I'll know the terms and abbreviations. Thanks!
 
For great macro photography you really need a DSLR with a primary macro lens. A good macro lens is going to be expensive, I suggest the Sigma 150mm EX macro, it is a great aftermarket lens and at 549.00 it is a bargain. You could also try the Sigma 105mm EX lens; it is about 200.00 less and will do a fine job too. I use this lens for most of my macro work. With macro photography the glass (lens) is the important part.

Cannon and Nikon make several DSLR’s that you could use either of these lenses with and still be right in the 1000.00 neighborhood.

I always suggest thinking about buying a quality used camera body and use the money saved to buy really good glass.



Regards,



Bryce
 
Just for kicks and comparison purposes, here is a picture of an Amphipod that I took with the Sigma EX 105mm macro lens.

amphipod.jpg
 
Wow... That is nice! I'll do a bit of research on DSLRs and the Sigma. Thanks for the suggestions.

How much difference would the 150 make over the 105?
 
arpy said:
Wow... That is nice! I'll do a bit of research on DSLRs and the Sigma. Thanks for the suggestions.

How much difference would the 150 make over the 105?
Click to expand...

It would make it much easier to get good macros of things at the rear of the tank.
 
I wanted a DSLR, but found them too expensive for my use, also all that were in my price range generally had an ordinary lens, so I went for an SLR type, basically you cannot change the lens. The one I use is a Olympus C8080 but they don't make this anymore. Try this site when making a decision. http://www.dpreview.com/
 
You might want to take a look at a Tamron 90mm as well. It got good reviews and they also have a $90 rebate for it at the moment so it'll be around $360-400 depending on where you shop.
 
Sorry, it seems that it is still in manufacture. Have a look at the buying guide > feature search. I wanted long battery life and a magnesium body, but it is easy to drill down with that tool.
 
I have the Cannon sd 900 and it has macro on it and takes great pics very close up.I can take a pic of a penny and you can read the writing on it and count the grooves. Battery really impresses me.I bought a second battery when I bought the camera but I have yet to kill either battery,they last a very long time.
 
Just to send you down the other end of your spending spree and remember the more exspensive the camera the less money to spend on things to take pictures of :22_yikes:
But also being a bloke i carn't do instructions these photos were taken by my Sony Ericsson camera phone a K800i on contract and cost nothing:)
Just a thought for you....

DSC00184.jpg DSC00097.jpg
 
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