G'Day from Perth West Australia

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
S

Steve.Hill

Feeder Fish
Mar 20, 2009
11
0
0
Perth West Australia
Hi Folks,

I'm a newbie to world of marine photography. I own a marine aquarium with various tropical fish and corals and have been trying to capture some of the inhabinants on my digital camera with pretty average results. So thought it time to do some serious research and learn from some of the experts around this site.
I am currently using a Nikon D40X with a Nikkor AF-S VR Micro 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lense for those close and personal shots of my fish.

I am considering an upgrade soon and was looking at a Nikon D90. Would love to hear some feedback on its performance from real users out there and some advice on what all round lense would be best suited for the D90. I have heard the 18-200 is a good compromise lense.

What say you all?

Cheers
Steve
 
Welcome!

Sounds like you already have a pretty decent lens there.

I have a D90 and am pretty satisfied, but I am also a newbie. Just take your time, talk to people, actually handle various cameras then use your gut feeling. They say it's not the camera but the eye behind it. I have seen some awsome shots from cell-phones, so that also puts things in perspective, LOL.

Please share your photos with us!
 
welcome steve!

i've never used the 18-200mm lens but if you're looking for a general purpose lens and don't want to lug lenses around with you it sounds like a good choice.

your 105mm micro lens should be excellent for aquuarium photography. i have never used a d40 but i think it's more than capable of fine photos especially with that lens.
on the other hand, i don't think you'll regret upgrading to the d90. :)
 
Welcome Steve. I don't know much about Nikon, but everyone that has the 105VR that I know, loves it.
 
Hi Folks,

Thanks for the welcome and the advice. I bit the bullet and purchased the D90 yesterday with a two lense kit. AF-S VR 18-55 and a AF-S 55-200.
I noticed the 18-55 was made in Thailand and the 55-200 made in China.
The salesman assured me that it was a genuine Nikon product. Its interesting to note, I payed about the same price for this package my wife was quoted for in HongKong last week. She decided not to purchase over there as she was unsure how the warranty would stand up if I had problems. Good decision in my mind.

This camera is impressive and with the 105VR lense takes a very nice photo. I had every intention of setting up the tripod today and trying my hand on the marine tank, but it seriously needed some maintenance, so cleaning and water changes were the priority of the day.

Hopefully I can spend some time tomorrow afternoon experimenting with the new toy and post some examples for you to have a look at.

Cheers All
Steve
 
Congrats on your new purchase! Now I really want to see your photos!
 
My first attempt with the new Nikon D90

Hi Folks, this is my first attempt to capture some of the corals in my mixed reef. I guess we all have to start somewhere when it comes to photography, so consider me a beginner please. I have lots to learn.
I am struggling to get decent close up focus, so next time I will have to shut all power heads and recirc pump down, so there isn't so much movement. The lense was a Nikkor AF-S VR 105mm Micro. Setup on tripod and the lighting consists of 3 x 250w Mh 20k and 4 x 55w actinic T5 tubes.

Cheers
Steve




Marine230309101.jpg


Marine230309054.jpg


Marine230309046.jpg



Marine230309069.jpg
 
Hi Steve,

What an aquarium you've got! How long has it been set up?

I especially like the 3rd shot.

I am learning to use the same camera and lens you are. Do you have your shooting info? What F-stop etc., were you using? All that info will help the pros here give good feedback. (If you've loaded ViewNix along with your Nikon Transfer, it will show you all the shooting info/settings for each image).

Maybe check your white balance settings, these look kinda bluish on my monitor. I am still learning how to use all the settings on my D90 myself (which is my first DSLR btw) and have not used much artificial lighting.

I don't know enough to offer much more input, I'm sure you'll get lots of feedback, though.

BTW Have you played with the video mode yet? (I can't help it, I'm fascinated by moving images!)

:-D

Nice first attempts -- Please keep them coming!
 
Aquarium Setup

Hi,

Tank was purchased 2nd hand last May and had been running for a few years. I have basically restocked the tank with new corals and quite a few fish. Its a pretty stable environment these days. Have the occasional nitrate spike and the hair algae takes over lol.

Cheers
Steve
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom