Canon Eos1000d & Macro Lens Advice Please

[bronzecat]

Hi
We are just about to upgrade from our basic Fuji compact to something better at taking close ups of our reps and fish. The fish can be quite spooked when we get close with the camera, so being able to get quality close ups, whilst not spooking them is a key issue.

Had a chat to a guy in a shop today and he recommended the Canon eos1000D and the canon 100mm macro lens. The package would cost around £680 including the standard 15-55? lens that comes with the eos. The price is about what we were expecting to pay.

We've never had a dslr before, so does that set up sound right to get good quality shots of our animals? Or do any of you guys know of any other options/ideas?

Cheers
Andy

 

[raptorrex]

Hi
We are just about to upgrade from our basic Fuji compact to something better at taking close ups of our reps and fish. The fish can be quite spooked when we get close with the camera, so being able to get quality close ups, whilst not spooking them is a key issue.

Had a chat to a guy in a shop today and he recommended the Canon eos1000D and the canon 100mm macro lens. The package would cost around £680 including the standard 15-55? lens that comes with the eos. The price is about what we were expecting to pay.

We've never had a dslr before, so does that set up sound right to get good quality shots of our animals? Or do any of you guys know of any other options/ideas?

Cheers
Andy

I cant see you being disappointed with that choice. the 100mm lens will let you keep a little further back, when taking your macro shots

 

[bronzecat]

Cheers Boboboy

The other reason for changing camera is the fuji we have takes an eternity to focus

 

[keenonfish]

I would highly recommend going to a forum like Photo on the net (Canon mostly buy happy to talk any other make unlike certain other forums!) they will give some sound advice - Everyone posts on that place from pro sports to weddings and a few people who specialise is macro...

Saying that, looks like this guy is using a similar setup to what you want..

 

[Colin_T]

I use a different brand, not going to mention its name because it is crap, (taxpen, rearrange the letters) but use the 18-50mm lens that came with it and that works fine for fish photos. I looked into getting a 50 & 100mm macro lens but after testing them out I didn't bother. The macro lenses gave the same quality as the 18-50mm that came with the camera. You can use any size lens for fish pics.
If the fish panic when you take their picture, try increasing the light above the tank and in the room. Also make sure the tank water is clean and you have cleaned the glass, (inside & out) before you take pics. Camera flashes capture every speck of dirt and every patch of algae that is on the glass.

 

[keenonfish]

I use a different brand, not going to mention its name because it is crap, (taxpen, rearrange the letters) but use the 18-50mm lens that came with it and that works fine for fish photos. I looked into getting a 50 & 100mm macro lens but after testing them out I didn't bother. The macro lenses gave the same quality as the 18-50mm that came with the camera. You can use any size lens for fish pics.
If the fish panic when you take their picture, try increasing the light above the tank and in the room. Also make sure the tank water is clean and you have cleaned the glass, (inside & out) before you take pics. Camera flashes capture every speck of dirt and every patch of algae that is on the glass.

Something wrong their mate as a dedicated macro lens has much better optics not to mention the larger aperture. What mode did you use the camera in?