Testing Out My First Dslr

[yabadaba]

Hi Guys, I've just got my first DSLR and tried grabbing a few fishy shots this afternoon. All are of the inhabitants of my 5ft community tank,except for the Rummynose Tetra, Chocolate Gourami and Peppered Cory, which live in my Rekord 800. Still got a lot of experimenting to do with the settings (especially white balance), but I thought I'd post some of my first attempts anyway....

 

[Tacklebury]

Nice pics mate.

I really should try and grab some myself with my Nikon but without a tripod its a little difficult!

Love the whole tank pics, it looks a very tidy setup you have.

 

[Scrotius]

getting good results
what body + lens did you get?

 

[yabadaba]

getting good results
what body + lens did you get?

Debated for ages - was initially considering either a new Nikon D5000 or Canon 500D with kit lenses, but couldn't make my mind up, so then made a snap decision to just save some money and went for a used Nikon D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens. It's in mint condition and I'm pleasantly surprised with some of the results I'm getting. I'm now planning on picking up a Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 with the money I saved.

 

[Wills]

Nice pics! And stock actually, interesting mix but I can imagine it working pretty well in the long run

 

[yabadaba]

Nice pics! And stock actually, interesting mix but I can imagine it working pretty well in the long run

Thanks. I'm really happy with the range of fish I have in the 5x2 and at present they are all getting along really well with very little aggression. The male Krib occasionally chases some of the others around, but nothing prolonged......he's just a moody sod!! But, as the Spotted Climbing Perch grow larger I'll have to re-house the Czech Rams otherwise they'll end up as the main course! I may even have issues with the perch themselves as I hear they can grow intolerant to their own kind as they mature.

 

[Scrotius]

yeah, a massive aperture like f/1.8 will help loads with those low light shots

 

[yabadaba]

Yes, definitely. The 35mm DX lens seems to me to make whole lot of sense for not a whole not of money (relatively speaking of course). Faster, lighter, smaller and sharper than most of the low-end zooms so pretty ideal for stuff like fish shots where the zoom function itself adds little value.

By the way, I've just had a quick look around your website. Some great shots and info - looks like you have a real passion for what you do. Best of look with your studies and in turning it into a career!

 

[Scrotius]

ah thanks mate
yeah I dont believe in zooms, why pay more for lower image quality
I use a 50mm, 105mm macro and a 200mm - all primes
you always get a better native aperture with primes too