New here

[Maltesekilli]

Hi all,

I'm brand new here, and quite new in photography. I recently bought a Sony alpha 100 that came with the 18-70 standard lens. I have also a set of macro filters, but focusing with them is a nightmare.

What I'm interested most is in macro photography, cause I need to take good quality photos of some fish. Read different solutions around : reverse ring, extension tube, filters, dedicated macro lenses. Which in your opinion is the best way to go around here without spending a fortune?

[Matthias099]

Welcome to the forum!

About your question: You mentioned you need to take photos of some fish. How close do you need to go? How big or how small are they. With your standard lens you can take shots of fishes, but if you need to get up close I would recommend a dedicated macro lens. Fish usually don't hold still for you, so these other methods probably won't work, because all of them take away some light and that's a problem with 'wildlife'.

But to make a conclusive recommendation we would need some more info on your specific project.

[Maltesekilli]

Hi Matthias,

What I inteded with fish photography, is something like this :

http://www.petshop-zoomania.com/Tetr...20fragment.jpg

http://www.petshop-zoomania.com/Tetr...close%20up.jpg

http://www.petshop-zoomania.com/Tetr...close%20up.jpg

[Matthias099]

Yes, I would think that you need a dedicated macro lens for shots like these. Other solutions might not be able to handle this lighting, since you can't use a flashlight either. But I am sure others want to chime in on this. Maybe someone has a different idea.

Keep us updated!

[Giya]

I think you'll ultimately want a dedicated macro lens. If you can find a local store that will let you "try before you buy" or at least has a good return policy, try the reverse ring first. If you can splurge for the dedicate lens, maybe do that now. But once you buy a dedicated (good) lens you probably won't want to return it!

[Maltesekilli]

Seems that's the best solution after all. Any lenses you can suggest looking for?