Help taking sps pics!!

[joshporksandwich]

I have a nikon d5100. 18-55 lens with +5 cheap ebay macro filter. Didn't use tripod. Camera setting of WB set to flash(Tried others but colors look weird), ISO 200/400. 1/50 F from F3.5 to 9.
Used 250w MH 20k, super actinic VHO and reefbrite LED XHO for light all on. Used photoshop lightroom 4 to adjust contrast and some just did auto but dont know how to use very much.
How can I also show all rows in a pic without bluring out?
I tried hundred of pics but they just dont look as good. Read all the stickies but i still suck!!!! please help

 

[revhtree]

It is going to be super tough to get nice crisp shots without a tripod.

 

[cparka23]

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/photography-forum/11713-depth-field-dof.html

This is the tutorial that you need to read. Set your camera to f16 or higher in aperture priority mode. The higher the number, the more area of the photo will be in focus. BUT, you will have to hold the camera steady for longer. You'll almost certainly need a tripod or something to keep the camera from moving.

 

[joshporksandwich]

Thanks Guys i got a macro lens and it a world of difference! I had a tripod just didnt use it.

 

[lsaint88]

Nice pic I will have to try that out

 

[Paul C.]

What size macro lens did u get?

 

[Poseidon]

Doing much better!

 

[joshporksandwich]

What size macro lens did u get?

tamron 90mm