Photo question

[PeaBrain]

If someone needs to capture as much detail as possible on a subject 14"-28" away, what sort of zoom lens would be needed?

 

[Wampatom]

This is a complex question. Some normal (say 50mm) lenses will focus that closely. In this case, provided the lens is good, the detail is limited by the number of pixels in the camera.

Now the qualifications:
1) With a high number of pixels it is difficult to hold the camera steady to make use of them.
2) A dedicated tele-macro (Nikkor 105mm for example) will allow you to remain at a distance and still get a macro shot.
3) A dedicated macro will allow very small f stops, for a great depth of field, without diffraction limiting detail.
4) Extension tubes, reversed lenses, closeup adapters all work very well. You can find full descriptions on youtube.

 

[PeaBrain]

Thank you @Wampatom.

Is it possible to get great photos without laying down heavy cash on high-end cameras and lenses? And using a smartphone with clip lenses instead?

What works for you all?

 

[AZMSGT]

Thank you @Wampatom.

Is it possible to get great photos without laying down heavy cash on high-end cameras and lenses? And using a smartphone with clip lenses instead?

If it was don’t you think everyone would be doing that then?

You can take good pictures with some higher end cell phones and many people do. You need to learn how to use the equipment. You would be amazed at what cell phone cameras can actually do. But most people don’t know how to use them.

Higher end equipment gives the photographer more options and control. That’s why people graduate to use them.

a sample of what a Cell phone can do

How to take amazing photos with your iPhone or Android phone: CNET's top tips

CNET's pro photographers give their top tips on taking stunning photos using just the phone in your pocket.

www.cnet.com

The key to taking better pictures is learning to use the equipment you have. Once you hit the limits of your equipment then you move on to higher end.

 

[blasterman]

The main problem with smartphones is they are limited in terms of white balance and tend to not handle extreme reef lighting colors that well. Smartphones also tend to rely on digital zoom fakery when it comes to getting close ups and this makes problem worse in terms of hand shaking and artifacts.

A 10 yr old dSLR, (doesn't matter what brand) shot in RAW with a generic 50mm macro lens will slaughter any smartphone in terms of making detailed and balanced shots of your reef tank. The used dSLR and lens will also cost less than a newer iPhone. Smartphones are getting better in terms of image quality...at daylight balances and landscapes.

Smartphone Tips: get as close as you can without having to resort to zooming in. If colors keep coming out screwy and you have an adjustable LED light on your tank turn the white LEDs up until the color falls within a range the camera's processing can handle. With a dSLR shooting RAW gives you a much wider envelope in this respect.

 

[maroun.c]

Phone cameras can give good results but the real issue is that mobile.ohone pics are mostly viewed and shared on tiny mobile.phone screens. Blowing them up to 100 percent on large screens or prints shows the real inherent quality or lack of.
Even in zoom lenses Vs fixed lenses Vs professional 2.8 zooms or lenses or macro lenses you do see a very clear image quality difference. So if ur really after great detail in your shots a good camera/lense is a must.