Top Down w/ PhotoBox question(s)

[primetime]

I have a Canon XTI and the 100m Macro lense. I just got a top down box from Greg Carroll, so hopefully he will read this post and make some suggestions as well. The problem that I have is that when using the box I have a hard time focusing on anything. I turn all the flow off but nothing seems to help. I have the camera attached to the box via the tripod screw to ensure that the lense is perpendicular to the box. The regular lense sometimes focuses but the 100mm does not. Is the 100mm not appropriate for top downs? Maybe the corals are too close to the top? How do you guys do top downs? :dontknow:

Thank you,

 

[wishntoboutside]

your camera and lense is not compatible with the new version of the photo box so you must upgrade your camera once again thereby giving me your camera.

 

[pookstreet]

Brock, I think part of the problem might be that the 100mm lense is actually focusing on the front pane of the photobox instead of the corals in front of it. About how far is the front of the lense from the box?

 

[primetime]

your camera and lense is not compatible with the new version of the photo box so you must upgrade your camera once again thereby giving me your camera.

LOl.. good one Richard. I will consider a trade for a half of your Acans. :laugh:

 

[primetime]

Brock, I think part of the problem might be that the 100mm lense is actually focusing on the front pane of the photobox instead of the corals in front of it. About how far is the front of the lense from the box?

The lense is about 2-3 " from the box.

 

[sps_addict]

with a photobox and dslr i had to manually focus the camera. i ran into the issue like kenny mentioned that it tried to focus on the bottom of the photobox and not the coral. good luck brock.

 

[primetime]

with a photobox and dslr i had to manually focus the camera. i ran into the issue like kenny mentioned that it tried to focus on the bottom of the photobox and not the coral. good luck brock.

I was hoping that was not the case but if I remember correctly, manually focusing did not help. Maybe I need to retry it but have more patience.

 

[pookstreet]

2-3" is a long way. Your macro is definitely trying to focus on the box instead of the corals.

 

[barometer]

2-3" is a long way. Your macro is definitely trying to focus on the box instead of the corals.

Not necessarily. The 100mm macro has a pretty good working distance. You should be able to do this. You may just have the box too close to the corals. Did you try keeping it near the top of the water? And definitely use manual focus with the macro.....I don't think I've used AF once

 

[gcarroll]

Brock I would be happy to tutor you on using the photo box. Just hit me up after the SPS photo contest ends.

 

[sps_addict]

should do it before greg, lol. you'll know you will have a better chance at winning since you taught him because if he wins...you win, haha.

Brock I would be happy to tutor you on using the photo box. Just hit me up after the SPS photo contest ends.

 

[primetime]

Brock I would be happy to tutor you on using the photo box. Just hit me up after the SPS photo contest ends.

LOl.. after the contest? I dont think I have SPS that are mature enough to enter. MAybe if we had a SPS frag contest.

 

[primetime]

Ed, the problem is that my corals are near top. I will try the manual focus again. And use AF for the shots near the bottom of the tank

Kenny, I will see if placing the lense directly against the box to see if that helps for the shots near the bottom.

Thanks everyone for the advise. I will post some pics this weekend and maybe even enter the contest . Watch out Greg !! J/K

p.s. is there an amatuer division?

 

[barometer]

Ah, then you may just not be able to focus on the corals that you're too close to. There are certain things near the glass in my tank that I have to have a reasonable distance between me and the glass to get in focus. A shorter lens like a 50mm (either macro or a prime with an extension tube) would help in this situation (much shorter working distance). I'm sure the Greg will have some good tips for you as well GL

 

[gcarroll]

The 100mm macro has a minimum focus distance of 5.9". No i'm not sure but if you factor in the 1.6 crop factor that would be a 9.4" minimum focus distance.

 

[primetime]

If its 9" or so, then there is no way to use the Macro for the top downs for the upper most corals. Great info gents . Much appreciated.

 

[gqjeff]

I put my camera right against the box. No problems with my older Sony. Its not SLR though. It does take some nice topdowns though LOL.

Peace, Jeff

 

[RTG]

Jeff, those are crazy.

SteveU

 

[primetime]

All I can say is WOOOWWWWW!!!!

 

[gqjeff]

Thanks Steve and prime.. Been awhile Steve hope all is well with the family.

Jeff