Carusoswi

Visited the Baltimore aquarium on the waterfront with my daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. Whenever I am with them, they want me to bring my camera(s) and shoot pictures. On this trip, they specifically wanted images of the children as they observed the various species. My main cameras these days are a Sony A900, Sony A700, two Minolta Maxxum 9 film cameras. I also carry a Google Pixel 2 mobile phone that includes a 12 mp camera.

I have shot in that aquarium previously as well as the Camden Aquarium.

Both are dimly lit, and both can be extremely crowded, as was the aquarium in Baltimore this past weekend.

Film for me was out on this trip. I mostly shoot Ektar 100 which is simply too slow for this venue, and flash has limited applicability due to reflections that are caused. I would rate both of my DSLRs as relatively slow. Maximum ISO is 6400, and anything above 2500 or so will be very noisy (unless you are shooting in well lit areas, LOL). I have several fast lenses (f1.4), but at that aperture, of course, depth of field is razor thin, which means you can choose between an image to feature in-focus children and blurry fish or blurry children and a few in-focus fish.

Slower shutter speeds help, but children do not sit still.

I did my best to compromise all of these variables, and came away with some decent shots which, when tweaked in post, yielded pleasing, acceptable snapshots, but certainly nothing about which I would "write home."

I cannot think of many venues where the elements of photography are so thoroughly stacked against the shooter other than these aquaria (thankfully). For me, the opportunity does not justify purchasing newer equipment. I am happy with the kit that I have. That said, if anyone can offer any other recommendations, I would be most appreciative.

My best success in these situations has been to shoot video, whether with the Pixel 2 or a dedicated video camera.

Thanks for any input.

Caruso

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

It seems you have everything figured out. You have reached the point where the only way forward is not the skill/knowledge but a better tool. The only thing that can help is a camera that can capture a clean, high ISO image.

ggab Loc: ?

Myrtle Beach Aquarium. I think having a fast lens is more important than a camera with better low light capability, especially with today's PP software.
These were shot with an EOS 6D and Canon 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM.
I wish I had a faster lens with me.

1/100 sec. f/2.8 100mm ISO 2000


1/100 sec. f/2.8 100mm ISO 160


1/100 sec. f/2.8 100mm ISO 6400


1/100 sec. f/2.8 100mm ISO 3200

tinyman99

great

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your success may depend most on matching your camera's capabilities to the exhibit. The several times I've been places where they've had jellyfish, these tend to be better lighted, such as the Waikiki Aquarium where I could use ISO-800 with an entry level Rebel Xti. Other times, you need the luck of good natural light at a location where the animal will swim by while you're prepared to shoot, such as the Snapping Turtle at the Atlanta Zoo.

But, when you're in charge of the kids, sometimes it makes sense to leave the camera alone and simply enjoy the moments together. Be sure to have a microfiber cloth available, or an old fashioned bandanna, to clean their fingerprints off the glass ....

Jellyfish by Paul Sager, on Flickr


Alligator Snapping Turtle by Paul Sager, on Flickr

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

"I have several fast lenses (f1.4), but at that aperture, of course, depth of field is razor thin, which means you can choose between an image to feature in-focus children and blurry fish or blurry children and a few in-focus fish. -OP"

He have a fast lenses.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Now that I read the O.P.'s title agains, it got me thinking. I wonder what a good shoot out in an aquarium would look like!!! Could be vewy vewy intewesting!!!

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Use a fast prime and the highest ISO you can tolerate.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

and a Rubber Hood!

rwww80a Loc: Hampton, NH

When I shoot in an aquarium I use a Nikon D200 with a Tokina fisheye and a Subal housing and Ikelite strobe.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Good point. This should remove reflections that a polarize filter can not handle.