topic Lens suggestion for aquarium photography in Gear Guide

Lens suggestion for aquarium photography

allysonmarlow — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:47:21 GMT

What's your favorite/go-to lens for taking photos through the glass in an aquarium or tank? I'm currently using the EOS R6 Mark II body and wanted to try hand at some photos of fish. I know shooting through the glass can be tricky, especially if you aren't head on with it.

Re: Lens suggestion for aquarium photography

shadowsports — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:18:45 GMT

Greetings ,

I kept fish for decades. Mostly freshwater. Lighting will likely be more of an issue than your lens choice. Primarily due to flicker. Good lighting is not inexpensive. Full spectrum can include fluorescent or LED. 5000-6500K. Both can have significant flicker. Fortunately the R6 mk II has a anti-flicker feature.

Start with a RF 100 f2.8. MFD is 10.2in. Also try with a RF 24-70 f2.8 has a MFD of 8.3in at 24mm and around 15in at 70mm. Not sure how big of a tank you're shooting? In the end, lighting and reflection are going to be the challenges. Post some pics for us. 🙂

Re: Lens suggestion for aquarium photography

kvbarkley — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:35:02 GMT

Whatever lens you get, make sure you get a polarizer to cut down on reflections.

Re: Lens suggestion for aquarium photography

allysonmarlow — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 04:09:19 GMT

Rick,

This was super helpful, thanks! Hopefully I'll get some good ones to post. Appreciate it!

Re: Lens suggestion for aquarium photography

allysonmarlow — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 04:09:47 GMT

Ooh I have some, I'll make sure I put them on when I'm taking photos. Thanks!

Re: Lens suggestion for aquarium photography

allysonmarlow — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:42:18 GMT

I wasn't able to capture any good photos of the sharks at our aquarium, but I did get some nice close-up photos of the jellyfish. Lighting and reflections proved to be the biggest challenges. Excited to keep trying!