gemstone microscope for extreme macro photography

Starting out in microscopy? Post images and ask questions relating to the microscope and get answers from our more advanced users on the subject.

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J. Brian Waddington
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Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 9:41 am
Location: Philippines
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gemstone microscope for extreme macro photography

Post by J. Brian Waddington »

Hi, I'm a new member looking for advice. I currently use a Sony Alpha a58/Tamron 90mm 272E for my outdoor shooting.

We have nearly completed a small solarium where I'll be able to shoot.

My questions center around which gear attached to my Sony will allow me the greater possibility for expanding my abilities.

Do I get lens extensions, a new tripod, focus rail etc. etc..

Would a gemstone microscope be a good way to go?

Any other suggestions?



Image
Sony Alpha a58 ~ Tamron 90mm 272E ~ Capture 1 Sony Pro ~ ImageJ ~ the ubiquitous Gimp

Pau
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Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:57 am
Location: Valencia, Spain

Post by Pau »

Would a gemstone microscope be a good way to go?

Any other suggestions?
With the Tamron 90mm with no additions you can reach 1X magnification on sensor. There is a whole world of small subjects and details under it. To be able to let you any useful advice we need some more info
First:
- What magnification do you want to reach? (or what subject size do you want to shoot?)
- What kind of subjects do you plan to image (insects...), dead or alive...
- Do yo plan to do focus stacking? (almost a must for high magnification because small DOF)

Second, could you link to the gemstone microscope you're referring to?. Often I see this term referred to low end stereomicroscopes bundled with a dark field attachment, if so they are not good instruments for taking quality pictures
Pau

J. Brian Waddington
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 9:41 am
Location: Philippines
Contact:

Post by J. Brian Waddington »

Pau wrote:
Would a gemstone microscope be a good way to go?

Any other suggestions?
With the Tamron 90mm with no additions you can reach 1X magnification on sensor. There is a whole world of small subjects and details under it. To be able to let you any useful advice we need some more info
First:
- What magnification do you want to reach? (or what subject size do you want to shoot?)
- What kind of subjects do you plan to image (insects...), dead or alive...
- Do yo plan to do focus stacking? (almost a must for high magnification because small DOF)

Second, could you link to the gemstone microscope you're referring to?. Often I see this term referred to low end stereomicroscopes bundled with a dark field attachment, if so they are not good instruments for taking quality pictures
The Tamron has indeed opened up a new universe for me to explore.

When I see extreme macro shots at 5 or 10x I want that type of detail

Killing or freezing is not an option. Flowers, objects, semi precious stones, translucent plastic. The list is unbounded.

Yes to stacking.

Something along these lines either used or lower price.
http://www.kruess.com/gemmology/product ... croscopes/

Brian
Sony Alpha a58 ~ Tamron 90mm 272E ~ Capture 1 Sony Pro ~ ImageJ ~ the ubiquitous Gimp

Pau
Site Admin
Posts: 6051
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:57 am
Location: Valencia, Spain

Post by Pau »

Seteromicroscopes like the ones you linked are very nice instruments for visual observation and sample preparation but because its limited NA resolution is pretty limited. In plus the optical paths in for visual work are oblique (to get the stereo image) and the phototube in some cases just use one of the visual paths (although in some instruments it has its own independet central path).
In conclusion: there are much better alternatives for photography at high magnification. The forum is plenty of ideas.
For up to 4X a good option is a reversed enlarger lens on bellows. For higher magnification an adequate microscope objective is the way

Some ideas:
http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... hp?t=32155
http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... hp?t=12147
http://extreme-macro.co.uk/
Pau

J. Brian Waddington
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2016 9:41 am
Location: Philippines
Contact:

Post by J. Brian Waddington »

Pau wrote:Seteromicroscopes like the ones you linked are very nice instruments for visual observation and sample preparation but because its limited NA resolution is pretty limited. In plus the optical paths in for visual work are oblique (to get the stereo image) and the phototube in some cases just use one of the visual paths (although in some instruments it has its own independet central path).
In conclusion: there are much better alternatives for photography at high magnification. The forum is plenty of ideas.
For up to 4X a good option is a reversed enlarger lens on bellows. For higher magnification an adequate microscope objective is the way

Some ideas:
http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... hp?t=32155
http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... hp?t=12147
http://extreme-macro.co.uk/
Obviously I was directed to the right forum. I'll look at the links and return with more questions in a few days. Thanks.
Brian
Sony Alpha a58 ~ Tamron 90mm 272E ~ Capture 1 Sony Pro ~ ImageJ ~ the ubiquitous Gimp

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