gemstone microscope for extreme macro photography

[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?

[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

[J. Brian Waddington]

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

[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/

[J. Brian Waddington]

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