What zoom macro lens/objective is this?

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Beatsy
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What zoom macro lens/objective is this?

Post by Beatsy »

I was watching an excellent program called "Oak Tree: Nature's greatest survivor" (again) and noticed an amazing lens used for macro filming.

The programme is currently available on BBC iPlayer and the lens is shown, and used, at around 1:16:00. I think content may be blocked outside the UK, so I screen-grabbed a couple of scenes just to show the lens and a couple of images from it. Hope that's OK.

The lens appears capable of continuous zoom, and at one point it looked like something was flipped into place for microscopic close ups. The subject was being shown at that point so I couldn't see what actually happened lens-wise. Anyone have any ideas what lens this is? Or perhaps it's a custom creation?

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g4lab
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Post by g4lab »

That set up has Japanese looking connectors and focusing blocks. This leads me to think that the unit in question is from one of two companies:

Hirox
http://www.hirox-usa.com/

or Keyence
https://www.keyence.com/landing/microsc ... aQodX2IKEw

Both are breathtakingly expensive but they have some very interesting tricks that they supposedly can do.
Somehow the local Keyence guy got my name and wants to come and show me his wares even though I promised him my University is stone broke. :(
I told him that if he puts on a show locally I will make a concerted effort to come. As much as I would like to see that gadget I am not going to have him come here hoping to make a sale where there is no hope.

johan
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Post by johan »

Hm Beat, I recognise the presenter. Is that that BBC series with the French dude with rasta hairstyle working the equipment? Cos he's a member here if it is. If it's not, then I'm stumped :)
My extreme-macro.co.uk site, a learning site. Your comments and input there would be gratefully appreciated.

Adam Long
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Post by Adam Long »

Johan, the presenter is George McGavin.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_McGavin

He's one of the better BBC presenters - a gneuine expert.

Beatsy
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Post by Beatsy »

Thanks for the responses.

g4lab: it could be something to do with keyence as they claim 10x more DoF than an equivalent microscope and the DoF was the first thing that struck me. Having said that - I still can't find anything matching the lens pictured.

johan: no, the "operator" is a youngish looking chap with curly hair - sort of afro style.

johan
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Post by johan »

This was the series I was thinking of, with a Hirox

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0YRbTLioW4
My extreme-macro.co.uk site, a learning site. Your comments and input there would be gratefully appreciated.

g4lab
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Post by g4lab »

My Keyence sales rep just called again and I am going to look at his gadget on November 01. I will report back and maybe have some snapshots too.
I reiterated university has no money. :)

I am pretty sure the "10x DOF" follows from automated stacking. The Hirox( I think it was the Hirox) also had 3 D surface reconstruction after swinging the camera through an arc. The video Johan linked to features a Hirox and it looks just like the one at the start of this thread.

Charles Krebs
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Post by Charles Krebs »

I think you'll find some answers here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SopdETXE038

(BTW... I love the watch examples starting at about 4:00)

ray_parkhurst
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Post by ray_parkhurst »

Charles Krebs wrote:I think you'll find some answers here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SopdETXE038

(BTW... I love the watch examples starting at about 4:00)
Wow, neat stuff! I agree on the watch, super impressive.

emilien
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... it's hirox of course :)

Post by emilien »

hi all,

thanks for your question, and sorry for my late reply!

What you see is indeed the HIROX digital microscope, and the "operator" is me :)

To be more precise, the setup was:
HIROX KH-8700 (main unit)
MXG-2016Z (zoom lens)
AD-2016RLM (motorised rotary head)
ST-GE (motorised Z axis block)
AS-XYGE2 (motorised XY stage)
J-LED (early version of our light box)

The KH-8700 is our previous model, the most actual one is called the RH-2000, and the image quality is much better.

Here is a short version of this show showing the microscope in action:
https://youtu.be/wm2mqzyrdt4

And here you can see some new test footages:
https://youtu.be/n4Y1If-elxs

The patented Hirox rotary head is quite unique: it allows motorised 360 degree rotation, the speed and the direction of the rotation is done either via the software of the RH-2000 or with a wireless remote controller.

I was lucky to work with the BBC for over 10 documentaries as well as with the National Geographic, Discovery Channel or ARTE for example.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via this forum or by email: info@hirox-europe.com

Have a great day everybody!

emilien
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Hirox News :)

Post by emilien »

Dear all,

I hope you are doing well.

Macro and photomicrography is my passion and I am happy that I have made my passion for my work - working for almost 15 years in the field of macro- and microscopy.

I thought it would be interesting for the members of this forum, who do not know Hirox yet, to explain what I'm doing and introduce 3D digital microscopy.

The last footage I made for a short visit to BBC in July can be found here:
https://youtu.be/9M4CxcFNLpI

Since last time, I had the opportunity to work again on TV shows with BBC, National Geographic and Discovery Channel. I am very excited to be working on a new project called Green Planet, which will be released on the BBC next year in 2019 :D

Here are some other links (some made with older Hirox models - the resolution of the latest generation is now much higher):

> Bee + Flowers: https://youtu.be/pIQ_Jk6xDts
> In the garden of my mother in law: https://youtu.be/whcXtAlugDI
> BBC Oak Tree: https://youtu.be/wm2mqzyrdt4
> BBC Miniature Britain: https://vimeo.com/118244910

A great feature is the Rotary Head, a 360 ° rotatable mirror with a high-precision motor that allows you to fly over the object and is very exciting for plants and especially living insects.

We also have fully motorized XYZ stands that allow very fast image stacking, panorama in 2D, and in 3D (stitching). We have also developed special diffused lighting and are in full freedom of movement with inclination stands.

I'll post some high-resolution images (multi-focus XYZ stacking) and videos here, and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about our technology or to meet if you want to see our system!

In the meantime I wish you an excellent end of August!

All the best and see you soon!
Emilien
emilien@hirox-europe.com

PS: This is the device: https://youtu.be/mdPz8eTrhmM


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johan
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Post by johan »

Good grief this looks fantastic :o
My extreme-macro.co.uk site, a learning site. Your comments and input there would be gratefully appreciated.

ChrisR
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Post by ChrisR »

Impressive in many ways.
What 's the price range for these?
Chris R

RobertOToole
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Post by RobertOToole »

These do appear on Ebay, there are a few right now, Maybe 30 or more units, older models a I am sure, from $1600-6,000 USD used.

Robert

TheDocAUS
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Post by TheDocAUS »

That is one smart piece of technology. Very impressive.

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