sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

This is another experiment in the quest to find the optimum settings and lighting for the new lens that I am using. I staged one of my preserved Japanese Beetles and set the lens to 5X at f/2.8 with constant diffused LED lighting and focus stacked 104 images taken at 30-micrometer steps between shots.

It's a tad soft with a bit of diffraction so a bit more tweaking is needed yet. I do like the colors that the lens is able to hold which is quite a nice feature of the lens.

As always, thanks in advance to all those who view and for your comments, suggestions, questions and critique.

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Mtn.Skipper Loc: Jerome, Idaho

Just a tad bit soft, but you will get it done in a good way.

Some day I might try focus stacking. What would you consider
being the best and easiest program to use?

Thank you and keep up the good work.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks for viewing and for the question for I enjoy sharing what I do and how I do it. I use Zerene Stacker although I have used Helicon Focus, Photoshop and Affinity. The developer of Zerene is a macro/micro photographer himself and he is responsive to any problems or questions that may arise when using it.

The best "Free" stacking program is CombineZP if you care to try it (Windows Version Only - no MAC).

I've attached a photo of a simple, inexpensive tabletop macro setup. It is similar to what I used to get me started. The "Horizontal Positioner" is actually a drill-press slide table. The prices vary and I paid $39 for mine. The camera is mounted in position and the subject moves in small increments toward the camera taking a photo at each step along the way. A reversed prime lens makes a wonderful macro photography lens and a reversing ring is less than $10. They can be placed on extension tubes or bellows to increase the magnification desired. Always start and practice with whatever macro lens you may have and build your skills along the way and enjoy seeing things in ways that you have never seen them before.

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kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Nice once again, sippy.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, Kpmac. Keeping myself busy by continuing to experiment. Some work out great...others not so much so. Kind of like a baseball batter in that if he doesn't swing he'll never hit a home run. Sometimes I get thrown out at first, other times I make it further and from time to time I cross the home plate.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Sippy, amazingly sharp details.

Greg

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, I'm still playing around which is the fun part.

Mtn.Skipper Loc: Jerome, Idaho

sippyjug104, thanks so much for the information.

Your information will be quite helpful.

I do have most of what you have listed here. I just
need to find the patience for setting it up and shooting.

Patience is my biggest problem.

Regards.

Mtn.Skipper

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I started by using a tripod and soon found that regardless of how I tried, I could not eliminate the fine movements when turning the macro rail to move the camera forward. It was not the tripod itself and I hung 20-lbs of weights on it. It is the physics of the point of camera connection and the leverage that the camera places on the mounting.

Then I tried leaving the camera on the tripod "non-moving" and then moving the subject toward the camera for each progressive shot. That worked a lot better for me although the tripod was still a pain for I tend to be a bit clumsy at times. Also, keeping the subject aligned with the camera without it moving was another issue.

Then I mounted the macro rail for the camera and attached the platform for the subject to a piece of plywood that I set on the counter top. Flat, secure, rock steady plus it gave me a better way to stage the specimen and to do the illumination (I use constant lighting for my work). Another advantage was that I could pick it all up and put it away.

Eventually I moved to a camera platform that can be used in both a horizontal and in a vertical position.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Light and interest is great. A little soft.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, and spot on. I'm continuing to experiment with the lens settings. A little too open is soft and a little too closed creates diffraction. I'm still looking for the Goldie Locks setting with it.