11 replies to this topic

[Foogoo]

I decided to buy this $32 USB microscope which claimed up to 800x magnification. I've actually had relatively good experiences with products from DX, once I learned to be patient (after all, 90% of what we buy daily are probably made in China...).

 

I was actually really impressed with it. It basically functions as a webcam. I have no idea what the drivers on the CD do but works out of the box with VLC, on Linux at least. I haven't done a whole lot other than look at random things laying around, but I took this screenshot of a defrosted fruit fly at max magnification. Not bad if you ask me...!

 

[Crystals]

Just keep on eye on that particular software.  The one I have from there has issues if you try to save more than one screen shot at once.  They all revert to the original image.

Other than that, it works just fine and I am not scared to let visiting kids play with it.

[Gregory2455]

I just need any microscope that is able to make an image like this...

Image by Antweb*

But otherwise, nice. Is that Drosophila melanogaster?

[Foogoo]

But otherwise, nice. Is that Drosophila melanogaster?

 

Not sure actually, whatever flightless fruit flies the pet shop stocked!

[Gregory2455]

It is Drosophila melanogaster then. Drosophila hydei are sold in pet stores too, but that one appears to be the smaller and lighter colored D.melanogaster.

[dean_k]

I am also using a similar cheap 20 CAD microscope to make video of my colonies as well but I've been looking into a better option.

 

After asking from users who took awesome close-up of ants or inspects on Youtube, they all told me to use a cheap camcorder (Ex Cannon RF500) with a macro lens (DCR-250).

 

*Prices in CAD

 

1. Canon VIXIA HF R500 : 219 CAD (From Cannon Canada website. This model is important because this is the cheapest camcorder with manual focus control which will be vital for taking a close look at tiny things like ants.)

2. Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Snap-On Lens : 75 CAD. It's proven to work with almost all consumer camcorders. (Result : )

 

3. A tripod : Approx 50 CAD

 

(Optional) 4. Portable LED light source + tripod.

 

The whole setup costs quite a bit but I am looking to get those soon.

 

.... All for ants.

Edited by dean_k, December 20 2014 - 9:24 PM.

[Foogoo]

Here's another attempt. Anyone want to practice ID? I'm pretty sure I know what it is already. Not bad for a $30 microscope. I remember when 50x optical microscopes were $100

 

 

[Gregory2455]

Linepithema humile! Oh wow, that is very decent for $30. I may be getting this then.

[AntsAreUs]

Could I get a link for good macro lens for an Ipod?

[Gregory2455]

I got one like this for Christmas. Here are the first photos I took.

 

I feel that with some practice with the lighting, and making a good stand, I can take some pretty decent images.

[Foogoo]

I'm too tired to post these directly to the thread but check these out. My Crematogasters decided to glue the brood to the top so I got some cool shots. The only bad thing is the focusing is very "planar", so it's hard to get both foreground and background objects in focus.

 

https://imgur.com/a/tOjVa

[dspdrew]

Shallow depth of focus can be annoying in macro photography. If you're taking pictures of stationary objects, check out Helicon Focus. It does image/focus stacking. I use it for all my specimen pictures.