4 replies to this topic

[Yossarian]

Is it possible to take close-up images, videos, or even examine up close while spending under $100 on equipment?  I have seen on amazon macro lenses that are clipped on smart phones, usb endoscopes, soldering cameras, and old fashioned jewelers loupes.  I know I won't be getting the same quality as a Canon 1DX, but I would be happy if I could could look at photos of my ants and not compare them to the Patterson-Gimlin footage.  I am hoping someone has found a product they use around my desired budget.  Conversely, has anyone here tried using one of these types of products unsuccessfully?  

Edited by Yossarian, February 14 2018 - 9:11 PM.

[nurbs]

Is it possible to take close-up images, videos, or even examine up close while spending under $100 on equipment? 

 

Yes, most definitely. Might make a tutorial post on this. Get asked this so much, almost a few times each week.

 

EDIT: Checkout my YouTube. All those videos were shot with an iPhone 6 plus, Ipad 9.7 Pro, or an Iphone X with a $20 Amazon clipon macro lens at 15X macro. The secret is not expensive $10,000 gear, but just knowing how to properly light the scene.

Edited by nurbs, February 14 2018 - 9:22 PM.

[xTNxANTMANx]

I recently purchased a USB microscope / endoscope that I planned to only use to sex my tarantula molt's. I decided to give it a try on one of my ant colonies that has already awoken from hibernation, my Crematogaster ashmedi colony to be exact, and I was astonished at how great the footage was. I can use it either on a phone or PC. I will post a couple pictures on here of them as you can take video or pictures with the app that you use. I would definitely check it out if you're wanting something cheap. If you don't know how small the ants are I am talking about, the workers are roughly 3mm.

[Yossarian]

That is wonderful to hear.  Thank you both.

[Yossarian]

I purchased a $20 endoscope from Amazon and I am happy with the results.  Below are 2mm workers and the queen.  I wanted to take a picture of C.Vicinus but they are in a spot that is hard to capture on because of the angles of the plastic container that houses them.  

 

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1