Hi @olegren. The initial pics are a series of macro shots, usually about 15 or so for each of the images I posted, each individual shot automatically adjusted to a slightly different focus by my Olympus micro 4/3 digital camera with a 60mm macro lens. The series of shots is then assembled by Zerene Stacker software into a single image so that the depth of field is better than possible with a single shot. I don't think shots like these are doable any other way, although with a macro lens stopped way down to F16 or thereabouts, a person could get shots that are somewhat comparable. Sadly, getting these sorts of shots is pretty close to impossible with anything other than serious macro gear combined with image stacking, so out of reach for most stoners. I had the gear already, so after trying pretty much all the other standard options (other than a wifi microscope), for trich inspection, I went with macro shots that I could study later on the computer. I gave up trying to see trichomes on living plants with loupes or iphone magnification. Getting a steady enough high magnification image proved pretty much impossible for me. The fundamental problem is that the needed magnification requires rock steady support (a decent tripod) no matter what imaging tool you use, and also requires that you can easily adjust the distance to the bud and hold it in place (in my case, a macro rail).I dunno why I said plants. I meant buds.*
Either way, great work! I can't speak to the trichome readiness. I have never managed to capture so good a look as you shared with your photos. Do you mind if I ask what you're using? Next time around, I was thinking about rubber banding my vivosun loupe to my iphone to see if it works better - I can't do much with the damn thing and my naked eye.
*marijuana affects the memory
Hi @olegren. The initial pics are a series of macro shots, usually about 15 or so for each of the images I posted, each individual shot automatically adjusted to a slightly different focus by my Olympus micro 4/3 digital camera with a 60mm macro lens. The series of shots is then assembled by Zerene Stacker software into a single image so that the depth of field is better than possible with a single shot. I don't think shots like these are doable any other way, although with a macro lens stopped way down to F16 or thereabouts, a person could get shots that are somewhat comparable. Sadly, getting these sorts of shots is pretty close to impossible with anything other than serious macro gear combined with image stacking, so out of reach for most stoners. I had the gear already, so after trying pretty much all the other standard options (other than a wifi microscope), for trich inspection, I went with macro shots that I could study later on the computer. I gave up trying to see trichomes on living plants with loupes or iphone magnification. Getting a steady enough high magnification image proved pretty much impossible for me. The fundamental problem is that the needed magnification requires rock steady support (a decent tripod) no matter what imaging tool you use, and also requires that you can easily adjust the distance to the bud and hold it in place (in my case, a macro rail).
If you want to do the best you can with your Iphone, get a tripod mount for it, and preferably a macro rail to move the camera into position distance wise and lock it there. Used tripods can be had for cheap in most used junk stores, and a camera mount and macro rail are only ~$20 or so each, so not bad. The difference in your results and the ease of getting them will be dramatic. There are what appear to be decent add-on macro lenses for camera phones, but I never tried any of them. Even your loupe will work, but you need to be able to lock it in place properly centered and aligned to get the best results. If you try one of the wifi microscopes, a tripod, scope mount, and macro rail will make the process a lot easier and more effective. I recall someone else here getting creative with duct tape and other supports to achieve similar function, but the proper tools are cheap and make a huge difference.
Good luck with it, if I can help with any other information, just ask and I will try.
Yeah, been there more than once with the rep limit thing, Thanks anyway, as someone I tried to rep twice in a row said, it’s the thought that counts.Thanks a lot for taking the time to explain all this! Tried to rep you again - but gonna have to get someone else first apparently.
I dunno why I said plants. I meant buds.*
Either way, great work! I can't speak to the trichome readiness. I have never managed to capture so good a look as you shared with your photos. Do you mind if I ask what you're using? Next time around, I was thinking about rubber banding my vivosun loupe to my iphone to see if it works better - I can't do much with the damn thing and my naked eye.
*marijuana affects the memory
Friend, if you want trichome shots, invest in a USB microscope. I bought the Plugable 2.0 off amazon as it came with a flexible arm stand. It also has a nice 1/4" standard photography thread on the mount so you can easily put it on any tripod out there. The suction cup works "ok" but it's a nice feature. The camera itself works very well and is easy enough for this old fart to figure out. The company is pretty good too. My first one had a dead pixel and they replaced it very easily. I did send them a picture with the dead pixel to make things easy.
I highly recommend a tripod with an extendable arm no matter what route you take. Olderfart had some good advice too.
EDIT: link
Amazon product
Friend, if you want trichome shots, invest in a USB microscope. I bought the Plugable 2.0 off amazon as it came with a flexible arm stand. It also has a nice 1/4" standard photography thread on the mount so you can easily put it on any tripod out there. The suction cup works "ok" but it's a nice feature. The camera itself works very well and is easy enough for this old fart to figure out. The company is pretty good too. My first one had a dead pixel and they replaced it very easily. I did send them a picture with the dead pixel to make things easy.
I highly recommend a tripod with an extendable arm no matter what route you take. Olderfart had some good advice too.
EDIT: link
Amazon product