Macro photo shoot in progress. Beseler Copy Stand with attached StackShot Rail, StackShot Controller (on Ikea boxes), Canon 5D IV with 200mm lens and Phottix Remote Controller, four remote flashes on stands, acordian diffuser, plexiglass platform, and white background sheet.
Remote flash on stand with 3D printed frame and diffuser holder.
When a specialized part is needed for macro photography, it’s often not available from any retail source. That’s when I have to turn to the Prusa i3 MKS+ 3D printer. Measuring with a digital caliper, parts can be designed in Fusion 360, and then printed with accuracy using either PLA or PETG plastic.
Flash diffusers with additional accordion diffuser (modified ornamental paper lantern) that moves with camera.
StackShot Rail with camera attached. Beseler copy Stand used for rough alignment, then rail used for focusing and movement during image capture.
StackShot Controller used to determine start and end position of rail for first and last photo. Also sets “Step” or distance rail travels between photos (shown here as 4 microns, or .004 millimeters). Finally, it calculates how many photos will be taken between start and end. Once configured, it moves the rail, pauses to settle, fires the camera shutter, then repeats until complete.
Setup shown without accordion diffuser in place. Subject is on pin connected to glass slide using Blu Tack, all resting on plexiglass platform. Notice Mitutoyo 20X Microscope Objective connected to DSLR using a 200mm “relay” lens to bring infinity objective to a focus on DSLR’s sensor.
Closeup of objective and subject. A 26mm to 77mm adapter connects the objective to the telephoto lens.
Image depicts macro photography setup and proximity to computer. Camera settings (Live View, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO) controlled from computer.
Nikon SMZ745T stereo microscope used to identify, clean, and pose subjects prior to photographing. 4K camera shown at top can connect through WIFI or cable to computer for low quality images and videos.
Due to harsh illumination from built-in microscope light, a combination of 3D printed holders/diffusers and Ikea lights provide fewer specular highlights when viewing subject.
Microscope and implements used to mount, clean, and pose subjects on adjustable desk platform.
Macro equipment from left to right:
Canon R5 (45 megapixel mirrorless camera used for field macro) with Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Macro Lens
Canon 65mm f/2.8 1X-5X Macro lens (first introduced in 1999 but still unmatched)
Mitutoyo 20X Microscope Objective (subject size approx. < 1mm)
Nikon 10X Microscope Objective
Mitutoyo 5X Microscope Objective shown attached to Canon 200mm f/2.8 Telephoto lens and Canon 5D IV
Amscope 10X and 4X Microscope Objectives
StackShot Rail capable of stepping/moving as little as 2 microns or .002mm. Invaluable when shooting at high magnifications and permits “stacking” multiple photos into one finished image.
Phottix Controller that allows remote flashes to sync with camera shutter release. Four remote flashes provide lighting under most circumstances.
Remote flash and stand with 3D printed holder and diffuser. Each flash has its own manufacturers diffuser, plus the printed one, plus the central accordion diffuser shown below.
Accordion diffuser fashioned from paper party lantern using 3D printed base with weights to insure it stretches when attached to moving camera on rail.
Various tools used to manipulate, clean and pose subjects. Note red-handled paint brush - it only has two bristles that allow cleaning by static electricity under a microscope. Essential when shooting macro since even small dust particles or pollen can ruin an image.