Re: Photomicrography ... objective questions (and general advice)
- From: bobmarable@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: 20 Jul 2005 15:12:30 -0700
frances_0119 wrote:
> I am considering purchasing a microscope for photomicrography (with a
> Canon 300d). I am currently looking at Zeiss(Axiostar Plus) and
> Nikon(E200). I'm leaning toward Nikon because I would have the chance
> to try the scope out before purchase and have a local salesperson to
> contact with any problems. With Zeiss, I would order online. I was
> orignally planning to spend around $1500 but anticapate spending a bit
> more than that, after looking at prices.
>
> My main concern is "what objectives to purchase" ... I'm trying to
> balance quality with affordability.
>
> My hope is to be able to try out the Nikon with my camera, and also
> with different "class" objectives. From what information I could gain
> from the saleslady - I could only get a quote on a particular scope
> instead of a comprehensive parts/price listing - the "standard" Nikon
> achromat objectives aren't very good. She suggested the next step up
> (still achromat) but was confident that I did not need
> semi-apochromatic objectives. Regular apochromats are out of my price
> range.
>
> So, my question is - what types of images would be best to show the
> differences between acrhomat and semi-apochromatic objectives?
> Differences that would show up in photographs, especially?
>
> I don't want to spend a lot of money on a microscope only to find,
> later, that the cheaper objectives aren't suitable for photography. I
> also don't want to spend more money than necessary, especially to get
> started. But I want photographs with good color/optical quality.
>
> Any general advice is most welcome, too! I've just found an Olympus
> dealer close by, so I'll probably be considering their microscopes as
> well.
>
> Thanks,
> ~frances
I'm just a hobbiest--- I have a Zeiss Axiostar, with a
recently-acquired Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT camera. Here are my
thoughts as an amateur:
-There's no such thing as lenses absolutely "working or not working"
for photograpy, based solely on color-correction level. Plan apo's
will give a better image than semi-apo's, which in turn will give a
better image than achromats. However, achromats can produce some nice
images---it all depends on what you're photographing, what your
expectations/needs are, and how big your checkbook is. The central
portion of an achromat's field of view can be a good image--crop out
the peripheral area's, and voila!
-If a serious desease of mine were being diagnosed, I'd want Zeiss plan
apo's with gold barrels and diamond lenses; if I'm making snapshots of
paramicium races, achromats would be suitable; other uses, in between.
-My own choices, after some trial-and-error?? I'm using phase
plan-achromats for my hobby photos (a good mix of cost/performance). I
think plan lenses are worth the money, since a photograph's
field-of-view shows edge detail more prominently than when viewed
through an eyepiece (your attention is focused on the central area in
an eyepiece). APO's/Semi APO's represent too large a chunk of limited
funds, for marginal image imptovement--2% better images cost 70% more
money?!?. I'd much rather spend those funds on other accessories, ie.,
phase contrast and darkfield systems, trinocular photo-tubes, remote
shutter release accessories, right-angle viewfinder for SLR camera,
books, and items that expand, simplify and enhance the photo process.
-Like many hobbies/endeavers, the deeper you get into it, the deeper
you get!!! Lenses, while obviously of fundamental importance, are only
the iceberg's tip, in the process of enjoyable photomicrography.
-Good Luck!!! And never stray too far from your checkbook...
Bob Marable
.
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- From: frances_0119
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