This was just a demonstration video for some others so I decided to leave the diffusion out of the way :wink: Though I don't often use much diffusion when shooting coins. Ancient coins in particular typically have high relief and can benefit from having a hint of shadows around certain parts, if you...

I put together a short video to demonstrate my automated setup for some interested people from my other hobby (ancient coins) and thought it might be worth sharing here too. https://streamable.com/tfdzvu I kept the details on the functionality a bit brief as the video was more aimed at those less ex...

Using this Venus lens at anything past 1:1 and with a partially closed aperture (like f5.6) must be very dimmly illuminated - I don't know how I would focus it on a fast-moving insect (maybe in continuous burst mode :) ) The only issue I've had in regards to this is that the focus peaking doesn't w...

Hi Maray, Do you need only 2:1 ( or more as 5:1 , 10:1, 20:1, 50:1 )? Have you already taken a look at this one? https://venuslens.net/product/laowa-25mm-f-2-8-2-5-5x-ultra-macro-2/ Best, ADi Or the 100mm 2x is a good option too: https://venuslens.net/product/laowa-100mm-f-2-8-2x-macro-apo/ My only...

I have tried a dampened post years ago but I did not like the nylon geared rail strip that was mounted on the post. The optical post arrived yesterday and I think I see what you mean by not liking the nylon geared strip. There's quite a bit of rotational play between the rack and pinion mechanism a...

These iShoot clamps are the best, they can be found on ebay for ~$20. The short 1/4" (or 3/8?) countersunk channels either side of the centre thread look like they could be very useful! I'm always finding it a challenge to get Arca clamps with more than one point of connection that have a hole patt...

ray_parkhurst wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 01, 2020 12:09 pm

What is it about these posts that is "damped"?

I don't know the details for the Newport one but you can find a patent from 1985 for a Melles Griot damped optical post. It's probably similar generally to the Newport one but I'm sure these days the "damping masses" are a bit more high tech.

I have just now measured that shift, and was surprised to find that it is only about 200 microns at the end of the lever arm where the objective sits. That point is about 300 mm away from the post, so around 0.04 degrees of angular shift. In any case, (1) there are lots of other places for the angl...

Thorlabs XT66 width: 40.33mm Arca Swiss dovetail: Sunwayfoto: 39.02mm iShoot: 38.62mm RRS: 38.15mm Hejnar: 38.10mm Stackshot: 38.14mm Wemacro: 40.15mm Sirui: 38.94mm Leofoto: 38.03mm Generic: 39.4mm (Measured with a calibrated Sylvac caliper) XT66 confirmed to work with iShoot, Leofoto, RRS, Hejnar...

I use the 66mm rail of Thorlabs bolted to a T-shape. Together with two wooden feet which adapt wobble-free to any surface and can be used horizontal or vertical. Very sturdy in itself, on the wooden feet I used rubber cones which came from loud speaker equipment. The best is, the dovetails on all f...

Hi Cam, I have tried a dampened post years ago but I did not like the nylon geared rail strip that was mounted on the post. Have you seen the dual post Z column that Thorlabs sells? They pop up on Ebay sometimes for tempting prices. Hey Robert, What was it about the nylon rack that you didn't like?...

Has anyone here tried using a damped optical post for a vertical setup? Melles Griot make them, as well as Newport . They can be had on eBay for significantly less (if you're in the US) and the vibration damping seems suited for our hobby. Two considerations: I'm not sure how much weight the rack an...

The Trinamic stepper motor drivers are all the rage and deservedly so. I've primarily been using the TMC2130 the past two years but the TMC5160 drivers from Watterott were updated to support a feature mawyatt had been raving about - Motion Controller mode. Instead of having an Arduino or RPi telling...

suggesting that the overheating issue doesn't actually exist at all and is just a software limitation. That's a giant leap from what the article actually suggests though. It's unlikely Canon has launched their camera with a massive disability for no reason - that if true would be quick to fix prior...

I haven't come across anything that shows that either. Though I wonder if it can overheat if you shoot some video - but less than the maximum amount - and then start taking stills.