20x Stacks: Butterfly and Moth Wing Scales

Macro_Cosmos · Post by **Macro_Cosmos** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 11:12 am

Ever since I acquired the 20x lens, I haven't been happy with the results. The lens is a bit decentered but that's not the problem, my lighting is just not there yet.

However, some do come close. Just need to practise more and explore more options, getting out of the infinite feedback loop of "just diffuse" was an important step.

Morpho Didius. Besides the highling on the tip of the scales, this one is closest to what I deem acceptable:

Papilio Mackii, this one is near perfect for my taste.

A couple Sunset Moth Scales:

Papilio Palinurus Daedalus Scales, probably not great but I really like it!

Blue Papilio Ulysses Scales, this one is a matter of image quality, top left portion really soft. Lighting is perfect for my taste.

Thanks for viewing!
More of my stuff here, including lots of food and some cityscapes, landscapes.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mcmicrosc ... 462191112/

Smokedaddy · Post by **Smokedaddy** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 11:46 am

Excellent, all of them are very nice.

Saul · Post by **Saul** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 3:14 pm

Impressive !

abpho · Post by **abpho** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 4:42 pm

Beautiful stacks.

rolsen · Post by **rolsen** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 5:11 pm

The second one is really special!

Lou Jost · Post by **Lou Jost** » Wed Aug 07, 2019 6:57 pm

I looked at your Flickr page, very beautiful. This was my favorite:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mcmicroscopy/48066277346/

Edit: I couldn't stop looking, had to go through all the pages. Wonderful variety, a great visual pleasure.

ChrisR · Post by **ChrisR** » Thu Aug 08, 2019 1:51 am

very nice results. I agree about the lighting, 100% diffusion is too flat. Optimal is very close to it though!

I like the one you liked, for the textures and detail it shows.

Adalbert · Post by **Adalbert** » Thu Aug 08, 2019 3:55 am

Hello Macro_Cosmos,
Yes, papilio maackii is the best one, well done!
BR, ADi

Olympusman · Post by **Olympusman** » Thu Aug 08, 2019 2:17 pm

They all look very good to me. Nice lighting.

Mike

Geopressure · Post by **Geopressure** » Sun Aug 11, 2019 8:22 am

20X is challenging for me as well, but these are gorgeous!

Beatsy · Post by **Beatsy** » Mon Aug 12, 2019 4:27 am

All look great, but I like your fave best too.

It's surprising how the tiniest movement of the lighting or diffuser can make such a massive change to an image. From a flat, boring "record shot" to a high-impact, beautiful image - just by moving a light a fraction of a millimetre!