MicrobeHunter.com » dandelion

Dandelion pollen in dark-field

Oliver — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 06:24:39 +0000

Stacked image of dandelion pollen in dark field

The pollen grains from a dandelion (Taraxacum sp.) were collected and air-mounted (no liquid mounting medium used). Eleven separate images were stacked together to increase the depth of field and to produce the final image. The color contrast was then adjusted. Dark-field patch stop was used.

Dandelion parachute ball up close

Oliver — Fri, 14 May 2010 22:00:18 +0000

Dandelion macro image.

This is one of the first tries taking pictures with my new Sigma objective, and I have to admit that I’m very satisfied with the lens. The lens does not include image stabilization, a steady tripod is therefore a must. Contrast was slightly enhanced to make the background (my computer screen!) completely black. Mirror lock-up was used to further minimize vibrations. At a focal length of 300mm even the smallest vibrations cause a blurry image.

Lens: Sigma 20-300mm APO DG MACRO (macro up to 1:2)
Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure Time: 2 sec. (long time to minimize vibrations)
Aperture Value: 6.62 EV (f/9.9)
ISO Speed Rating: 100
Focal Length: 300.0 mm

Virtual microscope: dandelion parachute

Oliver — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:00:04 +0000

This the the parachute of a dandelion seed. The seed is not shown, it is attached to the long extension on the right. The leaves of the plant are toothed. The name “dandelion” comes from the French “dent-de-lion” meaning “lion’s tooth”. The microscopic observation reveals that the leaves are not the only part of the plant that have teeth. The fine hair of the parachute also show a tooth-like appearance.

Quite noticeable is the chromatic aberration, which can be seen as a blueish fringe around some of the hair.