Hi,
I have a Nikon SMZ-U with two objective lenses. For the first one (the Extra-low Dispersion ED1), I have a ring light, but for the ED2 which has a much smaller working distance, the ring light does not focus the illumination where it has to be, instead the center of the image stays without illumination and a ring of light is shown around it. I am wondering how to think about lighting in the first place, is there a good primer on the internet that introduces this topic for stereoscopes? And second, is "working distance" part of the specs of a ring light, or how do I find one that fits to the ED2 lens? Thank you!
How to select lighting? [SMZ-U]
-
- Posts: 2804
- Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:09 pm
Re: How to select lighting? [SMZ-U]
Yes, the working distance range is part of the spec, though chinese suppliers don't always provide that information.
A good alternstive is a dual gooseneck 100w halogen illuminator or modern LED equivalent. The poseable arms are nice for directing light where it's needed.
A good alternstive is a dual gooseneck 100w halogen illuminator or modern LED equivalent. The poseable arms are nice for directing light where it's needed.
Re: How to select lighting? [SMZ-U]
Using a gooseneck might be a better, more flexible idea, such as in this video: https://youtu.be/_Ej9QxMO9XM?si=8m4t1TFyK-mOH_fH
The working distance for the ED2 is quite low though, around 4 cm is my guess. But because I don't have the light ring around it, I should be able to get as close as I want to. There are crazy price differences for illumination on the market. I have seen anything from less than 50 USD to more than 500. Is there an easy way to find quality products?
The working distance for the ED2 is quite low though, around 4 cm is my guess. But because I don't have the light ring around it, I should be able to get as close as I want to. There are crazy price differences for illumination on the market. I have seen anything from less than 50 USD to more than 500. Is there an easy way to find quality products?
Re: How to select lighting? [SMZ-U]
You used to be able to purchase a gooseneck led light from Ikea. That was one of my favorite set-ups. You can also find quite a few microscope illuminators on E-bay at very reasonable prices.
Re: How to select lighting? [SMZ-U]
In addition to the gooseneck LED lamps, I'll use LED flashlights held in stands or on articulating arms. The ones with the 18650 lithium-ion batteries are bright, dimmable, and last a long time before needing a recharge. They're easily positioned from near vertical to raking angles. Multiple sources are easily added (this stand has three arms). With some lamps (including the one attached in the picture), I'll add a linear polarizer to the end. Combined with the any-angle ability of the arms and a polarizer on the objective, it allows near-complete control of the light.
The best arms are made by suppliers like Noga. However, some of the much less expensive Chinese clones (more like $18 versus $80) are entirely satisfactory for holding a lamp.
I'll sometimes use a ring light for this scope (not shown), which attaches to the silver ring at the bottom of the objective and, surprisingly often, LED transmitted light - also with transmitted polarization - which is the bluish glow at the bottom of the stage.
.
.
The best arms are made by suppliers like Noga. However, some of the much less expensive Chinese clones (more like $18 versus $80) are entirely satisfactory for holding a lamp.
I'll sometimes use a ring light for this scope (not shown), which attaches to the silver ring at the bottom of the objective and, surprisingly often, LED transmitted light - also with transmitted polarization - which is the bluish glow at the bottom of the stage.
.
.
Re: How to select lighting? [SMZ-U]
Thank you both for sharing your setups, that was very helpful!