Hi! So far for observations (and other bug images) I have been making use of my IPhone 14 pro, I paid extra in order to get the better camera. It has done phenomenal, but as my interest in even smaller bugs is increasing, it’s not really able to keep up. My hope is to get identifiable images of ext…

I also use an iPhone 14 Pro for some observations. I recently purchased a Xenvo Pro Smartphone Lens Kit with a 15X macro Lens: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A6D2JVI?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details which costs about $40 on amazon.com (no endorsement intended). I haven’t used it much but I…

I think you’re talking about the super-macro range which is usually only achieved with image stacking as the DOF are so razor thin. It also depends on how close you can get to the subject without it taking off. Also-- even if you had the optics, you almost always will need a tripod to prevent motio…

FWIW, I’ve had very little luck with clipon macro lenses for my iPhones and i’ve tried 4 - 6 different kinds over the years. If you want to “catch and release”, that may help with your small critter pics. If you can gently capture the animal, put it briefly on a cold plate* or in the refrigerator.…

I got a TG-6 earlier this year (after I lost my clip-on lens). It’s not a huge step up, I’d say about twice the resolution (so since my clip-on said 10x, I guess I now get 20x), but I definitely can see some more details. Things I like now that I’ve used the TG-6 for a while: the entire TG-6 fits…

I attach Canon close-up lenses, one 500D and one 250D, to my phone to get closer focus. They work better than the cheaper macro lenses for phones because the glass quality is good and they are coated. Also, they don’t suffer from massive distortion and chromatic aberrations. The downside, as you pro…

Do you have any guides on image stacking? @teellbee I’ve actually been attempting identification of tiny bugs from specimens preserved in alcohol, put onto a slide haha. The things are just so tiny Thank you others for all of the tips!! I’ll definitely be exploring these options :)

There are various options to do the stacking. I use Luminar to process most of my photos, but it’s commercial software. There’s also a dedicated focus stacking program called Helicon Focus, but I have only tried a trial version of it. I think there would be some free options, as well, but I haven’t …

Well, it’s kinda specific to gear and I have minimal gear. For the quickest, handiest (pull out of pant pocket and shoot) way I use my Olympus Tg-5 Stacking microscope mode. There are two options on the TG for stacking: in-camera processing, or capture images for stacking later on your computer. Si…

Could you say/show how you attach the close-up lens and broken lens part to your phone?

https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-kit-198°-Fisheye-Compatible-Smartphones/dp/B07NXZL19H/ref=dp_prsubs_sccl_3/133-6739521-1553051?pd_rd_w=7NzxO&content-id=amzn1.sym.22d70615-7a4e-4672-b6a1-6181b9d57bf2&pf_rd_p=22d70615-7a4e-4672-b6a1-6181b9d57bf2&pf_rd_r=V This is my go-to. It’s cheap enough and sturd…

Reasonable macro camera upgrades from IPhone 14 Pro?

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Reasonable macro camera upgrades from IPhone 14 Pro?

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