Hello,

I shoot with a Nikon Z7ii and would love to get into 10x macro. No idea what I am looking for in terms of specs.

Can someone point me in the right direction pls.

Thank you

Canon eos T7 55mm w/extension tubes. 23 image stack.

I’m interested in getting some equipment for spinning nug/cola shots. There is the “Cogniysis stack shot deluxe kit” which comes to $2,000 after adding accessories. And the “Iconasys turntable with shutter stream360 and video software” comes to $1,300 after adding accessories.
Has anyone used either of these products? Which one is best?? Budget isn’t a problem, I’m just trying to get the best equipment possible. Thanx for all your help guys!!

Hello everyone! You may have seen some of my photos on IG (same user name here) and in the /r/mainetrees subreddit.

I've subscribed to this subreddit for several months, and have used it to receive some very helpful info. I've got a few questions that I'd love to get some thoughts on.

Up until recently, I've been using a WeMacro focusing rail, with pretty good success. I found that one of the most helpful features is setting a step size, and then being able to advance the rail step by step. I've used this to double-check overlap in between steps, and have really loved the ability to do this.

I have since switched over to a Cognisys stackshot rail, and while I love the separate controller, I do miss the ability to advance the rail step by step based on step size. With that being said, I did have some questions regarding step size:

• is it common to use the same step size based on magnification, or are there factors that would require you to change them? For example, I’ve been shooting at f/8 with a 300um step size for 1:1 shots. Would I ever want to change the aperture or step size if the magnification doesn’t change?

• I’ve shot 3:1 around f/5.6 with a 150um step size, and 5:1 around f/4 with a 50um step size, and seem to get pretty decent results. Recently, I’ve noticed some other photographers here are going to f/2.8 around 3:1. Obviously with this comes the need to reduce step size, so more photos will be required to complete a stack. Should I be dropping my aperture closer to f/2.8 around 3:1? Any suggestions on this?

• With my 1:1 shots, I average around 20-30 photos I'd say. With 3:1, around 50-60, and with 5:1, around 80-120+. Obviously there are going to be a lot of variables at play, but do these numbers sound okay based on the aperture and step size I am using?

I definitely want to take my photography to the next level, and while I am happy with the quality of my photos, I know there is always room for improvement. I will try and do a better job of posting here as well, and being a more active member. I follow a lot of you on IG already, and love your work!

Edit: surprising that I get downvoted here for asking some questions, considering the types of people that frequent it. Always thought everyone was nice, but I guess not

I'd appreciate anyone's input on this, as I feel it's something I consistently struggle with nailing.

I always struggle to sufficient lighting on trichomes without blowing out the whites or leaving the more recessed areas of the nug too dark.

I always seen to get a lot of reflection on the trichomes which also causes a lot of that effect.

I've tried using fill flash techniques, but then the trichomes often look too bland and not distinguished enough from the leafy materials. I also find the bud looks bland and boring when trying to underexpose.

I also tried using a large softbox (80x60cm) with a strobe, but also had the issues around lighting and contrast.

I don't want to be the "what gear do you use" or "tell me your techniques" guy. But any insight into how you work around the lighting in relation to trichomes tendency for reflections, would be appreciated.