Low Cost Focus Stacking (RBINS/RMCA)

         
- Cognisys Stackshot Macro Rail - Camera (ex. Canon DSLR (not full frame)) - Macrolens 5:1 magnification (Canon MP-E 65mm or Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5x ultra macro) - Macrolens 1:1 to 1:5 (Canon 50 - Macrolens 1:2 to 1:10 or 1:1 to 1:10 (Tamron 60mm or 90mm macro) - Desktop/Laptop to control the camera - Preferably speedlights (or small Led panels) - Zerene Stacker software (https://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker) to stack the images. It allows to correct for linear movement of the specimen, therefore it is preferred above Helicon Focus (https://www.heliconsoft.com/heliconsoft-products/helicon-focus/)
Transportable in a car
Basic training
Description
1.16µm/pixel
 

For specimens smaller than 25cm a 2D+ (Focus Stacking) approach is suggested. There are high end microscope solutions readily available. However within the 2mm to 25cm size range a consumer based solution at 10% of the price of a professional setup gives equal if not better results.

This setup can be used to image pinned insects, non pinned/glued specimens and even specimens stored within liquid. For the latter the specimens can be images while being submerged in the storage fluid.
 

 

 
The setup can be used to image specimen that are stored dry
 

 

Contributors: Picture: Florence Trus
Copyright: RBINS / DIGIT-3 Belspo Licence: CC BY NC ND
Click on the image to see the full resolution image

 

 

 

Contributors: Picture: Florence Trus
Copyright: RBINS / DIGIT-3 Belspo Licence: CC BY NC ND
Click on the image to see the full resolution image

 

Contributors: Picture:  Jonathan Brecko
Copyright: RBINS / DIGIT-3 Belspo Licence: CC BY NC ND
Click on the image to see the full resolution image


Contributors: Picture:  Jonathan Brecko
Copyright: RBINS / DIGIT-3 Belspo Licence: CC BY NC ND
Click on the image to see the full resolution image

 

Or specimens that are stored within a preservation medium (ethanol, glycerol, ...) and imaged why remaining in the preservation fluid.
 
Brecko J., Mathys A., Dekoninck W., Leponce M., Vanden Spiegel D. & Semal P., 2014. Focus stacking: Comparing commercial top-end set-ups with a semi-automatic low budget approach. A possible solution for mass digitization of type specimens Zookeys, 464:1-23.

 

Pipeline
Cost(s)
-Preparation time: No specific preparation time needed -Digitization procedure: This depends on the amount of pictures needed per view. Large extended views, require more images, hence more time. Specific requested views, might take more time too. -Image analysis: No specific time is needed here.
-Digitization procedure: depending on the workstation (RAM memory and GPU), the stacking procedure can take few minutes to a few hours for a complete day of picturing. -Image analysis: The images are stacked automatic using the Zerene Stacker software using the PMax option. This can be done while picturing a new specimen or overnight. After the images are stacked the images can be improved using photography software (DxO Optics Pro) in batch processing. The final step is adding a scale according to the magnification used. Setting up the first batch programs might take some time to tweak, but once saved they can be used for future batches.
3,500
For detailed cost information please inquire.
Contents
Image PNG image focus stacking.png