Camera lense to check trichomes

So if anybody wants a really superior optic to check trichomes, just take out the lenses from an old camera. These lenses should give you a much higher quality image, much better than that crappy Radioshack microscope. The microscope is OK and has a higher magnification than you'll get from a camera lense, but the lenses it uses are really small and low quality, plus it's almost impossible to look at a free-standing plant with it. The camera lense won't do that weird thing that the microscope does, which is like make it seem that you're moving the oppsosite way that you want to move, if you know what I mean. Salvaging a camera lense may take a little while, and you may get a couple lense units out of it. If so, try attaching those two lense units to get the magnification that you want. There are a lot of unwanted old digital cameras out there that have very nice lenses.

I agree, that RS microscope is pretty worthless, very hard to hold still ... but, RS has a pocket 3-way magnifying glass that works pretty good ... you can slide one lens over another, and get the magnification right where you want it ... I think it was $6-$7, or so ... :smokin:

first timer

I have a 5.1 megapixal dig camera with a 5x zoom and macro lense. what about taking multiple close-ups and helping a nooo-b determining both sex and harverst time by posting nice close ups?

Yeah that'll work.

a wide angle works best for a closeup loupe- the wider the better- also reverse the lens,that is view from mounting side- as far as RS pocket microscope- i have one and love it - it takes some practice, pre focus on something stationary, shirt sleeve or table top before attempting to use - i grew up using 4x5 view cameras and images being reversed does not bother me just remember move opposite direction then you want

another really good way to look is with binoculars, but looking at the trichromes with the binocs backwards....through the other end....this magnifies very well. Use it to ID plants in the field all the time!

Honestly, both ways are pretty shitty. If ur gonna want to get good resolution up close ur gonna have to spend the money on either a good microscope or a 8.0 mega pixle 8x zoom is what i use. The best way hands down is a microscope and if u can figure out how to use one. then u got some other things to worry about. Its not hard to scrape of some resin and put it on slide. who satands there with there micro scope in hands holding it to the plant. u need exteme consistancy with a micro scope cause they are very sensitive. im not sure what microscopes u guys use but i have one that came from a university ahaha. but still they have exteme magnification and the clarity of it is up to you. THEY DONT WORK THEMSELVES. Ussually use the low power and adjust the focus. then go to ur high power and adjust the fine focus. theres really nothing to it. U should be able to get a clear up close pic of ur tricomes with any microscope even a budget one. they all work the same just some can zoom closer.