My Axial Lighting Setup Complete!!

Steve, I would like to see some proofs if you dont mind..cause I want to copy your setup

Is that the Canon Xsi and are you using 18-55mm IS lens?

Thanks

Shrek

 

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N49, why do you have your light (for axial lighting) located so far from the glass?

 

Still exprimenting with lots of stuff including bulb and light distance and agree it should prob be closer.

That is the Canon Rebel T2i and yes that is the correct lens.

As for proofs, I havent tried photographing one but here is a morgan proof-like that I have tried (still need to redo as the light was kind of off centered and didnt cover the full coin.)

BEFORE (bad quality but you can see the prooflike of the coin)




AFTER (Axial lighting)

 

WOW!, those are some smokin photos! I need to build a set up too, add it to the "to do" list, LOL.

Thanks for showing it to us,
Mark

 

Very nice set up Steve. It always helps to see someone's set up to get new ideas how to approach coin photography. Nice pics too. You can only improve from here given your proven dedication to this degree. Very nice indeed.

 

Axial lighting makes raw mirrored proofs really shine. Circulated copper (and slabbed coins), not so much. IMO of course. ...Mike

 

Thanks for all the feedback/comments guys! Good luck for all who try it, it is so worth it as I've said.

 

Beautiful job! Well done.

With my axial setup, experience has taught me to place the camera's lens as close to the glass as possible.

 

I agree. Axial lighting is great for toned proof and proof-like coins. But really not necessary for much else.

That's a very cool set-up! Nicely done.
Lance.

 

Here's a picture of a proof coin that I took with the setup, turned out incredible. Enjoy!

 

I love it!

 

I respectfully disagree. Axial lighting is excellent for demonstrating a specimen's iridescence.

Even more important, it is also extremely useful for photographing copper Colonial and Pre-Federal specimens; those which are weak strikes and those which are worn, yet still are desirable and/or exhibit readable diagnostics. Axial has proven for me to be very useful tool when ferreting out the attributes of worn Wood's Hibernias, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, and Machin's Mills coppers.

 

I'll go with Lance on this. Old copper seems easy enough to image no need to change the lighting any more than you have to. Axial works best on mirrors and color, not much needed on old copper.

 

LOL. Yeah, okay.

 

Here's an old copper...

 

To me that one is a little washed out and not as crisp as the others.

 

For purposes of diagnostics and attribution, a Nova Eborac in LDS; the second using the axial lighting technique.

 

Ya, agreed. The focus was a little off on this one.