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Mineral PhotographyLighting advice

30th Apr 2026 19:03 UTCAndrew Hodgson OP

Hi,

I'm looking for advice about cost-effective LED lighting for close-up photos at 10X (using a microscope objective). My current, cheap off-the-shelf daylight LED lamps are pretty good as far as 5X, especially in daylight, but at 10X, the light is effectively only 25% as much, and I need something better.

Obviously there will be a huge range of possible solutions, from pro-grade lab (v expensive) setups to others that people may find helpful. I'm in the UK, if that helps in terms of suppliers.

Many thanks,

Andrew

30th Apr 2026 19:27 UTCJeff Weissman Expert

Andrew - avoid the SmallRig RM 03, they did not provide enough light and now I have three sitting in a drawer. Looked promising due to the gooseneck flexibility, but way too weak output.

I have not had good experiences with any COB or flat panel LED sources, as they are too broad or not sufficiently concentrated for high magnification macro work.

I am having good experience, at from 1:1 up to 20X, with Godox Litemons LC30D continuous lighting, with magnetic diffusor, magnetic honeycomb, and snoot attached. Using either two or three which is more than adequate illumination at ISO 100-400, depending on specifics.

30th Apr 2026 19:28 UTCAndrew Hodgson OP

Thanks for such detailed info, Jeff - just been experimenting with my makeshift setup - needs 1/60 shutter at ISO800, so a complete non-starter!

30th Apr 2026 19:32 UTCJeff Weissman Expert

I was also using three Godox MF12 flashheads, which can be wirelessly controlled and so positioned optimally. You will need a wireless transmitter plus some small stands for each light. I moved away from them as it was a PITA to keep recharging them - couldn't risk running out of power in the middle of a stack, but I do keep them handy for short stacks or other subjects.

30th Apr 2026 19:43 UTCAndrew Hodgson OP

Thanks again. Godox have a UK store, so I'll look into it.

30th Apr 2026 22:45 UTCChris Emproto Manager

I have been using similar flash units and I have really mixed feelings about them. When they work, the results can be amazing. But for some reason I have had trouble with a stable RF environment and, as you said, charging the batteries is annoying. They seem like they can be plugged in, but I have never been able to make that work so I have no clue what that port is for. If anyone knows how to do this, please tell me! :(

I recently bought a gooseneck flash unit from a Chinese seller and am waiting for it to arrive. I plan on mounting it on a cage and using a hot shoe extender so that my camera can move on the rail without moving the flash unit. It was cheaper than a godox flash unit so I am keeping my expectations commensurate to the price.

1st May 2026 01:23 UTCKeith Compton 🌟 Manager

Andrew

Have you seen the close up light set up that Volker Betz uses in his articles?

He has a few articles such as this one:

https://www.mindat.org/article.php/2434/LED+spot+lights+and+dark+field+Illumination+combined

He has other articles that talk about lighting and "how to" in relation to close up photography work.

3rd May 2026 07:49 UTCAndrew Hodgson OP

Many thanks, Keith. I searched the discussions for lighting but only three very old posts came. I'm glad you showed me this one.

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