Halogen lights

rollmeupAbe

I have a microscope (LW Scitentific Achiever) which I use to find variety cents. The scope has a built in reflector halogen lamp. In taking pictures of magnified coins I find I need more light. Before going out and buying more lights I wanted some advice on the best type of bulb to look for. I am not looking to spend hundreds of dollars for a professional photo set-up. Just something simple to improve the quality of my photos. Here is an example of a picture I took with my Coolpix 4500.



The biggest problem I have is glare on uncirculated cents. For examples of other pictures I have taken here is a link.Coin photos

mgoodm3

Sylvania makes halogen floods that work well and fit in a normal socket (k6az discovered these recently). Also straight halogen desk lamps work well.

CoinResource

A single source light on a reflective surface will usually produce specular hightlights (pinpoint reflections). If you can get a broader light-source over the coin that will help (more diffused). Several lamps may help, or a diffusion screen. As far as bulbs are concerned, I like the daylight photo floods at the pro camera store, but they ARE REAL hot. So perhaps some additional halogens would be good instead -- as previously suggested. -craig