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Dino-lite AM311......Any good?

mackdrivermackdriver Posts: 847
in U.S. Coin Forum
Thinking about getting one, but don't know too much about them.

Comments

  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭
    Do a forum search for Dino-lite, there have been many discussions on this series.

    They are great for close ups on features but not so great for full coin shots.
  • mackdrivermackdriver Posts: 847
    Thanks BECOKA.
  • STONESTONE Posts: 15,275 ✭
    I like mine image
  • kingkoin56kingkoin56 Posts: 343 ✭✭
    imageThis is a full coin using a 311 dino lite
  • kingkoin56kingkoin56 Posts: 343 ✭✭
    Here is a close up of a 2008 jefferson die chip image
  • SaamSaam Posts: 588 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Here is a close up of a 2008 jefferson die chip image >>



    Looks too bright to me. Can you turn the light down or does the 411 do better?
  • tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Thinking about getting one, but don't know too much about them. >>



    ...........this site has a lot of dino info
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Here is a close up of a 2008 jefferson die chip image >>



    Looks too bright to me. Can you turn the light down or does the 411 do better? >>



    There are models with built in diffusers, those work better with coins rather than having the raw bright LED lights.
  • tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭


    There are models with built in diffusers, those work better with coins rather than having the raw bright LED lights. >>




    .............are you referring to dino-lites, ben? which model?

    steve
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
  • RobbRobb Posts: 2,034 ✭
    The qx5 does a fine job and is much, much cheaper but you will not be able to take decent pictures of full coins with it. But at 10x and 60x- it's superb.
    imageRIP
  • gmherps13gmherps13 Posts: 353
    Dino!!!

    I am thinking of getting this
    I'm merely the keeper of fine metals.
  • gmherps13gmherps13 Posts: 353
    A lot cheaper

    A lot cheaper but above says it's not that great for closeups
    I'm merely the keeper of fine metals.
  • Rob85635Rob85635 Posts: 1,230 ✭✭✭
    I have the QX5, and as stated does good work. I find it very hard to get good lighting with the QX5 and also, as stated, it will not take a pic of the entire coin.

    I have looked at the Dino lites at length and have decided to get one of the 411/413 models. I am waiting for liquid funds. Many will argue that you don't need the 411/413 series and they are probably very right. I, however, have to get the best model I can get with the funds I have available. My wife will attest to the fact that I often "overbuy". I like the higher end models because they also take higher resolution pics (1.3 mp I think). Some models even have a measurement feature that is SUPER accurate. This allows for measuring things like the distance between say the bottom letters of a coin. Finding varieties/double dies/etc. is a breeze with a dino lite because it allows views of the whole coin rather than the QX5 which requires manual manipulation to scan the entire coin. The focal length is just not good enough for fast scanning of coins.

    There are even models of the dino lites that I think allow focal lengths exceeding 9 inches, far enough to allow real fast scanning of coins.

    Keep us posted with what you end up getting.
    Rob the Newbie
  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭


    << <i>There are models with built in diffusers, those work better with coins rather than having the raw bright LED lights. >>




    .............are you referring to dino-lites, ben? which model?

    steve >>



    It's been awhile since I researched these a quick search turned this up, there are other models though: Link

    The reason I know about this is after I got mine I saw Brandon (still with Anaconda at the time) using one with a diffuser at the Santa Clara show a couple years ago. Much easier to get close ups on modern shiny stuff.
  • SaamSaam Posts: 588 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>There are models with built in diffusers, those work better with coins rather than having the raw bright LED lights. >>




    .............are you referring to dino-lites, ben? which model?

    steve >>



    It's been awhile since I researched these a quick search turned this up, there are other models though: Link

    The reason I know about this is after I got mine I saw Brandon (still with Anaconda at the time) using one with a diffuser at the Santa Clara show a couple years ago. Much easier to get close ups on modern shiny stuff. >>



    I would like to see some pictures taken with a model that has the disffuser. Hopefully somebody has some they can share.
  • tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭
    [I would loike to see some pictures taken with a model that has the disffuser. Hopefully somebody has some they can share. >>





    ..........i'm keepin' my eyes peeled as well.image
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
  • GreeniejrGreeniejr Posts: 1,321 ✭✭✭
    I have the 413 with working distance. It doesnt get over 90X magnification but it has a working distance of over an inch so you can move the coin without being on top of the coin. Works great
  • tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I have the 413 with working distance. It doesnt get over 90X magnification but it has a working distance of over an inch so you can move the coin without being on top of the coin. Works great >>




    ........does it have the diffuser?
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
  • mgoodm3mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭
    I would stick with the long working distance one as mentioned above. A couple of problems with the normal ones. They work fine from 10-60x, there is a big gap between 60 and 200x where the focus point recesses into the housing a bit (making pics through slabs impossible). Then above 200x the working distance is pretty minimal and a coin recessed deeplyinto a slab will then be a problem.
    coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
  • SaamSaam Posts: 588 ✭✭✭✭
    Does anybody have some pictures to share that were taken with the model that has a disffuser?
  • gmherps13gmherps13 Posts: 353
    I am wanting to get something that is between $200 and $400...Can any of the experienced numis around here recommend one in this range?

    thanks a lot.
    I'm merely the keeper of fine metals.
  • tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭


    image
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
  • CoinSeekerCoinSeeker Posts: 64 ✭
    I just bought one a week or so ago the 311S. Amazing is all I can say. Close ups are incredible. If you need something for details, this is it. Full coin shots kinda lags. The only two things I'm somewhat disappointed in, is the stand it came with. Kinda like the snake type bendable thingamajiggy. By the time you focus, your stand has moved. The second thing is the 8 led's are so bright, they make my copper coins look silver. You can turn the led's off though and use other lighting, or use the settings menu to get the color somewhat right.

    Overall though, I do wonder how I ever got along without this thing. I look for errors constantly and this is a great help.
    You have to watch out for yourself, because nobody else is going to. Especially during dodge ball.
  • tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭


    ........got any examples you could post, CoinSeeker?image
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
  • SaamSaam Posts: 588 ✭✭✭✭
    ttt
  • CoinSeekerCoinSeeker Posts: 64 ✭
    Heres a 1947 Jefferson I got in change the other day. Nothing special other than its been around awhile.

    image


    Found this one in a roll of Lincoln FY rolls.

    image
    image

    I love collecting these. Have about 20 of them. Some with dates, most without.

    image
    image

    Big ole' Penny
    image

    Nothing to brag on, but am proud to own something over 200 years old.

    image

    1970 Quarter.

    image
    image
    image

    1899'er. My Grandfather gave me this coin when I was about 10. Its a wonder I didn't spend it right after he gave it to me. Didn't know anything other than it was old image

    image
    image
    image
    image



    Sorry folks I'm just a small time collecter. I wish I had a rare one a kind to post. Just wanted you to see how the Dino Lite does. All pictures are raw shots, no special lighting, tricks, or colors added. Just the Dino by itself.
    You have to watch out for yourself, because nobody else is going to. Especially during dodge ball.
  • tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭


    ........thanks, CoinSeeker, for the examples! i'm impressed with the unit that you bought. nice coins too!image
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington

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