Macropod PRO 3D & Micro Kit R5 Educational

Description

Educational Partnership Pricing

Macroscopic Solutions is committed to supporting scientific education and research globally. Special Educational Pricing is available on Macropod imaging systems for qualified academic and research institutions.

Eligible organizations include accredited school districts, colleges and universities worldwide.  All educational pricing requires institutional verification and is intended for instructional, laboratory, or academic research use. Discount eligibility is determined at the discretion of Macroscopic Solutions and may vary based on system configuration and geographic region.

Macropod PRO

Portable Macro Imaging, Microscopy, and 3D Photogrammetry System

Macropod PRO is a highly versatile imaging platform designed for scientific photography, geological research, biological documentation, museum digitization, and high-resolution macro imaging. The system enables researchers, laboratories, universities, and exploration teams to capture extremely detailed images of specimens ranging from large field samples down to microscopic structures.

Developed by Macroscopic Solutions, the Macropod PRO combines professional photography optics, precision motion control, microscope objectives, and automated focus stacking into a single portable imaging platform. The system supports applications across geology, mineralogy, paleontology, entomology, materials science, forensics, archaeology, and museum digitization.

From large mineral specimens and drill core fragments to microscopic features such as mineral grains, insect anatomy, pollen grains, microfossils, and crystalline structures, the Macropod PRO allows users to document specimens with exceptional clarity and repeatability.

Multi-Scale Scientific Imaging

One of the defining capabilities of the Macropod PRO platform is its ability to operate across an extremely wide range of magnifications.

Using a combination of professional Canon lenses and Mitutoyo Plan Apo microscope objectives, the system supports imaging of:

• large geological samples and specimens
• mineral hand samples and drill core fragments
• fossils and paleontological specimens
• insects and biological samples
• microfossils and pollen grains
• crystal structures and mineral grains
• microscopic surface textures

Sample sizes can range from over 25 centimeters down to sub-micron scale features, allowing the same imaging platform to function as both a macro photography system and a scientific microscope.

Extreme Resolution Imaging

The Macropod PRO system integrates Mitutoyo Plan Apochromatic microscope objectives, widely used in scientific laboratories for their exceptional optical quality and long working distances.

Available objectives include:

• 2x
• 5x
• 7.5x
• 10x
• 20x
• 50x
• 100x

These objectives allow the system to resolve features as small as 0.4 microns, making it suitable for applications in advanced mineralogical analysis, materials science, and biological imaging.

Combined with automated focus stacking software, the system produces images with extraordinary depth of field and resolution that cannot be achieved with conventional microscopes or macro photography setups.

Automated Focus Stacking and Motion Control

Macropod PRO integrates the StackShot 3X motion controller, allowing users to capture automated focus stacks with micron-level precision.

The system supports:

• automated Z-axis focus stacking
• X-Y specimen positioning
• automated specimen rotation via goniometer
• multi-axis photogrammetry capture

These capabilities allow researchers to capture hundreds or thousands of images automatically, which are then combined into ultra-sharp composite images using professional stacking software.

The result is high-resolution imagery with full depth of field even when imaging extremely small subjects at very high magnification.

3D Photogrammetry and Digital Specimen Modeling

In addition to high-resolution photography, the Macropod PRO system supports 3D photogrammetry workflows for creating interactive digital models of specimens.

Using controlled lighting and automated specimen rotation, the system can capture hundreds of precisely aligned images that are processed into fully interactive 3D models.

These models allow researchers to:

• inspect specimens from any angle
• digitally measure structures
• share specimens with collaborators worldwide
• archive rare or fragile samples
• integrate models into publications and presentations

3D models are generated using professional photogrammetry software included with the system.

Portable Field Imaging Platform

Unlike conventional laboratory microscopes, the Macropod PRO system was designed to be portable and field-deployable.

Each system includes a rugged backpack with a custom foam interior, allowing the complete imaging system to be transported safely to field sites, research expeditions, museums, or laboratories.

This portability makes the system particularly valuable for:

• mineral exploration teams
• geological field programs
• archaeological excavations
• biological field research
• museum specimen digitization projects

Researchers can capture publication-quality imagery directly in the field without needing a dedicated laboratory imaging facility.

Included Hardware and Imaging Equipment

Camera

Canon EOS R5 Professional Mirrorless Camera

Lenses

• Canon RF 70-200mm Telephoto Lens
• Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens
• Canon RF 100mm Macro USM Lens
• Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x High Magnification Lens
• Canon EF-RF Adapter Mount

Scientific Optics

• Mitutoyo Plan Apo 2x
• Mitutoyo Plan Apo 5x
• Mitutoyo Plan Apo 7.5x
• Mitutoyo Plan Apo 10x
• Mitutoyo Plan Apo 20x
• Mitutoyo Plan Apo 50x
• Mitutoyo Plan Apo 100x

Lighting System

• Godox Wireless Macro Flash System (4 Flash Units)
• Macroscopic Solutions Diffuser System
• Flash Arms and Mounting Hardware
• Custom Flash Bar and Mounts

Hardware Platform

• Heavy Duty Anodized Aluminum Tripod
• Macropod Structural Hardware
• Universal Specimen Stage
• Precision X-Y Rack and Pinion Stage
• Microscope Slide Stage

Automation System

• Automated Goniometer Rotation Stage
• StackShot Motion Controller
• Linear Rails for Multi-Axis Motion
• Connector Cables

Accessories

• Polarizing Filters
• UV Filters
• Petrographic Analyzer
• Vertical Laboratory Stand
• Micro Kit Adapter Plates
• Lens Foot Plates

Professional Software Suite

Each Macropod PRO system includes professional imaging software widely used in scientific research and imaging laboratories.

• Zerene Stacker Professional License – focus stacking software
• Agisoft Metashape Professional License – 3D photogrammetry and modeling

These tools allow researchers to produce ultra-high resolution composite images and interactive 3D models of specimens for analysis, publication, and digital archiving.

Portability and Transport

Each system is delivered with a 60-liter expedition backpack featuring a custom foam interior designed specifically for Macropod components.

The system can be transported safely to field locations, laboratories, universities, or research facilities worldwide.

Support and Warranty

• 30 Days of Technical Support
• 1 Year Warranty on Electronics
• 5 Year Warranty on Mechanical Hardware

Macroscopic Solutions provides installation guidance and imaging consultation to ensure optimal system performance for each application.

System Compatibility

The Macropod PRO platform is fully compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.