What is Axial Lighting?

Axial lighting in coin photography refers to a specialized lighting technique where the source of light is positioned directly in line with the optical axis of the camera. This technique involves illuminating the subject (in this case, the coin) from multiple angles along this axis, ensuring even and uniform lighting across the surface of the coin. Axial lighting in coin photography aims to eliminate inconsistencies in lighting, providing a clear, uniform illumination that accentuates the features and enhances the overall visual appeal of the coin, making it an invaluable technique for enthusiasts, collectors, and sellers looking to capture the true essence and beauty of their coins in photographs.

Diagram of Axial Lighting

Why the Axial Light Cube?

The Axial Light Cube is a cost effective and convenient way to get great photos of your coins without requiring an entire room dedicated to an axial lighting set up. Typical professional axial lighting setups are very expensive which prevents beginner coin catalogers, enthusiasts, and sellers from being able to get great coin photos. If you're a seller of coins, great photos set you apart from the competition, so don't let bad cell phone photos stop you from making sales. The Axial Light Cube practically pays for itself with the amount of new sales you will receive! Using 3d printing technologies allows the Axial Light Cube to be affordable which allows us to pass the savings on to you!

A separate light source is required but any moderate lamps should work great! The light bounces off the glass located inside of the Axial Light Cube and reflects the light directly down onto the coin. The glass is situated in a 45 degree angle to insure proper coin illumination. The hole at the top of the cube allows you to photograph your coin from the top down. Feel free to use your mobile phone or your professional camera but we recommend having a camera that can zoom slightly without a major loss in photo quality to make post processing easier.

The Axial Light Cube accommodates a range of coin sizes and shapes, guaranteeing reliable and impeccable outcomes on every occasion. From dimes to large dollar coins, the Axial Light Cube effortlessly accommodates various coin dimensions, ensuring consistent and flawless results across the spectrum. The Axial Light Cube is designed to only photograph raw coins. Graded coins or coins in flips will not fit in the Axial Light Cube.

• Package Includes: 1x Axial Light Cube, 1x Coin Platform, 1x Glass Plate (preinstalled in Axial Light Cube), 1x Lens Wipe, 1x Microfiber Cloth

Post Processing

Post processing of your photos is required but programs like Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop treat the post processing like it's nothing! You want to look for a post processing software that can "select a subject" or one where you can create a mask with a circle tool. This will give you the best results of photos. There are many softwares out there that could easily complete this!

These are raw images before post processing.

Here are the same photos after minor post processing.

Maintenance

To remove the glass plate, gently turn cube on side and the glass plate should slide out. If need be, find a small pin or coin to push the glass plate out. Avoid touching the glass plate with fingers as fingers can smudge the glass. Wearing rubber glove when working with the glass is recommended. Clean glass with lens wipe or non-harsh cleaner. You may dry glass with microfiber cloth. You may be able to use a computer duster to remove dust but be gentle as the high pressure could break the glass. Store Axial Light Cube with the solid side facing up so that dust doesn't land on glass plate. If your glass plate breaks, we are happy to cover the first replacement, with free shipping (free shipping for domestic only)! Additional glass plates can be sold for $5 per glass plate + shipping (this is only available after you purchased your Axial Light Cube.)

Contact Us

We can be contacted at any time through eBay messages if you have any questions, comments or product requests. We will respond to you within 24 hours and do our best to help you out! We encourage our customers to contact us with any questions or concerns! We'd like to be sure you are completely satisfied with your purchase.