3D Scanning has gone though some turmoil in the last 3-4 years, becomming more capable and affordeable. It does not cost you a car anymore to get into this subject, and for 3D visualisation and printing, these were always overkill. (You rarely need submilimeter accuracy)

As for scanners itself I don't give a recommendation. Each one needs some extensive self training, and in the sub 2000 bucks range, they are made for different pruposes. (Mostly you can differentiate between small and big objects).

Some might be happy with certain scanners, some won't.Some need you to get accustomed to it a bit longer. Sometimes a beefier pc or an update of the software can solve all your problems. Some work best with turntables, some excell in handheld scanning.
And even if I want to give a recommendation I could be outdated the next month. (I do have my favorites though).

Just a small tip, if you buy a ferret as a starter, you might be also interested in investing in a cheap ring light. Wich might greatly improve texture quality when scanned in dark rooms...or at least thats my impression.

What I strongly recommend is doing some extensive net search before buying. You can easily shave of a significant amount of money, by waiting for a price reduction or by shopping at 3rd party sites. For none of my scanners I payed the listed price.

Does 3D scanning replace photogrammetry ?
IMHO No. Simply by the fact that those do only offer a fixed resolution and scanning range.
While photogrammetry done with a dslr offer unlimited resolution. Want to macro scan ? Get a macro lens, want to scan environmwents? get a fisheye. Also using polarised flash and filters give you better texture results.
But the advantage of a 3D scanner is, that you have instant WYSIWYG wich is more failsave than photogrammetry. Its just another technique.



So this is a collection of gear I assembled in the last half a year.
Again putting on my amateur head: This is not a professional opinion, this is my experience so far in the 3d scanning world, and should rather be an inspiration than a guide. Especially since some of the stuff didn't go through extensive testing. (During stressfull weeks I just use these braindead creation tasks as my "meditation"


The rotating base

Yes I do have the general usage lazy suzan wich seems everyone uses, and I wil use it for large heavy objects but for most (lighter) objects I do use a cake stand.
This allows me to have a certain distance to the ground wich helps during scan. And those are also are aviable very cheaply.
For bigger and heavier objects I do also have one of these automated suzans. (Wich can also be used for photogrammetry, but on this stuff in a later article)

The scanning plate


I invested in a round steel plate, sprayed it with some rubber paint and added reflective marker
The reason I use a steel plate is, that I can use magnets. This plate is put on top of the cake stand, due to its weight, it does not need an attachment.

Crockodile Clamps.


Not in use yet, was a 6 bucks investment for each. Their base is a magnet with a 4mm screw. Its a "hey this might be handy in future" gear

Markers


non reflective (left) vs reflective markers (right)

I get my markers from aliexpress. Whats important is to check if these are reflective or only white point markers. Most scanners need the reflective ones.
(Check description and reviews)...those cost a little bit more, but its a question between useable and landfill.
Currently the creality guys do also sell some at a significant lower price. They seem to use a slightly lighter glue....will update this article if I notice some degradation of it over time.

The scan pyramids.


Bought them very cheaply for different purpose, These are designed as a cheap painting stand. but after seeing that they are used for scanning  I added them to the toolset.
These cost 2-3 bucks for 10 pieces. And since its dual use the buyers remorse is very low.

Scan tower / "tentacle sticks"


Those are pretty simple bars I printed, wich do have 1/4-20 threaded inserts at each side. Markers are placed more or less randomly on it to avoid tracking missmatch. The reason I went with imperial threads is, that I can use additional photo equipment, like magic balls / arms.

Those small bars can be connected by a common quarter to quater adapter for bigger scanning towers,  and also can be attached to a magnetic base with a 1/4 screw. To avoid unwanted movements of them during scans. I also printed some scan balls wich can be screwed between those or on top of them.

Originally made them in black, but since I had some issues with a certain scanner also made some grey ones wich seems to work better.


tracking balls / "lollipops"


Again grey material, Ideal for rounded metalic surfaces I use a 2/10mm magnets for them. Can also be found on Etsy and on Aliexpress...although later are black.


Scan tracking pyramids/halfdomes "scookies"


Took Inspiration from an etsy store,
I call them scookies, not only because it has a visual similarity, but also manufacturing them in mass has some similarity to baking (scan) cookies.


Suction Cup markers "scaleks /  dalek markers".


Not only because they have suction cups, but also because the grey color + the attached the marker has some 70ties Doctor Who look to it.
I didn't tested them yet, (have my doubts that the 20mm suction cup will actually attach long enough) but the plan is to put them on windshields / windows to give the scanner something to track when scanning those areas.

Well this concludes the first article about scanning...Its cool that you can get capable devices for a low amount of money, and the fun of DIY projects wich goes with them, is also satisfactory. Again be warned that this is my personal set of stuff....and that I love to experiment. Please do your research on other sites, wich do use the gear more professionally then me.