For images like that Nikon Small World example, the usual setup is a microscope-based system rather than a standard camera-and-lens macro setup. The cited example typically involves polarized-light microscopy, which adds specialized gear: a suitable microscope, a polarized light source, polarizer/analyzer elements, optics that produce interference colors, a rotating stage to control angle, and a camera attached via an adapter or extension tube.

If you want a lower-cost hobby route, you can experiment. Around 9x magnification is high but not impossible with improvised setups: an educational microscope plus a camera attachment can work, or a camera with a bellows between body and lens to gain more magnification than normal macro accessories. Bellows magnification depends on lens focal length and extension.

Polarized-light effects are optional, but if you want that look, you can try simple polarized light sources and filters as a DIY starting point. Results won’t match a dedicated microscopy rig, but it can be a good way to learn before investing in specialized equipment.

In short: for true photomicrography like the example, start with a microscope system; for experimentation, try a basic microscope or a bellows-based camera setup.