One problem with using something like that is that it is a compromise. You are going to lose detail in the photo. The lugs on the fork are blown out in the second photo...you can barely see them. May be better if the photo were larger. One feature I use, but you have to be careful using it, is unsharp mask (Photoshop). It helps make the details pop in your photos. Sharpen is similar, but I find unsharp mask does a better job and gives you more control

Learn to use macro for closeups.