I'm really impressed by the high quality results you get with such an apparently simple setup. No need for a focussing rail or flash, or even a battery-powered Stackshot for automation. I'll probably be too old to bend my weak knees before Sony upgrades the firmware of the a7R IV to include the focus bracketing drive mode of later models-surely it just requires a software update.
You can also check for other brands where this feature is common also in lower-end camera bodies - for example Canon RP, R10, Nikon Z5, Z6, Panasonic S5 or various Olympus / OM-System cameras.
Your work has opened my eyes to a whole new world and now using a 90mm macro and nikon z7ii ; I’m able to Focus Stack mushrooms Thank you 🙏; i appreciate you and your expertise in the field
I've been trying macro photography for a little while now, looking up videos and tips and tracks. This video was absolutely excellent and the pictures are so beautiful. I can't wait to find some fungi to try this myself. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise.
Glad I found this video as with us here in Scotland moving Into Autumn there should be mushrooms out there to photograph....but alas no old growth forest like you have in Tasmania.
Hello Stephen, thank you for sharing your know-how in this great video. My name is Lukas nad I am also a fungi photographer. I use almost the same technique as you and it's great to see there is a video like this one. People often ask me how I take my pictures and now I can redirect them to your video so they can learn :) Recently I've been chosing a new camera system to switch to. It's pity that Sony includes this feature only in this latest high-end model which is above my budget. So I chose another brand, as most of other camera manufacturers include this feature even in models with much lower price. So for beginners (like I was some time ago too) there are also other options with built-in focus bracketing. All that people need to do is to find a camera body with this feature and add some nice macro lens :)
@@PlanetFungi I'm located in Europe in Czech Republic, also visiting my homeland Slovakia from time to time. Mushrooms are very popular in both these countries.
@@d0nnerknispel64 I've been using Canon M6 mk II + 28mm f3.5 macro lens for the last couple of years and it was great - lightweight and performant. Ideal for long walks in forests. However, the Canon M system has no future and I didn't want to invest into it anymore. So I will be switching to Nikon Z5 soon.
Stunning, I will have to try the foil method. Like you I don't use any extra light, however I connect my pad to the camera and move the focus points around with the touch screen. Just waiting now for mushroom season to start here in Helsinki.
Yes it is a fabulous tripod for macro with its multi adjustable arm. It is a Gitzo now part of Manfrotto - sadly no longer made (for some time). We keep meaning to email them and let them know that it is the perfect configuration for fungi and macro photography. Steve doesn't know what he will do if and when it fails. There are a couple of cheaper varieties where there is a centre pole that adjusts like this in increments but not multi-adjustable. Newer has one ...N284+G0 (quite cheap but a little heavier) we haven't actually used it in the bush as yet. amzn.asia/d/3qKZHWz
photography techniques especially using labyrinthine camera interfaces can be so convolutedly esoteric.. and even though i'll probably never use this, i really appreciate the video haha thanks!
Do you have a video about how to do focus stacking/bracketing manually. My Sony A7R2 does not have automatic focus stacking. Your explanation here was so good, that I would love to see you explain how you used to do it manually. Thank you.
@@GrantSR we do have a Masterclass where Steve explains this and post production of focus stacking you can find it at planetfungi.gumroad.com/l/fungimasterclass
Thanks for the tips I don't use a big camera because I can't carry all that around but I can still use thoes tips when I'm taking photos with my phone Thanks
This fall I decided to devote time and attention exploring fungi in our forest. Searching YT for tutorials was disappointing; too inexperienced to be informative, or seeking results too theatrical or artificial for my taste. This morning I discovered your channel, actually rediscovered as it turns out. Apparently I had subscribed quite some time ago. I quickly converged on exactly the approach you demonstrate. In my case the highly articulated Benbo tripod supporting a Nikon D850 + Nikon 105mm macro. I use the “focus shift” feature of the D850. From tests ISO 400 appears to be the sweet spot for taking advantage of ISO invariance on the D850. I just ripped off a sheet of aluminum foil to take with me this morning. I will be back. So much to learn, just getting started.
Great, precise and to the point. Two questions. 1. What software do you use for post processing focus stacking. 2. I have Pentax k3 miii Monochrome. It does not have focus stacking in menu. In cameras without focus stacking, what are necessary steps to take. Thanks.
Thank you for the feedback. Stephen uses Helicon Focus for stitching the brackets together in post-production. We do have a tutorial for bracketing manually done a while ago now, you can stream it from this link - planetfungi.gumroad.com/l/fungimasterclass. This video also goes through the post-production process.
You're doing the true work Mr. Axford. I would like to hear you're opinion on Terrence Mckenna's theory that the mushroom is an alien. Thank you very much and many healthy years ahead!
Incredible work! Just as a side note. That number of images in the focus stack that you set is just the maximum. The camera should stop taking photos automatically once it gets to the end/infinity
Hey, cool video. Your shots are beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I use the same camera and lens as you. You might want to try iso 640, it's cleaner than iso 400 as it's where the second channel of the dual iso kicks in. You don't need the help, obviously as you images are awesome but someone shared this with me recently and it helped me, so I thought I'd pass it on. Cheers.
I'd heard that iso640 was somehow lower noise than ISO400, but I'd assumed that the difference was very small. Maybe it is sensible to use 640 instead of 400.. Is there a visible difference?
@@PlanetFungi There is, I notice it most when stacking astro. The higher the stack number, the more noise I see, so I thought it might apply here as well. I do not have as much experience stacking macro, the difference might be less. I use 640 as a default now if I'm anywhere close to it, since I learned about sony's dual iso gain.
Hi Stephen, amazing pictures! Could you please tell me if it’s possible to use the Sony A7 RV’s focus bracketing feature in manual focus? And could you please tell me what software you use to stack your images?
I’ve looked everywhere here in Edmonton Alberta Canada. Even one of our main camera shops have never heard of it. ? you wouldn’t happen to have a link would you?
I’ve also just found this app. We haven’t tried it but it does say it works for focus bracketing. It’s not free though … apps.apple.com/au/app/shutter-sony-camera-remote/id1459044148 and I’m not sure if cost.
I don't often do product videos but this one made a big difference for me. Sorry you didn't like it. Sony did not give me this camera though they have done so in the past.
@@PlanetFungi Me siento mal por haberlo ofendido, le pido perdón sinceramente. Es que cuando es grande y ve lo que ve, llega a desconfiar de todo,menos de Dios. Acepte por favor mis disculpas. Me gusta mucho lo que hace porque a su edad su vida tiene proyectos.
How lucky are we, that absolute masters take the time to share their methods, for free, here on YT. Your work is amazing, thanks!
You are not just a great photographer, you are a generous soul! Best wishes my friend.
I'm really impressed by the high quality results you get with such an apparently simple setup. No need for a focussing rail or flash, or even a battery-powered Stackshot for automation. I'll probably be too old to bend my weak knees before Sony upgrades the firmware of the a7R IV to include the focus bracketing drive mode of later models-surely it just requires a software update.
You can still advance the focuser with quick presses on the bluetooth remote. Crude, but works well enough with a tight aperture.
I think the update is never-coming. Install Focus Alpha on your phone and you are done today. PS: Thank you Steve for this video!
Thank you for sharing your pro tips and the why's behind them. Really makes me excited to save for a camera that lets me capture all my hikes!
You can also check for other brands where this feature is common also in lower-end camera bodies - for example Canon RP, R10, Nikon Z5, Z6, Panasonic S5 or various Olympus / OM-System cameras.
Thank you very much for sharing these wonderful tips! They are wonderful explained - Thanks a lot! Greetings from Germany!
Your work has opened my eyes to a whole new world and now using a 90mm macro and nikon z7ii ; I’m able to Focus Stack mushrooms
Thank you 🙏; i appreciate you and your expertise in the field
Brilliant - an excellent tutorial upon fungi stacking photography with a very simple explanation.
Great channel. Keep it up
This is easily one of my favorite channels!
Thanks for documenting all these experiences & beautiful fungi.🙏
Wonderfully explained. Since starting watching your videos, I have started spotting mushrooms as well which I normally would not have noticed.
Excellent work Steve, and very helpful.
I've been trying macro photography for a little while now, looking up videos and tips and tracks. This video was absolutely excellent and the pictures are so beautiful. I can't wait to find some fungi to try this myself. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise.
Glad I found this video as with us here in Scotland moving Into Autumn there should be mushrooms out there to photograph....but alas no old growth forest like you have in Tasmania.
Your photos are absolutely stunning!
Recently discovered this channel, and the production quality is worth being a documentary on TV!
Hello Stephen, thank you for sharing your know-how in this great video. My name is Lukas nad I am also a fungi photographer. I use almost the same technique as you and it's great to see there is a video like this one. People often ask me how I take my pictures and now I can redirect them to your video so they can learn :)
Recently I've been chosing a new camera system to switch to. It's pity that Sony includes this feature only in this latest high-end model which is above my budget. So I chose another brand, as most of other camera manufacturers include this feature even in models with much lower price. So for beginners (like I was some time ago too) there are also other options with built-in focus bracketing. All that people need to do is to find a camera body with this feature and add some nice macro lens :)
So, which is the cheaper alternative you use?
Great to hear that you use basically the same method. Where are you located?
@@PlanetFungi Czech Republic (fourteen seconds into his last video!)
@@PlanetFungi I'm located in Europe in Czech Republic, also visiting my homeland Slovakia from time to time. Mushrooms are very popular in both these countries.
@@d0nnerknispel64 I've been using Canon M6 mk II + 28mm f3.5 macro lens for the last couple of years and it was great - lightweight and performant. Ideal for long walks in forests. However, the Canon M system has no future and I didn't want to invest into it anymore. So I will be switching to Nikon Z5 soon.
What amazing video. I enjoyed a lot.
Incredible!
Stunning, I will have to try the foil method. Like you I don't use any extra light, however I connect my pad to the camera and move the focus points around with the touch screen.
Just waiting now for mushroom season to start here in Helsinki.
WOW! AWESOME PICTURES
So beautiful, just starting with macro. Was curious about the tripod?
Yes it is a fabulous tripod for macro with its multi adjustable arm. It is a Gitzo now part of Manfrotto - sadly no longer made (for some time). We keep meaning to email them and let them know that it is the perfect configuration for fungi and macro photography. Steve doesn't know what he will do if and when it fails. There are a couple of cheaper varieties where there is a centre pole that adjusts like this in increments but not multi-adjustable. Newer has one ...N284+G0 (quite cheap but a little heavier) we haven't actually used it in the bush as yet. amzn.asia/d/3qKZHWz
@@PlanetFungiyes i been using that one, just re watched the arm centre pole technic and hadnt tried it that way. super helpful thank you
I love the details no so easy to appreciate until getting in close
photography techniques especially using labyrinthine camera interfaces can be so convolutedly esoteric.. and even though i'll probably never use this, i really appreciate the video haha thanks!
Awesome work!
Do you have a video about how to do focus stacking/bracketing manually. My Sony A7R2 does not have automatic focus stacking.
Your explanation here was so good, that I would love to see you explain how you used to do it manually.
Thank you.
@@GrantSR we do have a Masterclass where Steve explains this and post production of focus stacking you can find it at planetfungi.gumroad.com/l/fungimasterclass
I love that this guy is using a really expensive camera and Len’s yet lights mushrooms up with a bit of tinfoil. Brillaint idea!
Wow so brilliant! I’m just starting my mushroom photography for this fall!
Wow, wonderful video! Thank you for the amazing details and information shared! Hope the best for you.
Thanks for the tips
I don't use a big camera because I can't carry all that around but I can still use thoes tips when I'm taking photos with my phone
Thanks
The Masterclass (link under video) has some great general tips appropriate for phone cameras too.
No questions because you explained perfectly..
This fall I decided to devote time and attention exploring fungi in our forest. Searching YT for tutorials was disappointing; too inexperienced to be informative, or seeking results too theatrical or artificial for my taste. This morning I discovered your channel, actually rediscovered as it turns out. Apparently I had subscribed quite some time ago. I quickly converged on exactly the approach you demonstrate. In my case the highly articulated Benbo tripod supporting a Nikon D850 + Nikon 105mm macro. I use the “focus shift” feature of the D850. From tests ISO 400 appears to be the sweet spot for taking advantage of ISO invariance on the D850. I just ripped off a sheet of aluminum foil to take with me this morning. I will be back. So much to learn, just getting started.
Great, precise and to the point. Two questions. 1. What software do you use for post processing focus stacking. 2. I have Pentax k3 miii Monochrome. It does not have focus stacking in menu. In cameras without focus stacking, what are necessary steps to take. Thanks.
Thank you for the feedback. Stephen uses Helicon Focus for stitching the brackets together in post-production. We do have a tutorial for bracketing manually done a while ago now, you can stream it from this link - planetfungi.gumroad.com/l/fungimasterclass. This video also goes through the post-production process.
You're doing the true work Mr. Axford. I would like to hear you're opinion on Terrence Mckenna's theory that the mushroom is an alien. Thank you very much and many healthy years ahead!
So glad I found this video, thank you Stephen. Does the Sony A7R5 combine the photo stack in camera or do you need to do that post production?
Wow the quality of your work is very good, some of the shots looked like a scene from avatar... that's a compliment by the way.
Incredible work! Just as a side note. That number of images in the focus stack that you set is just the maximum. The camera should stop taking photos automatically once it gets to the end/infinity
Where can I buy his pictures? A poster with a compilation of multible pics would be awesome!
Vinyl wrap for a wall... 🤔
I don't often sell individual photos but if you email me at stephen.axford@gmail.com I could sell you a full res jpeg
Thank you for sharing! Superb shots :)
Such clear instructions, thank you!
Hey, cool video. Your shots are beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I use the same camera and lens as you. You might want to try iso 640, it's cleaner than iso 400 as it's where the second channel of the dual iso kicks in. You don't need the help, obviously as you images are awesome but someone shared this with me recently and it helped me, so I thought I'd pass it on. Cheers.
I'd heard that iso640 was somehow lower noise than ISO400, but I'd assumed that the difference was very small. Maybe it is sensible to use 640 instead of 400.. Is there a visible difference?
@@PlanetFungi There is, I notice it most when stacking astro. The higher the stack number, the more noise I see, so I thought it might apply here as well. I do not have as much experience stacking macro, the difference might be less. I use 640 as a default now if I'm anywhere close to it, since I learned about sony's dual iso gain.
Thanks for this wonderful video, ut us well explained. May i ask which shutter release remote your using? I need to get one as well. Thanks
Hi Stephen, amazing pictures! Could you please tell me if it’s possible to use the Sony A7 RV’s focus bracketing feature in manual focus? And could you please tell me what software you use to stack your images?
It is not possible to use the focus staking when using manual focus. I use Helicon Focus for post processing
😎thank you
Love the video and your photographs ...but...are you producing the final image using focus stacking software like Helicon for example?
Yes I use helicon focus
Can you use electronic shutter for this macro shot.
@@jezmink yes
I have an A7r V, too. What remote do you use? Thank you.
Sony RMT-P1BT Remote Commander
Thank you very much! @@PlanetFungi
amazing❤❤❤
What focus stacking software from Sony are we talking about here? I didn't realise that Sony included software for the A7RV.
So Beautiful Always ❤❤❤
would using a lightfield camera allow you to capture everything in focus?
I assume so, but at the cost of resolution. There's no real product , so maybe wait for 30 years or more
What is the name of the remote you used? Thank you for your tutorial 🇨🇦🥃
@@canadianbear6009 it is a Sony remote designed for the Sony a7r5
I’ve looked everywhere here in Edmonton Alberta Canada. Even one of our main camera shops have never heard of it. ? you wouldn’t happen to have a link would you?
@@canadianbear6009 here you go www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1832642-REG/sony_rmtp1bt_1_wireless_remote_commander.html
I’ve also just found this app. We haven’t tried it but it does say it works for focus bracketing. It’s not free though … apps.apple.com/au/app/shutter-sony-camera-remote/id1459044148 and I’m not sure if cost.
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your day to help me. Very much appreciated. 🥃
Excellent 👍
This looks more like focus bracketing in the field, with the focus stacking still taking place back at home, correct? The title is confusing me a bit.
what focus stacking software do you use?
Helicon Focis
Which is the software your using to stack the images
Helicon focus
Top job. I like the idea of carrying the tin foil. I'm going to pinch that idea - thanks.
❤❤❤
Relying upon Natural light and Folded up piece of Aluminium foil.
Thanks.
I want your life!
Steven seems like he might've taken some shrooms a time or two.
Thanks for the tips mate
Not for a long time, but I do have Parkinson's, so that may explain it 🙂
Creí que iba a ver algo de los hongos y no una propaganda de una super cámara que vale una fortuna. Se la regalaron a este a cambio de la publicidad.
I don't often do product videos but this one made a big difference for me. Sorry you didn't like it. Sony did not give me this camera though they have done so in the past.
@@PlanetFungi Bueno, gracias por aclararmelo. Le creo. Esta bien. Todo en orden.
@@PlanetFungi Me siento mal por haberlo ofendido, le pido perdón sinceramente. Es que cuando es grande y ve lo que ve, llega a desconfiar de todo,menos de Dios. Acepte por favor mis disculpas. Me gusta mucho lo que hace porque a su edad su vida tiene proyectos.