I was shooting Sony for years, and also got myself an Olympus a couple of months ago. Falling deeper and deeper in love! The focus bracketing is the killer feature for me.
I got a Canon with focus bracketing (I was already a Canon shooter). But I found that the focus bracketing is only available with the camera using its electronic shutter . . . which I wouldn't mind EXCEPT that the camera won't use a flash with the electronic shutter. So I watch you Olympus shooters with envy. I don't know what Canon was thinking, making the focus bracketing and flash mutually exclusive. Canon EOS R8.
Just sold my Sony system and moved to Olympus as i do more macro than anything else. Only just got it and playing with the different bracketing/stacking settings. The features are well suited to macro as you pointed out, and the weight difference is a nice bonus. Keep up the great content👍🏻
Just subscribed. Your videos are calm, informed and good sense of humour. I’ve shot canon for about 20 years now. The 5DsR is super crisp and 50mp full frame. I also have a R5C mirrorless 45mp full frame. They both have the ability to do tighter crops in camera so that turns the 100mm macro into something much more zoomed in. THT are all much heavier pieces of equipment thought and camera shake is real. Love your photos. Will check out Olympus. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I highly recommend MPB as well. They’re quality 2nd hand equipment.
I was about to buy a Olympus but i got a great deal for a brandnew Canon eos R two years ago and i love it. (i rather took fullframe than mft for a few reasons) No IBIS or fancy stuff, but since im fully manual without autofocus anyway, it doesnt matter. The size of the normal eos R is just perfect for macro. Feels like 60% of the 80d and its the same weight as your olympus omdem1 mk2
It is incredible how many photography enthusiasts of any type, in this case macro, believe that by buying the equipment that someone used to obtain good photographs they will obtain similar results. Understand that good photographs are obtained more with good technique and talent than with good and expensive equipment.
Thanks for the tip. I haven't assigned it to anything yet but I saw someone else assign it to change the magnification on the lens. So I might do that as it is always a pain to switch magnification.
Fascinating, I was in the camera shop two days ago checking out a similar set up - mainly to get the auto focus stacking ability. Currently I use Sony, but their lack of focus stacking for my body is a real downer, requiring extra care taking hand-held focus stacks. Interestingly, the shop recommended that I buy 2nd hand rather than spend money on the latest version of the OM camera. Thanks for discussing the advantages you've found with the switch over.
If you do end up switching, I'd recommend getting the omd emd mkii rather than the mkiii as there is little difference for the price. I bought a second hand mkii and the sensor is perfectly fine. Only bad thing is that the grip is peeling a little.
Why not stack the raws inside Helicon Focus or just Photoshop? Photoshop alone does a REALLY great job, if the quality of your input is ok enough, which im guessing it is :) You can also always change stuff, on the computer, in big.
@@xcruell I do use Zerene to focus stack, I don't want the camera to combine the photos at all - I just want it to automatically advance the focus in small incremental steps so I get a series of photos ready to be stacked in Zerene - or photoshop or Helicon depending on peoples preferences.
Just bought a OMD EM1 mk1 and loving it, one of the nicest cameras I’ve ever owned. I too discovered it does focus bracketing and stacking, think it was added in firmware 4.0 which is very impressive.
Similar thoughts led me to the Nikon Z FC. Combining that with a 65mm Laowa 2:1 macro and a DCR-250 gives me a very versatile light weight set up for nearly all use cases
Thanks - I’ve wondered why so many macro photographers use Olympus. I use a Canon R5 now (birds are my main subjects) which is light for a full frame camera and does have focus bracketing. Alas it won’t engage the flash in this mode so it’s fine for plants but useless for invertebrates 😠
Come on Canon! Make flash work with focus bracketing . . . either make focus bracketing optionally use mechanical or first curtain electronic shutter, or let the camera use flash with electronic shutter. This should be a firmware upgrade. Canon EOS R8, and others.
I'm on the same way. After Canon aps-c, I used Canon full frame body, with the same favourite lenses (MP-E 65mm and 100 mm) It was a huge dissappointment. Lower macro reach, but the same heavy gear. I gave a try, so 80D came in the game, again aps-c. It's good, but heavy as a tank. I tried the E-M5 III with the Zuiko 60mm, and just changed my mind about field macro photography. It's a very lightweight setup, with much lower need of flash power. Of course, I'm bit hesitating. Finding a mirrorless aps-c, or give a try to MFT (E-M5 III was a short test only). With Laowa 2:1 lenses, both way makes a sense.
I must say I am enjoying your presentations on macro photography. I was looking for a diffuser for my OMS (Olympus) OM1 + 90mm f3.5 macro lens and decided on Kev Russell's KR90. It comes in two versions, one for the Meike 320P mini speedlite, which I have, and the Godox 350 series. It is even smaller in profile to the Cygnustech you are using. I am really impressed with it. £65 including P&P from Australia. If I have my MC20 attached to my 90mm, I use my Olympus STF-8 twin flash. The greater shooting distance tends to soften the light, which can sometimes be a little harsh. For large, skittish insects, such as dragonflies/damselflies and butterflies, I use my second OM1 + 300mm f4 +/- MC20/MC14 with my Olympus FL900R + Magmod Magnifier. This bit of kit is especially good when using high shutter speeds (1/1000 - 1/5000) and high speed sync. I empathise with the skinny arms, one of the reasons I love OMS/Olympus.
Thank you! I just had a look at his diffuser Facebook page, and the results seems very good for the price. Yeah, Olympus is great for people with skinny arms 😂
@@cygnusbass. I looked at your diffuser and the AK. I chose the KR90 and always explain why. I have made no criticism of your product. Strangely, the producer of the AK has made no comment. It's almost as if you have to defend your product. I'm sure it's very good: so why do you feel the need to try and censor comments relating to an alternative product on a third party channel? If I were looking for a specific bit of kit and someone suggested an alternative, I would welcome it. I take it you have never recommended anything to anyone.
Great videos Jamie. I have been enjoying watching them. Can I ask please, how many shots can the Godox 350 fire off before it needs to recharge?. And at what power setting? You mentioned 50 in your video. Was that with flash? Thanks.
I've been looking at Olympus as a replacement for my Canon 6D. I love the 6D, but its so freaking heavy with the 100mm and flash. Have to do some in depth comparisons.. initially eyeing up the OM System 5.
I got a diffuser in Vietnam last year (Ngoc Macro Diffuser) and he sold me a Canon 1DX MKii which I have been using for a year .....thanks for the video .....
being able to shoot with a flash with live view on the screen is so important to me. i have arachnophobia but i also think spiders are interesting and they're usually the most interesting kind of bug i find while i'm out. i like being able to hold my camera out away from me to get a picture without having to get my face and body so close to a spider like i would have to do if i had to shoot through the viewfinder. i probably would rarely take pictures of spiders if i had to do it like that.
Great video Jamie, thank you. I've also recently switched from Canon to Olympus, and my setup is almost identical to yours. I assume you've had to put some sort of step up ring to the tiny 60mm macro to attach the Cygnustech diffuser? I have the diffuser that I used with my Canon gear, but I think I may have to purchase the smaller version to accommodate the 60mm. Did Brendan recommend the smaller diffuser for the Olympus setup?
I'm glad you like the video! When I got my new setup, I sellotaped my Canon cygnustech diffuser to my Olympus setup while I waited for my new diffuser. The new diffuser is a lot better. It fits perfectly and keeps a lot more light in. If you get a new one, he'll optimise it for your setup and give you a step up ring like you see on my 60mm lens. My old one was too small as he was pretty early into his diffusion making at the time. But he is a lot better at making diffusers now.
Hi Jamie: I had an almost identical Canon set up as you (with a brand new Cygnatech diffuser). Your awesome UA-cam content inspired me to pickup an Olympus outfit just like yours...but now I need to contact Brendan for a different diffuser? How did you rig the RAYNOX 250 to your 60mm lens? Step up/down ring ? Please don't abandon this Olympus gear (for a while anyway) I can't afford to buy another whole new kit 🤑 Also, I noticed that your gear list shows a UHS-1 SD card...did you know that the OM-D EM-1 ii has a slot for UHS-II ? Use (only) in slot #1 ....much faster write speeds!
That's awesome! I use a 46mm to 58mm step up ring but Cygnustech includes them when you buy a diffuser I'm pretty sure. I recently bought a UHS-II card but I haven't noticed a massive difference. Even with a UHS-1 card, my camera never really buffered.
Good evening Jamie. I am new to macro photography and I think I’m hooked. I have been using my Canon R6 and 100mm macro lens. Varying results. Your Olympus setup looks brilliant. I notice that there is a mk III OM-D E-M1 available which is also slightly cheaper. Was there any particular reason you opted for the mk II? Loving your videos. Keep up the great work.
You don't get more DOF with smaller sensors. It just looks that way because your working distance is farther for the same focal length. DOF is just a factor of focus distance, focal length and aperture, nothing to do with sensor size. Interesting video though, the OMD kit is certainly popular at the moment.
So you bought your new Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II through Mpb.. I guess you bought it as excellent quality and it's lasted over a year as that's how long you say you've had it. Did it feel at all used much when you initially started shooting with it? It's just under £500 so great value!
I think I actually bought it in good condition. It works perfectly fine. The only sign of it's condition is wear and tear on parts of the body such as the grip peeling slightly. But MPB usually states any specific problems with the gear in the condition description
Jamie, I'm about to purchase a Canon R10 which I believe will not focus stack when used in manual focus, only auto-focus. Are you able to focus stack in manual mode with your Olympus? Thank you!
I am sure that the camera needs an auto focusing lens and it should be in auto focus. The camera's computer calculates the focusing distances and automatically focuses the lens to those distances and takes a photograph at every distance.
Hey quick question - I was looking at the specs for the Raynox lens and it shows it only fits 52mm+ lenses, and the 60mm f2.8 macro has a 46mm thread - does it still fit well for you? I have a OM-5 and the 60mm 2.8 macro and would loooove to get some super close-ups of some of the invertebrates I keep but was held off by the specs of the Raynox. Do you use an adapter maybe?
Personally I've adopted a m4/3 system as my street system, partially so I can save my FF system for more important things such as landscape and travel photography (and considering I bought a 10 year old m4/3 camera cheap I'm not worried about it getting destroyed, which is one reason I always hated using my FF systems for street photography). Not to mention with genres like street photography, you aren't usually obsessed with things like dynamic range or absolutely perfect noise-free images, but rather capturing a moment as it is, or as Jay Maisel might say: "i'm more worried about the picture quality than the pixel quality" (meaning he doesn't care about that much about things like noise or abosolute sharpness, but is more concerned with capturing the moment and minimizing missing shots because you are too obsessed with gear and "pixel quality").
I have to agree that a smaller system you are not worried about damaging or losing is better for street. I shoot on a full frame Canon with a big lens and I feel like I am sticking out because of my setup. I also fear getting my equipment robbed. But I don't shoot a whole lot of street so I haven't invested in a smaller camera for it.
Sadly its only for older canon cameras and not being actively developed since a few years.. I would try it on my eos R if a stable build is eventually released. But honestly, i don't even know what features i need/want. Im pretty happy
Hi Jamie I've just bought the same setup and I'm a canon shooter but wanted the stacking with flash etc. Can you please share your settings as I'm struggling to set it up. My equipment is the same as yours but have the Godox V1 because i couldn't get the 350. Any assistance would really be appreciated.
Set the flash to manual and change the power depending on the scene. Camera settings, I typically use 1/250, f/7.1 and ISO 200. And I have a bracketing mode set to C1, C2 and C3 on my mode dial. For bracketing, I set my number of shots to maximum and control how many shots my camera takes by pressing the shutter button again to stop the auto bracketing.
@petertown9467 I am a Fujifilm shooter and use the X-S20 that is a light camera. I am planning on getting the Laowa 65mm macro lens that only weighs 335g, it is a manual lens. When it comes to the flash, I am torn between the V350 and the V1. The V350 is lighter, but am unsure about the power whereas the V1 has everything I need but it heavy and there may be problems getting a diffuser to fit that combination of flash and lens because the flash is big and the lens is short. How do you find using the V1, is it difficult to carry around? If the V350 would be suitable I could have a lightweight system that would weigh around 1kg and if I needed more power from a flash I could always use the V1 but limit its use to short walks.
@@catherinegrimes2308 I would buy the V350 because it lighter and better to use hand held. I don’t use my V1 now for any outdoor work as the V350 is enough for all my macro work.
@@petertown9467 Thank you Peter for your advice. I was gradually coming around to getting the V350 after doing quite a bit of research and you have confirmed my thoughts.
2:27 My A9ii + battery grip & batts + Laowa 90mm + Godox V1 Pro weighs 3kg! 😂 No wonder my shots are all blurry. I could maybe lop half a kg off that by removing the grip & one batt (don't really need them for macro).
I have a Sony FF as well, but I use it for when I need fast glass on a large sensor. My OM-1 MK II is used for macro, sports, etc. (Yes, the A9ii is better for sports due to noise and faster lenses, but it gets the job done with a smaller and much, much cheaper setup.) It's all tools for a job; just pick whatever makes sense.
@@JamieSpensley thanks, but my problems lies within the settings i guess. I cant get my flash to fire when in bracketing mode. Do you mind sharing your config file for E-M1 MK2? It should'nt contain any personal data - shoud it?
@@JamieSpensley I can't change it. Turned my settings to default and started over again with my settings. Even googling doesn't give me answers how to use mechanical shutter + bracketing + flash. I am on the current Firmware (3.7). The only downside of an Oly-Cam - those menues :)
To save money buy third party batteries. I know they have a poor reputation, but it is because the manufacturers charger software will recognise they are an independent make and under charge them. When you buy, say, a well known rabbit endorsed AA battery and then compare it to a budget option, the weight is much lower than the quality product, because there is less chargable matter in the budget part. If you look at the specs of third party batteries and compare them to the original, there is not much difference and they can even be heavier. I tried this out on the Olympus (1st one I tried), and then on the Panasonic and Pentax devices I owned. I charged an independent battery on the official charger until it reported charging had been completed. I then put it on the independent charger which came with the batteries, the battery started to charge again and went on for at least another hour. At both times I checked the voltages and that had gone up significantly too. I now only use independent chargers for my cameras and the makers one stays in the box.
I have bought third party batteries for my canon cameras and charge them using the official canon charger. They work perfectly fine. However, with Olympus, the third party ones were pretty much the same price as the real batteries as used. I got my battery today and it works perfectly fine
One option is to prefocus or zone focus those old lenses in Manual. (Remember to set Photometry to Manual also): Focus distance 5-6', F8 (clear day) or maybe F6.4 or F7 (cloudy/overcast), and shutter speed 250 for walkers, ss500 for cyclists. Just leave it and make sure you are about 3' away from the subjects. Skip the focusing and just shoot. Throw it in black and white (Fine + Raw to keep a color backup) and snap away like they did in the 50's and 60's. I just did this in Tokyo a few days ago and got one of my best shots ever!
No. Smaller sensor with the same lens gives you more magnification. Thats the reason you use a M4/3 camera for macro or APS-C for astrophotography, because the sensor sizes does matter. Using the same lens on a fullframe and on a aps-c gives you two different focal lenghts. eg. a 100mm FF lens isn't the same as a 100mm APS-C lens.
The smaller sensor doesn’t increase magnification but it does produce a bigger image on the smaller sensor, which isn’t the same thing. Two 20 megapixel cameras, one full frame one 4/3’s, shoot a 1cm object and the image would be bigger on the 4/3 camera, and to get them looking the same on the full frame image, you’d have to crop it and lose a lot of resolution. Same with focal length, they are exact he same on both cameras, just on the 4/3 one you get a cropped version of what the lens can see, giving the impression of a longer focal length.
Sony is leading the af game. Olympus can't t focus to save their life so they came up with this feature focus bracketing hoping that somehow what you want will be eventually in focus rofl
What an expensive hobby. Jk obviously this is a job. But how does one get into this field? Just save up for expensive equipment, take pictures of random stuff, then what? Find companies who will hire you for photography?
I was shooting Sony for years, and also got myself an Olympus a couple of months ago. Falling deeper and deeper in love! The focus bracketing is the killer feature for me.
It feels like a crime to switch camera brands after shooting with one for so long 😂
I got a Canon with focus bracketing (I was already a Canon shooter). But I found that the focus bracketing is only available with the camera using its electronic shutter . . . which I wouldn't mind EXCEPT that the camera won't use a flash with the electronic shutter.
So I watch you Olympus shooters with envy. I don't know what Canon was thinking, making the focus bracketing and flash mutually exclusive. Canon EOS R8.
Just sold my Sony system and moved to Olympus as i do more macro than anything else. Only just got it and playing with the different bracketing/stacking settings. The features are well suited to macro as you pointed out, and the weight difference is a nice bonus. Keep up the great content👍🏻
Thank you! The bracketing mode makes it so much easier to shoot macro. I don't think I'll be going back to Canon, for macro at least
Just subscribed. Your videos are calm, informed and good sense of humour. I’ve shot canon for about 20 years now. The 5DsR is super crisp and 50mp full frame. I also have a R5C mirrorless 45mp full frame. They both have the ability to do tighter crops in camera so that turns the 100mm macro into something much more zoomed in. THT are all much heavier pieces of equipment thought and camera shake is real. Love your photos. Will check out Olympus. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I highly recommend MPB as well. They’re quality 2nd hand equipment.
I was about to buy a Olympus but i got a great deal for a brandnew Canon eos R two years ago and i love it. (i rather took fullframe than mft for a few reasons)
No IBIS or fancy stuff, but since im fully manual without autofocus anyway, it doesnt matter.
The size of the normal eos R is just perfect for macro. Feels like 60% of the 80d and its the same weight as your olympus omdem1 mk2
It is incredible how many photography enthusiasts of any type, in this case macro, believe that by buying the equipment that someone used to obtain good photographs they will obtain similar results. Understand that good photographs are obtained more with good technique and talent than with good and expensive equipment.
Focus stacking is very good now in live even if I choose to stay with an MPE-65 and Canon sometimes...
A tip:
You can define a function button to toggle between focus bracketing or not.
Really handy as you don't need to go through the menus.
Thanks for the tip. I haven't assigned it to anything yet but I saw someone else assign it to change the magnification on the lens. So I might do that as it is always a pain to switch magnification.
I'm doing the same as soon as I get the money saved!! so many photographers are producing even more exceptional macro with the Olympus
It is definitely worth the money! Makes macro a whole lot easier
Fascinating, I was in the camera shop two days ago checking out a similar set up - mainly to get the auto focus stacking ability. Currently I use Sony, but their lack of focus stacking for my body is a real downer, requiring extra care taking hand-held focus stacks. Interestingly, the shop recommended that I buy 2nd hand rather than spend money on the latest version of the OM camera. Thanks for discussing the advantages you've found with the switch over.
If you do end up switching, I'd recommend getting the omd emd mkii rather than the mkiii as there is little difference for the price. I bought a second hand mkii and the sensor is perfectly fine. Only bad thing is that the grip is peeling a little.
@@JamieSpensley Thanks for this, you've verified what I thought was likely to be the case. I've got a watch on a 2nd hand one at the moment. 🙂
Why not stack the raws inside Helicon Focus or just Photoshop?
Photoshop alone does a REALLY great job, if the quality of your input is ok enough, which im guessing it is :)
You can also always change stuff, on the computer, in big.
@@xcruell I do use Zerene to focus stack, I don't want the camera to combine the photos at all - I just want it to automatically advance the focus in small incremental steps so I get a series of photos ready to be stacked in Zerene - or photoshop or Helicon depending on peoples preferences.
Just bought a OMD EM1 mk1 and loving it, one of the nicest cameras I’ve ever owned. I too discovered it does focus bracketing and stacking, think it was added in firmware 4.0 which is very impressive.
Similar thoughts led me to the Nikon Z FC. Combining that with a 65mm Laowa 2:1 macro and a DCR-250 gives me a very versatile light weight set up for nearly all use cases
That's a nice setup 👌
Thanks - I’ve wondered why so many macro photographers use Olympus. I use a Canon R5 now (birds are my main subjects) which is light for a full frame camera and does have focus bracketing. Alas it won’t engage the flash in this mode so it’s fine for plants but useless for invertebrates 😠
My point entirely. Come on Canon it's not hard. I too have R5 and really miss the Flash Bracketing feature of Olympus cameras for Macro Photography
I would love canon to have the same feature. Stacks with flash would look so good on my canon EOS R. And even better on your canon R5!
Come on Canon! Make flash work with focus bracketing . . . either make focus bracketing optionally use mechanical or first curtain electronic shutter, or let the camera use flash with electronic shutter.
This should be a firmware upgrade. Canon EOS R8, and others.
I also used to shoot Canon, but loving the Olympus system also.Keep up the great work on the videos, Jamie!
It's an awesome system for macro. Thank you!
I'm on the same way. After Canon aps-c, I used Canon full frame body, with the same favourite lenses (MP-E 65mm and 100 mm) It was a huge dissappointment. Lower macro reach, but the same heavy gear. I gave a try, so 80D came in the game, again aps-c. It's good, but heavy as a tank. I tried the E-M5 III with the Zuiko 60mm, and just changed my mind about field macro photography. It's a very lightweight setup, with much lower need of flash power. Of course, I'm bit hesitating. Finding a mirrorless aps-c, or give a try to MFT (E-M5 III was a short test only). With Laowa 2:1 lenses, both way makes a sense.
I must say I am enjoying your presentations on macro photography. I was looking for a diffuser for my OMS (Olympus) OM1 + 90mm f3.5 macro lens and decided on Kev Russell's KR90. It comes in two versions, one for the Meike 320P mini speedlite, which I have, and the Godox 350 series. It is even smaller in profile to the Cygnustech you are using. I am really impressed with it. £65 including P&P from Australia. If I have my MC20 attached to my 90mm, I use my Olympus STF-8 twin flash. The greater shooting distance tends to soften the light, which can sometimes be a little harsh. For large, skittish insects, such as dragonflies/damselflies and butterflies, I use my second OM1 + 300mm f4 +/- MC20/MC14 with my Olympus FL900R + Magmod Magnifier. This bit of kit is especially good when using high shutter speeds (1/1000 - 1/5000) and high speed sync. I empathise with the skinny arms, one of the reasons I love OMS/Olympus.
Thank you! I just had a look at his diffuser Facebook page, and the results seems very good for the price. Yeah, Olympus is great for people with skinny arms 😂
Very interesting how your write this comment on every single video that shows my diffuser ;)
@@cygnusbass. I looked at your diffuser and the AK. I chose the KR90 and always explain why. I have made no criticism of your product. Strangely, the producer of the AK has made no comment. It's almost as if you have to defend your product. I'm sure it's very good: so why do you feel the need to try and censor comments relating to an alternative product on a third party channel? If I were looking for a specific bit of kit and someone suggested an alternative, I would welcome it. I take it you have never recommended anything to anyone.
Great videos Jamie. I have been enjoying watching them. Can I ask please, how many shots can the Godox 350 fire off before it needs to recharge?. And at what power setting? You mentioned 50 in your video. Was that with flash? Thanks.
Thanks! I can fire 50+ with flash if I'm using 1/32 to 1/128. But any lower, it usually misses a few shots but still keeps up nicely.
I've been looking at Olympus as a replacement for my Canon 6D. I love the 6D, but its so freaking heavy with the 100mm and flash. Have to do some in depth comparisons.. initially eyeing up the OM System 5.
If weight is the problem, Olympus is amazing for weight! But you will be missing out on the detail and dynamic range of full frame.
I got a diffuser in Vietnam last year (Ngoc Macro Diffuser) and he sold me a Canon 1DX MKii which I have been using for a year .....thanks for the video .....
being able to shoot with a flash with live view on the screen is so important to me. i have arachnophobia but i also think spiders are interesting and they're usually the most interesting kind of bug i find while i'm out. i like being able to hold my camera out away from me to get a picture without having to get my face and body so close to a spider like i would have to do if i had to shoot through the viewfinder. i probably would rarely take pictures of spiders if i had to do it like that.
I'm scared of spiders too. I saw this massive one in Greece a couple years ago and I was so scared to get a photo of it, I asked my dad to try 😂
I love spiders. When I was at the junior school, I wrote an article saying that people should be nice to spiders.
Great video Jamie, thank you. I've also recently switched from Canon to Olympus, and my setup is almost identical to yours. I assume you've had to put some sort of step up ring to the tiny 60mm macro to attach the Cygnustech diffuser? I have the diffuser that I used with my Canon gear, but I think I may have to purchase the smaller version to accommodate the 60mm. Did Brendan recommend the smaller diffuser for the Olympus setup?
I'm glad you like the video! When I got my new setup, I sellotaped my Canon cygnustech diffuser to my Olympus setup while I waited for my new diffuser. The new diffuser is a lot better. It fits perfectly and keeps a lot more light in. If you get a new one, he'll optimise it for your setup and give you a step up ring like you see on my 60mm lens. My old one was too small as he was pretty early into his diffusion making at the time. But he is a lot better at making diffusers now.
Hi Jamie: I had an almost identical Canon set up as you (with a brand new Cygnatech diffuser). Your awesome UA-cam content inspired me to pickup an Olympus outfit just like yours...but now I need to contact Brendan for a different diffuser? How did you rig the RAYNOX 250 to your 60mm lens? Step up/down ring ? Please don't abandon this Olympus gear (for a while anyway) I can't afford to buy another whole new kit 🤑 Also, I noticed that your gear list shows a UHS-1 SD card...did you know that the OM-D EM-1 ii has a slot for UHS-II ? Use (only) in slot #1 ....much faster write speeds!
That's awesome! I use a 46mm to 58mm step up ring but Cygnustech includes them when you buy a diffuser I'm pretty sure. I recently bought a UHS-II card but I haven't noticed a massive difference. Even with a UHS-1 card, my camera never really buffered.
Good evening Jamie. I am new to macro photography and I think I’m hooked. I have been using my Canon R6 and 100mm macro lens. Varying results. Your Olympus setup looks brilliant. I notice that there is a mk III OM-D E-M1 available which is also slightly cheaper. Was there any particular reason you opted for the mk II? Loving your videos. Keep up the great work.
You don't get more DOF with smaller sensors. It just looks that way because your working distance is farther for the same focal length.
DOF is just a factor of focus distance, focal length and aperture, nothing to do with sensor size.
Interesting video though, the OMD kit is certainly popular at the moment.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is great. But i already have canon objectives and would know how good the canon r7 is vs om1 mk1 for macro?
So you bought your new Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II through Mpb.. I guess you bought it as excellent quality and it's lasted over a year as that's how long you say you've had it. Did it feel at all used much when you initially started shooting with it? It's just under £500 so great value!
I think I actually bought it in good condition. It works perfectly fine. The only sign of it's condition is wear and tear on parts of the body such as the grip peeling slightly. But MPB usually states any specific problems with the gear in the condition description
Definitely you should try OM-1, brand new generation of cameras from OM system. Anyway, I have OM-D EM-1 III also and it is good camera as well.
I don't see the point of upgrading tbh, my omd em1 mkii does everything I want. But if they sent me a camera I wouldn't complain 😂
Love all this
Hi Jamie great content, could you please leave a link were you can buy the diffuser 👍
Thanks! Cygnustech makes them. I've just added a link in the video description.
Jamie, I'm about to purchase a Canon R10 which I believe will not focus stack when used in manual focus, only auto-focus.
Are you able to focus stack in manual mode with your Olympus?
Thank you!
I am sure that the camera needs an auto focusing lens and it should be in auto focus. The camera's computer calculates the focusing distances and automatically focuses the lens to those distances and takes a photograph at every distance.
Hi Jamie, I have the Canon 100mm Macro lens, it is quite heavy, but did you ever try a ringflash?
Never tried one as I'm not a fan of the results a ring flash gives. But I imagine it makes it lighter than using a flash
Hi Jamie, would you still recommend this camera or save a bit more money and get the mk3 version?
There is barely any difference between them when it comes to macro so I'd recommend the mk ii. You can get one cheap on mpb
@@JamieSpensley thank you. Will order the mk2
Hey quick question - I was looking at the specs for the Raynox lens and it shows it only fits 52mm+ lenses, and the 60mm f2.8 macro has a 46mm thread - does it still fit well for you? I have a OM-5 and the 60mm 2.8 macro and would loooove to get some super close-ups of some of the invertebrates I keep but was held off by the specs of the Raynox.
Do you use an adapter maybe?
You will need a step up ring adapter. I use a 46mm to 58mm step up ring on my 60mm lens.
@@JamieSpensley Awesome! Thank you so much for that!!
Personally I've adopted a m4/3 system as my street system, partially so I can save my FF system for more important things such as landscape and travel photography (and considering I bought a 10 year old m4/3 camera cheap I'm not worried about it getting destroyed, which is one reason I always hated using my FF systems for street photography). Not to mention with genres like street photography, you aren't usually obsessed with things like dynamic range or absolutely perfect noise-free images, but rather capturing a moment as it is, or as Jay Maisel might say: "i'm more worried about the picture quality than the pixel quality" (meaning he doesn't care about that much about things like noise or abosolute sharpness, but is more concerned with capturing the moment and minimizing missing shots because you are too obsessed with gear and "pixel quality").
I have to agree that a smaller system you are not worried about damaging or losing is better for street. I shoot on a full frame Canon with a big lens and I feel like I am sticking out because of my setup. I also fear getting my equipment robbed. But I don't shoot a whole lot of street so I haven't invested in a smaller camera for it.
We had practically the same old gear and now identical new gear haha, i even got all my olympus stuff on MPB lol
Lol
I have Canon and I give it a thumbs up from the 1st second (I have watched your episode 4 video tho)
What's a rainox ?
Someone in macro photography use Nikon z7 and focus shift feature? It's useful like Olympus focus braketing?
It is probably the same feature seen in Olympus cameras. I've only used the olympus bracketing and it is great. Totally leveled up my focus stacks
I have a 70d...and yes it flashes in live wiew ...go to menu...exp-simulation...disable.....done
Thanks. I've managed to fix it now. A few years too late 😂
@@JamieSpensleysorry😅😅😅
have you tried magic lantern? i am researching it, not tried yet, but it promises lots of extra functionalities for canon
I haven't. That may be a good way to get macro functions onto older Canon cameras
Sadly its only for older canon cameras and not being actively developed since a few years..
I would try it on my eos R if a stable build is eventually released. But honestly, i don't even know what features i need/want. Im pretty happy
Do you need step up rings for the Raynox when using the 60mm?
I use a 46mm to 58mm step up ring as the Raynox does not fit onto the lens itself
Hi Jamie I've just bought the same setup and I'm a canon shooter but wanted the stacking with flash etc. Can you please share your settings as I'm struggling to set it up. My equipment is the same as yours but have the Godox V1 because i couldn't get the 350. Any assistance would really be appreciated.
Set the flash to manual and change the power depending on the scene. Camera settings, I typically use 1/250, f/7.1 and ISO 200. And I have a bracketing mode set to C1, C2 and C3 on my mode dial. For bracketing, I set my number of shots to maximum and control how many shots my camera takes by pressing the shutter button again to stop the auto bracketing.
@@JamieSpensley thank you
@petertown9467 I am a Fujifilm shooter and use the X-S20 that is a light camera. I am planning on getting the Laowa 65mm macro lens that only weighs 335g, it is a manual lens. When it comes to the flash, I am torn between the V350 and the V1. The V350 is lighter, but am unsure about the power whereas the V1 has everything I need but it heavy and there may be problems getting a diffuser to fit that combination of flash and lens because the flash is big and the lens is short. How do you find using the V1, is it difficult to carry around?
If the V350 would be suitable I could have a lightweight system that would weigh around 1kg and if I needed more power from a flash I could always use the V1 but limit its use to short walks.
@@catherinegrimes2308 I would buy the V350 because it lighter and better to use hand held. I don’t use my V1 now for any outdoor work as the V350 is enough for all my macro work.
@@petertown9467 Thank you Peter for your advice. I was gradually coming around to getting the V350 after doing quite a bit of research and you have confirmed my thoughts.
2:27 My A9ii + battery grip & batts + Laowa 90mm + Godox V1 Pro weighs 3kg! 😂 No wonder my shots are all blurry. I could maybe lop half a kg off that by removing the grip & one batt (don't really need them for macro).
I have a Sony FF as well, but I use it for when I need fast glass on a large sensor. My OM-1 MK II is used for macro, sports, etc. (Yes, the A9ii is better for sports due to noise and faster lenses, but it gets the job done with a smaller and much, much cheaper setup.)
It's all tools for a job; just pick whatever makes sense.
I have the same cam, lens, flash and diffuser combo and i am wondering what settings you use. I still haven't found the optimum.
Usually 1/50, f/8, ISO 200 and flash power 1/32
@@JamieSpensley thanks, but my problems lies within the settings i guess. I cant get my flash to fire when in bracketing mode. Do you mind sharing your config file for E-M1 MK2? It should'nt contain any personal data - shoud it?
@@schmoddd turn silent shutter off and shoot in mechanical shutter. That should solve your problem
@@JamieSpensley I can't change it. Turned my settings to default and started over again with my settings. Even googling doesn't give me answers how to use mechanical shutter + bracketing + flash. I am on the current Firmware (3.7). The only downside of an Oly-Cam - those menues :)
@@schmoddd Are you in manual?
To save money buy third party batteries. I know they have a poor reputation, but it is because the manufacturers charger software will recognise they are an independent make and under charge them. When you buy, say, a well known rabbit endorsed AA battery and then compare it to a budget option, the weight is much lower than the quality product, because there is less chargable matter in the budget part.
If you look at the specs of third party batteries and compare them to the original, there is not much difference and they can even be heavier. I tried this out on the Olympus (1st one I tried), and then on the Panasonic and Pentax devices I owned. I charged an independent battery on the official charger until it reported charging had been completed. I then put it on the independent charger which came with the batteries, the battery started to charge again and went on for at least another hour. At both times I checked the voltages and that had gone up significantly too. I now only use independent chargers for my cameras and the makers one stays in the box.
I have bought third party batteries for my canon cameras and charge them using the official canon charger. They work perfectly fine. However, with Olympus, the third party ones were pretty much the same price as the real batteries as used. I got my battery today and it works perfectly fine
Ciao complimenti per il video
Help my please! Non riesco a trovare il diffusore per luce flasch come il tuo mi puoi dire dove trovarlo? Grazie 🐛🐞🍀
Thanks! Cygnustech makes them. I've just added a link in the video description.
@@JamieSpensleygrazie sei un grande!👍🏼
Greaaaaat video
Thank you 👍
I shoot on canon full frame mirrorless and 100mm L series lens 100mm f2.8. Yes I agree it be heavy sadly
Ooh very nice! What Camera body do you have?
@@JamieSpensley canon eos r. An amazing camera that is underrated
@@JamieSpensley I just take 1 shot and I am happy enough
@@d.k.1394 I also have the EOS R. I use it for filming such as this video and other photography. I've never used it for macro though
@@JamieSpensley it works well for me
One option is to prefocus or zone focus those old lenses in Manual. (Remember to set Photometry to Manual also): Focus distance 5-6', F8 (clear day) or maybe F6.4 or F7 (cloudy/overcast), and shutter speed 250 for walkers, ss500 for cyclists. Just leave it and make sure you are about 3' away from the subjects. Skip the focusing and just shoot. Throw it in black and white (Fine + Raw to keep a color backup) and snap away like they did in the 50's and 60's. I just did this in Tokyo a few days ago and got one of my best shots ever!
Would love the olympus but they are expensive ,so not all of us can afford them.
"Noodle arms", deep bass voice - fascinating collection of DNA!
I also want to change, but do not have enough money 😂
I hate the 4:3 aspect ratio.
Sensor size has no bearing on magnification whatsoever. The field of view is the only change.
No. Smaller sensor with the same lens gives you more magnification. Thats the reason you use a M4/3 camera for macro or APS-C for astrophotography, because the sensor sizes does matter.
Using the same lens on a fullframe and on a aps-c gives you two different focal lenghts.
eg. a 100mm FF lens isn't the same as a 100mm APS-C lens.
The smaller sensor doesn’t increase magnification but it does produce a bigger image on the smaller sensor, which isn’t the same thing. Two 20 megapixel cameras, one full frame one 4/3’s, shoot a 1cm object and the image would be bigger on the 4/3 camera, and to get them looking the same on the full frame image, you’d have to crop it and lose a lot of resolution. Same with focal length, they are exact he same on both cameras, just on the 4/3 one you get a cropped version of what the lens can see, giving the impression of a longer focal length.
Sony is leading the af game. Olympus can't t focus to save their life so they came up with this feature focus bracketing hoping that somehow what you want will be eventually in focus rofl
What an expensive hobby.
Jk obviously this is a job. But how does one get into this field? Just save up for expensive equipment, take pictures of random stuff, then what? Find companies who will hire you for photography?