How to use `In Camera` Focus Stacking on the Olympus EM1mkIII using the 60mm F2.8 Macro Lens

[@Sergiu-]

This is a great video! Especially for someone just starting. Nice pictures, by the way. God bless you!

[@rogerhance5883]

THanks for the kind comment. Glad you found it helpful.

[@martin6333]

I picked up a used E-MI Mark III for $850 US and also the 60MM macro lens. I tried your BKT settings and they worked beautifully for hand-held focus stacked shots of cactus flowers. Thank you! Your video was uniquely helpful.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment Martin. Glad you are pleased with the EM1mkIII and the 60mm. They are a great combination. Glad the video was of help.

[@TessCreations]

Thank you Roger for explaining focus stacking. Your ability to explain the concept was well done!

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment Tess. Glad you liked the video and found it helpful.

[@thomasbardorf1468]

One of the most useful contributions to focus stacking/bracketing I've seen so far. In particular, the different setting of the focus in internal stacking and bracketing is valuable information I had not yet come across anywhere else. Chapeau! 👍

[@rogerhance5883]

Thank you for the kind comment Thomas. Its much appreciated. This was one video I was particularly pleased with.

[@Sunshineleroy]

Roger, this was excellent. I'm not new to the process, but I still learned a thing or two. You are easy to follow, clear in your explanations, and an expert on the subject. I really enjoyed your additional notes on how to catch an insect in a still time.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks Leroy. I try to make my videos as instructional as possible. I was quite pleased with how this one turned out.

[@ggwildlife]

excellent Roger thanks for sharing.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment. Gald you liked it.

[@bhovis]

I just got into the Olympus system and this video was super helpful - thank you!

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment. Glad you found it helpful.

[@jdrusso01930]

Such a great video - so much useful info and your images show you know your stuff! Thank you! What was the name/brand of the clamp you used when moving the plant.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the very kind comment. Glad you found it helpful. The clamp is called a Wimberly Plamp. They are not cheap but worth the money. make sure you buy the groundspike with it. www.amazon.co.uk/Wimberley-PP-400-Ground-Plamp/dp/B01FOIZ86I/ref=asc_df_B01FOIZ86I/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697294451663&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16543101159475908281&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045043&hvtargid=pla-594116990354&mcid=913acfedef593e32959f9605c4e93eee&th=1&gad_source=1

[@francoisauduc9469]

thank you roger,your pictures are so nice and you are a very good teacher,your teaching is so clear and well illustrated,i am an old french man ,my english is not so good but i understand all the things you are talking about so congratulations and thank you again!!!!!

[@rogerhance5883]

Thank you for the very kind comment Francois. They are very much appreciated and glad you found the video and information helpful..

[@BatuHijau]

Thanks so much for such informative & easy to follow video. I've seen so many different videos on exactly where the initial focus point should be set. Thanks again.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment Dereck. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@BatuHijau]

If I may ask, which metering function do you use & why. I normally use Spot Metering but I've been advised against this. I use an EM1 MK2.

[@rogerhance5883]

@@BatuHijau I very rarely use Spot metering Dereck. I dont find a lot of use for it. Evaluative metering is so good these days , its hardly necessary. I would change from using spot metering if I was you. You will get more consistent results.

[@MrNecropodo]

This is the best macro video i have seen on youtube! Thanks a lot. Great set of images! Thanks again.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the very kind comment. Its much appreciated.

[@MsSaka100]

I just discovered your channel. Very useful info that is clearly explained. Thanks!

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks. Glad you found it clear and instructional.

[@Bakin]

Thanks Roger: I haven't taken many pictures of insects but think I will give it a try.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment.

[@derekbrigden5866]

Thank you for a really super clear tutorial. The best one I have found on You Tube. Your photos are beautiful.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thank you Derek. That much appreciated.

[@davidosborn3356]

Another very useful and interesting video Roger. As always illustrated with some fabulous images.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks David . Much appreciated

[@AussieMacroPhotos]

Fantastic Video!! I've just started getting into in-camera focus stacking and it's a fun journey. Thanks for being so clear and articulate!

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@catherinetremerryn]

A great video, and some tremendous shots and I have the kit so no excuse! For me! Thank you very much Roger.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment Catherine. Good luck with the pictures. Its just getting out and getting to grips with it.

[@rlrphotography-uk]

Very well explained .Good instructions .Thank you

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks you. Glad you found it helpful

[@plantman6245]

Nice post Roger thank you. Have u used mk2 ? Can u comment on whether mk3 is worthwhile upgrade for flower photo stills? Thank u.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for commenting. I assume you mean upgrading from an EM1mkII to an EM1mkIII ? To be honest, there would not be a huge amount of difference in upgrading from the MkII to the mkIII. Certainly not for flower photography anyway.

[@Wilhelmus1199]

Great explanation. So far the best video I have seen on this subject. Very nice and inspiring photos shown.-

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks very much . Your comments are very much appreciated.

[@stevocem]

Some excellent tips, thank you. Great images! It was funny to watch you moving the insects around, I never thought this was possible. Excellent point was to explain where to focus on both focus stacking and bracketing. In fact, in focus stacking the camera focuses closer for the first shot and the proceeds in the opposite direction.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment Stefan. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@Saynotougliness]

Brilliant - explains the methods really well Roger

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks Mark. Much appreciated. I try to make the videos as instructional as possible, and although they may not be as slick or professional as some you see on KZbin, at least they have some good content.

[@taair6270]

Brilliant tutorial I’ve learned a lot that I didn’t know before great content! Thankyou.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment

[@gavrelle1917]

Excellent mate

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks Kyle. Much appreciated.

[@richardbedford6166]

Great work, Roger!

[@rogerhance5883]

Thank you Richard. Glad you liked it, and your comment is much appreciated.

[@anthonygarbo8114]

Very good tutorial . . . . I'm just getting started in macro photography. Thanks.

[@rogerhance5883]

Glad you found it helpful

[@PhillipMcCallum]

Great video, I try focus stacking regularly 90% of the time the camera says failed, but keep trying , I shot em1mk3 60mm

[@rogerhance5883]

Keep trying Phillip. Its worth persevering with. If the camera is saying `failed`, there is some movement better frames and the camera correctly align them. Are you hand holding ? If you using a tripod and you still get this its because the subject is moving. Hope this helps.

[@PhillipMcCallum]

@@rogerhance5883 thanks

[@franckselsis3615]

Thanks Roger for the nice and useful video! I have an OM5 mark ii bought in 2016 that I use with the 60mm f2.8 macro lens. I consider buying an OM1 mainly for better autofocus and focus stacking. But I don't use tripod to do macrophotography. I wonder whether focus stacking can be considered without a tripod.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment Franck. You can use focus stacking hand held, providing that the shutter speed is high enough. Once the light level drops, and you start using slower shutter speeds, it does not work becaus the images do not stay in register. With a fast shutter speed, the images are taken so quickly that there is no movement between shots. You may have to have a few attempts to ensure one that is perfect. Generally speaking, I would say 250th second is as low as I would go for focus stacking when hand holding.

[@franckselsis3615]

@@rogerhance5883 Thanks a lot ! Next time I shoot I'll see what fraction of pictures I can take that fast. Knowing that the OM1 is certainly more sensitive than my EM5.

[@stephencopland1053]

Great info Roger and great shots

[@rogerhance5883]

Thank you Stephen. Much appreciated

[@scotimages]

What a beautifully illustrated tutorial! I must try this again. Just have to get out of bed early. What time of the early morning is the most productive?

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the very kind comment. The time you need to get out of bed depends on the time of year, but usually just after first light is best. Then the subjects are quite cool and torpid.

[@xflyingtiger]

This is a wonderful video. Thank you very much.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thank you. Glad you liked it.

[@MikeLaneFRPS]

Good stuff Roger. Keep it up.

[@rogerhance5883]

Cheers Mike. Its a bit `powerpoint` , becuase I used all still images but it did not turn out that bad.

[@hatimal]

Simply excellent

[@rogerhance5883]

Thank you Hatim

[@ConstanGarcia]

Excellent!! Thanks for share.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks . Glad you liked it.

[@carlachirigos1576]

Roger, your images are amazing and your instruction was clear. I did get lost though when you mentioned focus peaking, as I have never used that function. That would be D3 in the Peaking Settings in my new EM1mkIII. There is Peaking Color, Highlight Intensity and Image Brightness Adjustment. Would all 3 be user preferences or do you have recommendations for the three? I plan to incorporate these settings into one of my Custom Menus.

[@rogerhance5883]

HI Carla, Thanks for the kind comment about the video. If you watch this video by David Smith kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn3canx6d5tkpLs it explains all about `focus peaking`. Its a very useful function that enables you to `fine tune` your focus when using manual focus.

[@devroombagchus7460]

Excellent explanation!

[@rogerhance5883]

Thank you Robert

[@prkancheese]

Thanks for the excellent video 👍

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment Paulo.

[@prkancheese]

@@rogerhance5883 my pleasure Roger.

[@yaupie]

Thanks very much for the video. While it is concise, it includes all the important points. The tip of moving insects is an unexpected bonus. You mention you mostly use manual focus (at the later part of the video). But the focus stacking/bracketing feature requires AF to be enabled. I guess you first use manual focus to pinpoint the focus then enable AF before doing photo stacking/bracketing.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment on the video. Glad you found it helpful. You can use manual focus for stacking. It then ensures the focus `starts` where you want it to. I assume that when you press the shutter it automatically switches to auto focus. At least thats what I think happens. It seems to work for me anyway.

[@smkunder1]

Great video, I am considering 600 mm macro as my next lens, but I keep reading that it is a difficult lens to use.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment about the video Steve. I have found the 60mm Macro lens very easy to use. I dont understand how people would find it a difficult lens to use ?

[@michael-mvtd]

Great photos and excellent discussion of this feature. I was slightly confused about where to focus: focus at front for Stacking and 1/3 into the subject for Bracketing, but since the Olympus/OMS function does both stacking and bracketing, I assume you start focus at the front of subject. If you were intending to use a third party software to stack, then you'd focus 1/3 into subject for the stacking series? Also, the infographic on screen indicated you worked hand held and yet the camera is shown on a tripod.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment Michael and glad you liked the video. For `stacking` (where the camera software combines the images for you) you focus slightly into the subject. Probably about a 1/5 to1/4 of the way in. You will still have all the seperate Raw files when you download, so if you want to stack them yourself, you can do. For bracketing ( where the images are all seperate and you stack them yourself on the computer) you focus right at the front. I do often work hand held but its difficult to hand hold a camera whilst taking pictures of it with another camera, so it was easier to set one up on the tripod.

[@erwin2912]

Great explanations! Which flash did you use?

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment. I did not use flash for shots in this video. I do occassionally use the Olympus STF-8 twin lens macro flash.

[@gruby1dog]

Hi Roger, I am fairly new to macro and have the same camera and lens as you do, however, my results are in no way as good as yours which are superb. Are you focus stacking at 1:1 or close up? Could I also ask about the size of focus area to use, if it's a dragonfly would you select a large area or small one. Thanks for a great video

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comment, and glad you liked the video. I usually focus at 1:1. Its important to remember to focus a little way in with stacking and to try and keep the camera as steady as possible. Often, stacking works better when the camera is on a tripod. If hand holding and stacking, make sure ou have a fast enough shutter speed. Hope this helps.

[@gruby1dog]

​@@rogerhance5883 Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[@rogerhance5883]

@@gruby1dog No problem. Thanks for watching the video.

[@f22photography]

Beautiful work ! What kind of remote did you use ?

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks. Much appreciated. The cable release is this one. www.amazon.co.uk/JJC-Shutter-Release-Olympus-Mirrorless/dp/B0756BD6ZL/ref=sr_1_6?adgrpid=52572633749&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrZnrovTf-QIV3oBQBh1ETgyTEAAYASAAEgIOcfD_BwE&hvadid=259075012012&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1006644&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=11446901964792986727&hvtargid=kwd-305897667581&hydadcr=5085_1827850&keywords=olympus+shutter+release&qid=1661358941&sr=8-6

[@randomstuff53078]

Can you do focus stacking with the OM-1 and 90mm I’ve done every setting and it won’t focus stack

[@rogerhance5883]

I think you will need to update the firmware to the very latest version on the OM1 to get stacking to work when using the 90mm lens. I cannot say for certain as I do not have the 90mm lens.

[@peterhardy9754]

Hi Roger with bracketing do you set the lens to auto or manual

[@rogerhance5883]

YOu have to set the camera to C-AF for the stacking to work, but if working on a tripod, I usually focus manually . As the press the shutter button, the camera has to switch to autofocus to change the bracketing. If hand holding, I usually just use the autofocus and focus a little bit into the subject.

[@coldeb8911]

Great Video, I have recently bought the EM 1 MK3 and 60mm macro lens.. I have found however, that when using the Stacking feature the camera also loads all the Bracketed pics to your memory card, you then need to delete all these leaving just the last which should be your stacked image, if you want take quite a few pics this fills up the card with unwanted pics and it's a bit of a pain to delete them. Is there any way you can turn off the Bracketing but still leave the stacking on so you only get the one stacked image?..many thanks 😊

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the comment about the video. It helps if the camera keeps the shots that make up the stack because then if you decide to stack them yourself, you have the files to do so. SD card are quite cheap now so you could always buy a bigger card. I personally never delete images in the camera - I think thats a bit risky and takes too long to do. Much easier and quicker to delete them when importing into Lightroom. If you do not want to import all the images in the stack then just untick the images that you do not want imported. Hope this helps. I dont think there is a way to set up the camera

[@coldeb8911]

@@rogerhance5883 Hi Roger..thanks for getting back to me, I thought I was missing some setting or something..I don't really use stacking software to be honest, I just find it confusing and complicated ( not very tech minded 😉😂)..I did download the Free Olympus one, but can't work out how to use it 😳..it's not so much the filling up of the card that's annoying, if your out taking macro shots of lots of things..some times of the same subject from different angles, you'd end up with about 200 images for say around 20 stacked images you want to keep ( the tree can also get lost in the forest so to speak) I'm hoping Olympus in their next firmware update will give you the option to choose whether to keep the bracketed images or not and so leave the final Stacked image on the card, here's hoping eh?😊

[@rogerhance5883]

This video will sort out the problem. It shows how to use `multi delete` so you do not have to downlaod all the pictures kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIKUdKyNmLODi6c

[@janmartin4400]

Brilliant thank you ☺️

[@rogerhance5883]

Thank you Jan. Glad you liked it.

[@gwilymwilliams5055]

Very interesting thank you

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks Gwilym

[@caltari]

What's the focus stacking highest flash sync speed on the Olympus EM1mkIII? I have the Olympus EM1mkII and the flash sync speed maximum is only 1/50 sec. Thanks in advance.

[@rogerhance5883]

I think the flash sync speed on the mkIII is 250th sec. I think you are incorrect about the flash sync speed on your mkII. Its 250th sec om my mkII.

[@MDMiller60]

Hi Roger. Question on bracketing in general. Since the camera fire multiple images at different exposures or focus points, for exposures are we suppose to use shutter priority or aperture priority? For focus stacking or bracketing, do we use Auto or manual modes?

[@rogerhance5883]

You say `different exposures and focus points`. The exposure stays the same throughout the bracked exposures. It is just focus points that change. I use Aperture Priority because I want the aperature to remain constant through the bracket. I very rarely use `bracketing`. I much prefer to use `stacking`, because then the camer does it all for me. (I am basically a lazy person, and anyhting the camera will do for me is a bonus) Hope this helps.

[@MDMiller60]

@@rogerhance5883 Thanks on the focus points. On exposure bracketing, do we use M, S, or A, since multiple shots are taking place at different apertures?

[@rogerhance5883]

@@MDMiller60 When you say `exposure bracketing` do you mean the HDR setting ? If so, I usually use Aperature Priority. Then the aperture is constant, and the different exposures will be worked out by the camera.

[@MDMiller60]

@@rogerhance5883 Thanks again Roger. Yes, HDR. Was a little confused which auto mode or even if Manual would work. Although, I have no idea which mode the camera picks to change settings for. I also assume, if manual, the camera would also have to be set for -0- override, for the camera to have a starting point. I will have to try manual to see if it works. Thanks again.

[@rogerhance5883]

@@MDMiller60 If you watch this video it explains it well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4HQqXWDYrhnetU

[@yves8097]

Merci monsieur c'est clair et précis

[@rogerhance5883]

Thank you.

[@SalvagedCircuitry]

Excellent video! Neat tidbit about flies in the morning and evening.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for commenting. Glad you liked it and found it helpful.

[@vpr5562]

Hello :) do you think stacking 4-5 images without a tripod with em1-3 and this lens is possible? a7R3 + 90 2.8 sony is veery difficult, to me tbh.

[@rogerhance5883]

You can set the Olympus for stacking to any number of images from three upwards. If only using three or four stacks in the burst, then you may have to set the focusing differential for this, but it should still work well. Once you have set the Olympus up for a three or four shot stack, you can save the setting to one of the custom function buttons. Hope that helps.

[@rinzevnrossum]

I now understand correctly: Set bracketing and set Stacking to ON. Stacking takes place automatically after the shoot because it is set to 'on'. After stacking, turn it off in camera. Is this correct? By the way: great photos!

[@rogerhance5883]

Hi, Thanks for the kind comments. Remember that setting the camera to `bracketing` will take all the pictures, but not stack them in camera. `Stacking` with take the images and stack them for you `in camera`. For stacking set to `On` . Just remember that after you have taken the stacked shot, the camera will still be set to `stacking` until you switch it off. So to resume normal photography, you will need to go into the menu and turn stacking to `off` . To save having to keep going into the menu each time to turn it on or off, its best to save the stacking setting to a Custom Function. That way all you have to do is to turn the top dial to whichever custom function number you have set stacking to. Hope this helps.

[@rinzevnrossum]

Thanks very much, it’s clear to me🙏

[@davidryan9808]

I have an omd em5 mark iii and my number of shots is greyed out, does anyone know why?

[@rogerhance5883]

I dont actaully have the EM5 III , but it could be that you do not have it set to autofocus ? If you ebver have any problems contact OM Systems . They will have someone who will know what the problem is.

[@veteran35th]

Wonderful pictures, just brilliant. Subbed. Feels like you're cheating though!!! ISO 800 as well for one of those images, very impressive.

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks for the kind comments. Glad you liked the video.

[@SubhashKumar-ue2ic]

wow

[@rogerhance5883]

Thanks