Sony or Olympus for Macro Photography? I've Decided!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for watching! Please also visit my... 🐞 favorite gear: micaelwidell.com/#gear 🐛 lens guide: lensguide.micaelwidell.com 🪳 newsletter: micaelwidell.com 🐜 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll 🪲 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell I wish You a wonderful day! See you in the next video.

[@cameraprepper7938]

Have you tried to use the new 40 megapixels Fuji X-T5 or Fuji X-H2 for macro, I will be very interested to hear your experience !

[@georgepollock8398]

Hi, I've just moved over to Olympus from Canon, but only for Macro. I've started with the EM1 mk 2 and the 60mm macro and just purchased the Raynox 250, so I'm looking forward to hopefully getting some good results. It makes me feel confident knowing that you have gone down that route also. Thanks for all the info and Vids keep up the good work.

[@danatkinson1517]

Late last year I took the plunge and switched to an OM-1 and the 90mm Pro macro lens (I also have to 60mm 2.8). The Om-1 has been an absolute beast for macro and I have also started dabbling with some bird shots too. In the last few weeks I have pushed the little sensor in low light and in some pretty demanding situations and I have been really surprised by the high ISO performance and the dynamic range I am getting out of the OM-1's sensor. The only area I really miss, like you is the bokeh. It's not impossible to get nice creamy backgrounds, I just need to work harder for it.

[@justnoted2995]

Makes sense... you have experience and can be viewed as an expert on this matter. Kudos for Olympus!

[@AguilaDeOnix85]

I already have an Olympus and love doing macro with it. I also like their PRO glass for wildlife and hope to get their 300f4 or Panasonic's 200 2.8 (maybe the 90mm macro). I'll say this - I get why Sony is popular. A lot of unique lenses on that system and a pretty compact 35mm setup from what I understand. Either system, I enjoy your photography.

[@philippedugout2278]

Same for me, macro and animal capture with the olympus, street as well or with my Sony A7 iv or xe4 fuji, portrait with the Sony. Astro with olympus. Having Said that, they are both great systems.

[@AguilaDeOnix85]

@@philippedugout2278 what I realized I liked doing for portraits is using my Olympus glass on my G9. I did graduation photos recently with it, a 40-150 2.8. The human detect on that body for that price is phenomenal and has pleasing colors for people! I think I'll get a 35mm at some point along with the G9 and the EM-1 II.

[@marknathan7744]

Deffinatley go for the 300 f4 that lens is legendary I had a s/h panny 200 f2.8 and it was decentred which is unusual but it was so I returned it after testing on a centering chart.

[@klackon1]

All three lenses you have mentioned are fabulous. I currently own a 300mm f4, 12 - 100mm f4 and 90mm f3.5 macro. I used to own a PanaLeica 200mm f2.8 but found I did not use it as much as I expected to. If you are undecided, it is important to consider this point: the 300 mm f4 is compatible with the Olympus/OMS MC14 and MC20 (I own both), it is also fully compatible with all Oly/OMS camera functions (the PL 200mm is not). I part exchanged my Oly 60mm f2.8 macro for the 90mm f3.5 the day it went on sale and have not looked back. Unlike the 60mm f2.8 it has lens stabilisation, which syncs with my OM1 IBIS, and is also compatible with the MC14/MC20. The AF is also faster and more accurate. Prior to purchasing my OM1 system, I owned a Sony A7R4, A9, 200 - 600mm, 100 - 400mm GM, 28 -70mm f2.8 and 90mm f2.8. Marvellous though my Sony system was, I prefer my OM1 cameras and lenses.

[@hussainleather]

Hello guys I got a question for all of you. I need camera for product photography with cheap price, can you please recommend any best camera. Some says Samsung nx300 Sony a5000 Olympus ????

[@TITAOSTEIN]

The OM System is great for my use! Professionally for Real Estate, Food and web Videos! For personal use / Hobby: Travel, Street, Macro and Birds! I could not be happier! But like you I use other systems as well. In my case: Nikon, Panasonic and OM.

[@EzyYoutube]

If anybody is wondering, Yes the sony a7Rv can do automatic focus stacking. Albert dros a landscape photographer/youtuber has a video about it if youre interested in the specifics.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes but not fast with a flash? You need a flash for macro focus stacking

[@EzyYoutube]

@@MicaelWidell yeah i guess its aimed more at landscape right now. Would be nice to see it on older cameras and with faster speeds with flash for macro usage.

[@artistjoh]

For macro I like the increased depth of field plus focus stacking of MFT, specifically, the Lumix G9 with the Olympus 60mm macro, although I also use the Lumix 45 and Lumix 30. One day I will get the Olympus 90mm macro and eventually the AstrHori probe macro. I would get the AstrHori in Nikon F mount so that I could adapt it to both MFT and Sony E. Yes I too have both MFT and Sony, although in my case I use MFT for 90% of what I do.

[@idiotequedwaal]

If you want really creamy bokeh and beautiful, sharp rendition for portraits on the OM-1 in the telephoto range, give the Zuiko 75mm 1.8 a chance. Sure, it's not Full-frame 135 1.8 level creaminess, but it's pretty good for 90% of people

[@MicaelWidell]

Yeah I would definitely buy it if I was doing portraits on MFT.

[@oliviermannie8533]

Hi Micael, Nikon just came out with a new 70-180/2.8 and they advertise that it makes 0.96x magnification (basically lifesize) with the 2x teleconverter! I immediatly though about you: you should ask to have one on loan to demonstrate the macro capabilities of it and also have some fun! Ask for a Z8 with it! Best, Olivier, Belgium

[@DanRiegler]

The Sony A7R5 can do focust bracketing, in-camera. But you have to do the focus stacking in post processing. This is the one reason I am seriously considering the OM 1 exclusively for macro.

[@LukesMushrooms]

Thanks for this episode. I was really curious which one you will choose, but Olympus actually was my guess due to it's advantages for macro. For me and my (a bit different) macro work, I recently did a switch from Canon M6 mk2 to Nikon Z5, as I was looking for an all-around camera with reasonable macro options (1:1 is enough for me, but I still need automated focus bracketing). It was a nice trade-off with some pluses and minuses. So far I'm happy. Anyway, I'm looking forward to see more of your Olympus pictures!

[@antoinelegendre7634]

I remember you buying the Sony 200-600mm for wildlife but haven't seen much follow-up... I used to have this lens and never used it due to its size (and the A7 II to be too limited on buffer). Now that you have an Olympus camera you should look at the 300mm F4 lens. Definitely the main reason why I am staying with this system (sold my Sony to finance it), although I miss FF for portrait (in my opinion you are right on this topic).

[@MicaelWidell]

Yeah my plan was to do wildlife with the 200-600 whenever I couldn't do macro, for example in the autumn and the winter. I did use it a few times last autumn. But then the winter was extremely dark and rainy, and I didn't get out much. I hope to do more wildlife this autumn again, because I really enjoy it. But macro is always my first priority :) And I will definitely consider trying some of the fine wildlife lenses that Olympus offer.

[@sabyasachibanerjee124]

Thanks for the non-partisan views on the choice of people's macro gear. Olympus or OM Systems do bring innovations at an affordable price point for many hobby photographers. And I love my 60mm Olympus Macro lens.

[@josemhernandez8733]

I use Canon, Olympus and Sony the lesser(more expensive). I do several Canons and couple of Olympus and a Sony! For travel use Olympus, Canon for birding and Sony for family gathering. Any of the systems work fine in any situation depends ultimately on the user!! Just apply and use the tools appropiately meaning lenses and settings!

[@wojciechskorza3051]

A very good comparison of camera systems with a practical final conclusion. I personally use the Pentax system with the APSC sensor and it also works well with the old Pentax 100 mm macro lens. I only use advice on how to shoot and diffusers. Greetings from Poland from the city of "Fortress Przemyśl".

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you. My mother grew up in Krakow so I am half Polish :)

[@derrickmickle5491]

An informative video! For myself, I'm sticking with Sony, recently got the A7RV, which finally adds focus stacking as a feature in a Sony camera. The implementation is fantastic, but the real surprise was that the focus stacking feature takes advantage of the autofocus capabilities in my Sony 90mm macro lens! Been getting amazing results.

[@sarailovesstuff]

This sounds like an incredible set up

[@MicaelWidell]

Is it possible to use the flash while stacking with the A7RV? So that the flash is triggered on every shot? I haven't gotten any conclusive information whether this is possible.

[@ottoweber551]

​@@MicaelWidellEven on my sony A74, the flash is triggered with every shot in combination with the godox v 850 iii

[@rndvideo64]

@@MicaelWidell The camera is not waiting for the flash recharge time and results are random. You can use a dedicated external app to do the focus bracketing on Sony camera systems. For example on Focus Alpha set the "Shot Delay" to your flash recharge time and you are done.

[@19Photographer76]

One look at the gear Thomas Shahan has used over the years should have told you it's not the brand but the person that creates the Art. You've made the same choice on gear for Macro as I would if magnification was my goal. I have the Z9 and Z7II for variety but I've been thinking exactly as you.

[@haween6693]

Sony A7R5 has Fokusbrackting with Flash, but very slow. So you have no chance for a fast freehand Fokus bracketing. As a Sony user, I use the Fuji X-H2s for macro. It‘s very fast ans as good like the OM-1. One excellent feature is to set automode for bracketing. Define Start and Stopposition and the camera calculates the steps are needed for the sequence.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you for the information. So your Fuji can do fast focus stacking with flash?

[@haween6693]

@@MicaelWidell yes, and the Fuji works also with the electronic shutter!! That was one of my criteria to switch to the X-H2S, instead Oly.

[@dalefrolander3583]

I have the Sony a7r5 and it can take a set of focus stack images, but you have to stack them in the computer afterwards.

[@simpedros4766]

Great choice. The om1 is a crazy good camera. The 90mm macro is well worth it over the 60mm imo.

[@mastan7207]

You should also try the olympus f1.2 prime lens for portraits photo

[@MicaelWidell]

It’s equivalent to f/2.5 on full frame so not that interesting to me honestly.

[@TITAOSTEIN]

@@MicaelWidellou are absolutely right. You will get a softer background using FF or medium format. But you can really get good results using lenses like the Nokton 29mm f0.8 ( translates in a FF “look” like a 58mm f1.6). The 45mm f0.95 is also amazing! But they are MF only. The Nokton are very expensive, but you can find good alternatives from Mitakon or Meike.

[@TheSannaeriksson]

​@@MicaelWidellhave you tried the OM1 for portraits? If not you'll be surprised about the result you'll get. In what whay will the f 1.2 be equivalent to f 2.5? I've read that it's not so but can't remember where now.

[@torkelstenqvist1279]

​@TheSannaeriksson It has to do with the crop that is done by the sensor, and therefore the need to (for the same distance to subject and the same framing) change lens to half the focal length. Basically, simplified, the DOF has nothing to do with sensor format, but depends on focal length (the smaller, DOF is wider), the F-no (the lower, DOF more narrow), and distance to subject (the closer, DOF more narrow).

[@TheSannaeriksson]

@@torkelstenqvist1279 Yes, but I thought that was obvious, I always count on the crop factor when I have a camera with a crop factor that I shoot with. 🙂

[@joannaz68]

Wow, Olympus! I would never expect that! Thanks for the review, and another great video 👍

[@thommckirdy3657]

Thanks for this. Currently running a a7iii and have been looking into the hole app thing for focus staking control.

[@VietAnhNguyen-jp1tg]

Welcome to the system 😁... Hope you enjoy it. If you get a chance, try the CCTV lens called Pixco 8mm f3.8 fisheye. You can use extension tube and ring and turn it into a 1:1 macro ultra wide angle macro fish lens. You can get some spectacular images out of it. The lens is like 80grams and it is tiny and weight like nothing. Do get rid of the hood they have on it for macro work though. Again, enjoy

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you for the tip, I'll check it out!

[@DuckT42]

Bro do you have any examples by that lens?

[@ottoweber551]

Thank you for your opinion.I thought for a very long time because I have a limited budget, as a result, I have a Sony a74 + ( in my opinion)although not so popular a very high-quality lens Voigtlander apo lanthar 110mm f/2.5

[@Iain_M84]

Hi Micael, I know you were deciding with the A7RIV, but would you view the A7RV with its 61mp sensor and the ability to use flash while focus bracketing as now a more compelling macro camera than the OM-1? I wondering how the high resolution of the sony sensor trades off against the crop factor and therefore x4 equivalent magnifaction (with the 90mm f3.5) but less megapixals of the OM-1

[@keddyphotoeclecticphotogra6120]

I’m in the market for used Olympus for macro with ability to focus bracket using flash. Presently using Canon R5 which does not allow flash while electronic shutter in focus bracket mode. In addition I want to lighten the weight of my gear.

[@PhilWill903]

I bought an OM-D E-M1 (first gen) with an Olympus 60mm Macro lens used and paid less than buying a new AF Macro for my other System. And even the old E-M1 is great for Macro. It has a very good IBIS and also supports focus stacking. The 60mm macro is about the same size as the Laowa and has a great optical performance. And if there is a more demand. The 90mm Macro is quite unique in its performance. And the best, camera and lens are weather sealed. No worries to go out in the rain. Technically, the 1:1 on mFT is equivalent to a 2:1 on full frame, as the 2x crop is already applied.

[@raju15559]

Thanks, Micael for the update.

[@davidmarquezarjona5134]

Estoy totalmente de acuerdo contigo, tengo una A7RIV y una A7III pero la facilidad que me da mi Olympus em1 markii para macro de gran aumento no tiene igual.

[@garfieldirwin]

VERY interesting summary Micael -- thanks for posting!

[@Antaios632]

Micael, I went with Sony because of you! 😂 It's ok, that was just after the OM-1 came out, and I'm very happy with my Sony. It's funny, I used to be an Olympus guy years ago and everybody who was into Nikon and Canon thought I was crazy. But they make some great cameras and lenses! 😊 I'm glad you found what works best for you!

[@MicaelWidell]

Sony is still my favorite all-round system though :)

[@Antaios632]

@@MicaelWidell I have really been enjoying my A7iv! I got the Laowa 90mm for it and have taken some great shots. Now I need to learn how to use flash to get better depth of field.

[@shomnathdhar]

Yes, the Sony a7IV has focus bracketing, but not able to me rge photos automatically, we need to move image to photoshop to stack

[@MicaelWidell]

Also it is not as fast as the OM-cameras and cannot stack quickly with a flash as I understand it

[@salgado_fotos]

👏👏👏First of all, congratulations on your channel with so much great information. Another great combo for macro is the OM Systen OM5. Plus, I think you can have it all with the new OM1 MarkII, a fast and reliable approach to people's work... For creamy bokeh there is the MZuiko 75mm 1.8 (you will be surprised if you try it) and another gem for portraiture is the M.Zuiko 45mm 1.2😅

[@chubbyface74]

Good day Micael! I'm new to macro and have been using the Sony A6600 with a Nikon SB800 and q laowa 65mm macro lens as my macro setup. However, I saw that the A6700 has focus stack function, so i might have to change and get a autofocus macro lens with the A6700. But I hope to find out how good is the A6700 in terms of focus stack but i couldn't get any info anywhere. I hope that one day u could do such a review and compare to OM system

[@hjones451]

I'm not switching to Olympus, but could do with some advice on increasing the magnification on Sony E mount macro photography - tubes, raynox (ie: between body and lens) - I want to up my game (APSC & FF)

[@MicaelWidell]

If you already have a macro lens I would add a Raynox 250 as a first step. Takes you a long way and is a very simple solution with great image quality.

[@hjones451]

@@MicaelWidell Okay, thanks for your prompt advice - assuming that you don't have any links which may contribute a commission to you, for raynox products (?)

[@MyIntrovertedNature]

Thanks Micael, that's very helpful! After a long break, I am thinking about getting back into photography, and would like to film videos too. I had tried the Olympus in the past and really liked the video quality. If it's good for macro too, that would be perfect, especially because it's so much cheaper and lighter too compared to some full-frame alternatives.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yeah I think video and macro are two of the strongest aspects of the OM system. The stabilization is crazy good, which is great for video and macro.

[@petrvalach6288]

I don't want to feed two systems. I use Olympus / OM systems for cca 12 years. I have a professional equipment now and I am very happy. It is the great choice for any photography genre and scene.

[@oliviermannie8533]

Hi Micael, do you have the OLYMPUS 90 mm macro IS PRO + the 2x teleconverter? Or it is your next purchase? Lens € 1500 + 2x teleconverter € 450 = almost € 2000! Good stuff but not cheap! Do you plan to buy this combo? Which macro lens are you using on your OM1? Best, Olivier, Belgium

[@MicaelWidell]

I don't have these things. I've been considering buying the 90mm, and maybe I will at some point. But honestly the 60mm + Raynox 250 seems like almost a better option for me, because I get almost the same magnification and it is much smaller and lighter.

[@Tom-Tenerife]

I told you some monthes ago aboout Om1, but also Om5 to save money and lighter...and the new 90 macro is outstanding

[@cameraprepper7938]

I do not like flash images, I neither like stacked images, they just look unnatural to me, I only use natures own light. Megapixels are very nice for macro (at least for natural light) so I use the 61 megapixels Sony A7RIV an A7RIVA. Anyone who use the new 40 megapixels Fuji X-T5 or Fuji X-H2 for macro, I will be very interested to hear your experience !

[@lamchina-mgcraft]

Hi Michael,does em1 mark I support focus bracketing?I learned that firmware 4 had add this feature. But I am still confused about it.i am wondering which camera I should buy. Thank you.

[@MicaelWidell]

Seems it doesn't support bracketing when I google. Just google "what om olympus cameras support focus bracketing" and you will get a list

[@lamchina-mgcraft]

learnandsupport.getolympus.com/sites/default/files/media/files/2018/07/EM1_VER4_Eng.pdf page174

[@lamchina-mgcraft]

@@MicaelWidell it was strange that KZbin deleted my comments with hyperlink. I found support information in official manual (page174).but the shutter speed is limited to 1/13 or slower when use flash

[@wolfamri]

Great video! I came to the exact same conclusion. One thought I‘d add: if you don’t need the fastest autofocus, the Olympus works great for sports too. Panning shots seem to get more consecutive with the OM1.

[@rezasaputra-uv3tr]

I am Canon M6 Mk II with 100 mm macro lens user and really excited to switch to your recommendation. OM-1 system with 60mm 2.8 macro lens, cannot afford 90mm IS PRO lens for now hahaha. By the way, what flash do you recommends? Flash sync focus stacking seems very convinient feature

[@MicaelWidell]

I find that the Godox v350 is a very solid flash for focus stacking

[@rezasaputra-uv3tr]

@@MicaelWidell thanks alot for this rapid reply 😁

[@rezasaputra-uv3tr]

@@MicaelWidell by the way, did you already compared 60mm vs 90mm zuiko macro lens and made video? I would love to watch 😁

[@maghteridon5555]

Is it really such a big difference in other styles of photography (e.g. portraits) between Olmypus and FF cameras? I mostly do macro photography and I'm gonna buy OM-1, but I would like to try other kinds of photography, portraits included.

[@MicaelWidell]

How much of a difference there is is in the eye of the beholder. But I don’t think it is a coincidence that pretty much all serious portrait photographers use full frame or medium format.

[@clausgiloi6036]

Makes me a little sad because I shoot with the A74, but I understand your reasons and if I was starting again for just macro I would certainly consider the same.

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Be happy sony a7iv has 14bit raw 15stops of dynamic range. Blue skies all day 😊

[@jeroenvdw]

It's great advice, I have the Sony A7RV and Sigma 105mm macro lens but didn't really try focus stacking with a flash yet as I'm not that serious in macro yet either. Will give it a try at some point though. Edit: Can confirm it works with a flash! Only with the mechanical shutter, with the electronic shutter the flash option was disabled

[@MicaelWidell]

How fast is it? Can it do several shots per second?

[@jeroenvdw]

@@MicaelWidell Only quickly tried it on the weakest flash setting and it fired rapidly. I have a normal flash, no HSS. Will try later to see which flash intensity is the limit.

[@jeroenvdw]

@@MicaelWidell I tried on 1/128 (weakest) and it fired all 20 shots right after each other. On 1/64 it missed 1 out of 20 shots, that shot was pitch black. On 1/32 it missed several shots. 1/32 is only possible if you set the camera to only take 1 shot every second instead of using the fastest interval.

[@MicaelWidell]

Okay that is impressive. How many shots per second do you think you got?

[@jeroenvdw]

@@MicaelWidell with the weakest flash setting I got the max speed of the A7RV which I think is 7 FPS

[@alexeagleowl8594]

U are the Best! Life started to be boring... and new activity (with no distance)) - macro! I'm waiting for Laowa now!

[@therightconway1697]

Thank you!! I rarely hear anyone explain this properly… Pixel density, that is. Olympus has had a sensor that has had a pixel density equivalent to a FF sensor with a megapixel count over 80 for over 6 years now. More importantly, Olympus has had lenses that have a resolving power that can produce the Circle of Confusion(CoC) for such sensors with such pixel density. I may be wrong, but I think the Olympus lenses dating back to the initial 4/3 lenses from 2004 have this resolving power. The explanation how this is advantageous for macro photography is another topic…

[@jeroenvdw]

Focus stacking in-camera with a flash works on the Sony A7RV!

[@SuperCern]

Wich one would you recommend for general purpose photography and product photography? I'm looking for something compact for everyday use and when I want to do some close ups I could do it with some cheaper 7Artisans 60mm macro lens?

[@MicaelWidell]

For general purpose photography, I would still choose Sony A7IV for it's excellent best-in-class full frame sensor, excellent lens ecosystem, great value for money, and excellent autofocus.

[@SuperCern]

@@MicaelWidell Thank you Micael. Unfortunately, that excellent piece is too expensive for me. I’m looking for something way more affordable and a bit more compact 🙂

[@STRONGERJJ]

確かに、おっしゃる通り、趣味でカメラで撮影している人ですと、 スペシャリストとしてのカメラよりも、ジェネラリストとしての汎用性の高いカメラの方が、 使用用途の幅が広い分、ソニー製のカメラに軍配が上がると思いますが、 プロカメラマンという視点となると、機材は仕事道具なので、振り切った仕様のカメラで、 コストパフォーマンスも高いとなると、間違いなくOM-1を選ぶのは間違い無いのかと思います。

[@VladimirMikota]

Great video! For macro and wildlife photography, I'm deciding between the OM-1 and the Sony A6700. Which one would you recommend? Thank you

[@MicaelWidell]

I would probably pick the OM1 between the two

[@lucapisciotta2682]

Canon series R (es R6 or R7)+ Canon 100 RF for macro ? at the moment i use a Canon M50 + Canon 180, MpE 65 or Canon compact 50mm, but i would like to upgrade to the mirrorless R, i love the colors of the lenses

[@dariussvk1]

Why Olympus ? Simple answer . Fewer megapixels, but greater depth of field and the power of computational photography

[@ads3453]

I think the last time I watched some of your videos you were using the Fuji system with the laowa 65mm lens. I ended up getting one based on your videos it was excellent. I am thinking about getting a Sony camera next (just sold all my fuji gear) and hopefully the laowa for the Sony are just as good. I am going for Sony as I also want to do wildlife (Birding etc) as well as macro.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yeah all the Laowa macro lenses are truly excellent. You will not be disappointed no matter what system you use them with.

[@michaelknibbs]

Terrific review and a very honest perspective. Thank you. I’m old enough to have shot 35mm film and slide film cameras. And was a Canon digital FF user since their first D3. Like you, I love the FF bokeh on fast lenses, and the dynamic range offered. But as I age, the thought of lugging some of that stuff into the field (or even in street walk-abouts) is less appealing. For a lot of enthusiasts on a budget MFT offers a very affordable and capable system. It was nice to hear someone who recognizes that this is not a religious war - both are great systems for different uses and users. You have a new fan. Mike. Oh, btw. The rational you gave for macro also applies to the wildlife photographers out there. They might miss some bokeh and deal with some noise - but their backs will be happy.

[@milodermick2981]

I Unterstand very well Yourbresolution, is logic, but macro in ff are more creamy I think, m43 is very interesting for magnification.

[@MeAMuse]

I think the pixel density comment is interesting because that only matters if you have to crop the full frame image. Ultimately you can get more detail if you are same framing for both photos if using the Sony (because you get 61mp instead of 20mp). To get the same framing with that extra 33% better pixel density as the Sony A7R5 you would have to be able to take 4 images and stitch them together. I guess though if you are just trying to get as close as possible and equivalent frame not mattering... it makes a lot of sense. I definitely think you have chosen well because of the auto-stacking feature and price.... but the different systems will have different lenses, focal lengths, lens sharpness, working distances, etc. I am interested to see what you think after more time with the OM System. I would love to see more about how they compare in the field and your results (not sure if you are planning on these types of comparison videos though - but just registering my interest). Thanks again! Love your macro videos.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yeah the point I was trying to make is that it is impossible for me to get close enough with the current Sony lenses. I also heard now that the focus bracketing with flash on Sony A7RV is so slow that it is not practical to use for shooting live insects.

[@MeAMuse]

@@MicaelWidell Awesome! I look forward to seeing more!

[@r1chm]

You can have 2 systems. You can get a used Olympus and use 60mm 2.8 (I got my lens used for 275 and because of the OM1 people are upgrading to, people are selling their old oly cameras for cheap) Plus you get live composite and the other Oly features that other brands don't have. So you can afford it. Basically the price for the who used Oly system can be the price of one lens on a FF brand.

[@peterrussell9728]

Not sure if you got an answer to the use of the Sony A7rV ( + 90mm Sony macro + Raynox) for focus stacking with flash. I've tested the camera with a Sony HVL43 and a Godox TT685 (via trigger) and find the speed for a 20 shot stack varies from 8 to 13 seconds depending on the flash type, power and camera aperture - Sony has some algorithm to avoid blank frames, which seems to work fine so long as good batteries are used in the flashguns. I also tried a Godox TT350 but experienced the odd blank frame. I also have a Panasonic GX9 with om 60mm macro, recently superseded by the above Sony, but I cannot get the GX9 to focus stack with flash. Can anyone advise? It works with continuous LED lighting or daylight, which is how I have used it. Whether or not I can get better results with the new Sony and flash remains to be seen.

[@vermontmike9800]

Is there a ring light flash for the Oly 60mm?

[@MicaelWidell]

Not sure

[@SteveSSBB]

Hi Micael. I am considering picking up an Olympus kit. Not switching - just as a complimentary setup. Do you know of any resource where we can download Old macro RAWs? Thank you.

[@MicaelWidell]

Sorry I don’t know any. Maybe try googling for it

[@Salieri1627]

Sonya7 4 firmware 4 0 adds automated focus stacking to the camera

[@MicaelWidell]

But not with 10 shots per second as on OM I assume?

[@Salieri1627]

Not sure on the speed I assume it's the same software they use in the V

[@thomastuorto9929]

After watching a couple of videos of yours over the last couple-few months, figured you went Oly for the macro.

[@user-ub9tu3xr78]

Is it possible to use the flash while stacking in the body with other Olympus cameras?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes some models have that feature. But your shutter speed will be limited more on older models. You have to google which ones

[@jasona7549]

Hi Micael! Have you had a chance to test the new a6700? I d be curious what's your take on it There are also some peculiarities about it. If you google for "dpreview video stills tool" - and you chose e.g. a6300 (4K UHD) vs a6700 (4K UHD), well, the a6300 footage is superior (at least to my eyes!) The setup claims to be on same lens/aperture etc So how can the much older a6300 produce better S35 4K video footage compared to this new a6700 is a mystery to me Both APS-C bodies claim to produce 4K from oversampled 6K However the a6300 is CMOS whilst the a6700 is BSI-CMOS. Could that be the difference? As far as pixel bining goes - I m not sure what's the case for the a6300/a6700 Or is it that this video tool samples is not really reliable?

[@MicaelWidell]

I would personally rather get the A7Cii since it is exactly the same size and full frame. But I haven't looked closer at the specs of either camera.

[@mfs62789]

Question what lens are you using when you're doing portraits with the Olympus and you say you can't get creamy voca I have a 45 mm F 1.2 which is superb. I just would like to see if Sony photo that would do better please

[@MicaelWidell]

f/1.2 on Olympus corresponds to f/2.5 on full frame. There are faster portrait lenses than f/2.5 on full frame. For example the 135mm f1.8 which would need an aperture of f/0.7 or so to match on Olympus.

[@anasrida3454]

Does the difference in depth of field between full fram and m43 make any noticeable difference at micro photography distance?

[@MicaelWidell]

This is not really an aspect to consider, because you can just increase the f-stop and ISO on the larger sensor to get the same depth of field (and diffraction... :)

[@jared3622]

Interesting, I haven't been very impressed by the in camera stacking/bracketing or the end results compared to the Sony photos you were taking before. Maybe I am missing something, idk.

[@plaidchameleon25]

Are you going to get the Zuiko 90mm Macro f 3.5 IS PRO or stick with the 60mm?

[@MicaelWidell]

I bought the 90mm already to play with it. Will make a video soon.

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

The Sony 90mm macro lens has an excellent reputation, and does have AF. To get more than 1x magnification though you'll have to pull some tricks... Add a Raynox 250, and extension rings, and perhaps also a teleconverter! All that of course drives up the price, and the size and weight. But it should retain the AF of the lens. ;-) (I'm now doing something similar with my Fuji 80mm macro on the X-H2s, minus the Raynox 250 which I do not yet have. The AF really works quite well with this combination, better than with my older Fuji cameras).

[@ads3453]

I had the 80mm macro on the Fuji but the Laowa 65mm 2x was sharper but harder to use (MF / No stabilisation) but when you did everything right you get some better pictures. If you are sticking with the Fuji system I definitely recommend one. They were only about £380 too which is peanuts compared to fuji lens prices :)

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

@@ads3453 I do have that lens as well and I do love it! But on the new Fuji camera I am experimenting with the Fuji XF80mm lens to see if the AF is now more usable for macro. On the Sony AF should be even better. However MF with focus peaking does seem to give more reliable results since you have faster and more direct control over where you put the focus.

[@williamvesterberg1107]

Quick question, do you focus stack in lightroom or photoshop

[@maximebrassard2435]

I believe the OM-1 does it "in-camera" right after you take the pictures.

[@Astro75mm]

you can obtain great bokeh with the Oly 75mm f1.8

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes but that is equal to f/4 on full frame so it doesn’t come close to a full frame portrait lens in terms of bokeh.

[@thrallingFRglory]

@@MicaelWidell The DOF is equivalent to an F4 on FF, that much is true. But is bokeh the sole criterion to judge a great photo by? The rendering is beautiful in its own right.

[@MicaelWidell]

@@thrallingFRglory I'm sorry but an MFT camera, regardless of lens, cannot beat a full frame Sony when it comes portraits - Sony has better autofocus, shallower DOF, higher resolution, deeper colors and higher dynamic range. Yes you can still take beautiful portraits on Olympus, but nothing about the system is inherently better for portraits IMO.

[@thrallingFRglory]

@@MicaelWidell You don’t need to be sorry for anything. That’s your opinion and you are entitled to it. Having said that, I would like to respectfully disagree w.r.t autofocus performance and colours. The Sony eye detect is still the market leader but the difference between the two, I find to be negligible. As for colours, Sony is infamous for having drab colour science. But I do agree with the compromises one has to make as far as DOF and dynamic range is concerned. But like I stated in my previous comment, the rendering is (in my humble opinion) fairly pleasant.

[@davidklein987]

have anyone tried canon with magic lantern? i want to try it, but the version for my camera is in progress still

[@Lon1an]

I own Nikon Z50 (aps-c), Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z9. The Z9 is used most of the time, but for macro I stick to the Z50 and Laowa 60mm 2x macro. If Nikon ever releases a new aps-c camera that has higher than 20 megapixels, I will upgrade to it. My thoughts have been to trade the Z50 for a Canon R7 which is aps-c with 34.4 megapixels.

[@davidf6326]

I have two Z50s and despite having a Z6, I use the Z50s for practically everything. They provide such a great balance of size and weight against performance and the 16-50 and 50-250 kit zoom lenses both punch well above their weight. A higher pixel count would certainly be great on a Z50 'MkII', but even more, I'm hoping for focus bracketing, IBIS and some improvements to the AF to bring it up to a level with the current standard setters (or better 😁)

[@Lon1an]

​@@davidf6326 ​ Since I usually only use my Z50 at ISO 100 with flash and macro lens, I am happy with the image result. I've tried using the Z50 as a landscape camera but compared to my full frame cameras I'm not impressed enough with the dynamic range. A Z7iii will probably be my next full frame purchase if it turns out to be good. The Z9 is perfect for portraits and action.

[@syntom1]

It’s the artist!

[@johnjgilchrist]

Sony 70-200 mark 2 Macro with 2x teleconverter just came out, does this change things?

[@MicaelWidell]

Not really. I still prefer a dedicated macro lens for insect photography.

[@magmus]

Does the auto stacking feature output to a RAW image or just JPG?

[@MicaelWidell]

The final stack made in the camera is output as a JPEG. But you can get all the individual photos in the stack as RAW files.

[@magmus]

@@MicaelWidell Thanks for clarifying. That's a handy feature.

[@paulmeesters]

The 60mm lens is only 1:1 magnification.. is that enough then ?

[@MicaelWidell]

Not quite. But together with a Raynox DCR250 filter you get 1.65x magnification and for me that is perfect

[@paulmeesters]

@@MicaelWidell I think I'll stick to my Sony 😁 2700 Euro for the Olympus OM-1 plus 60mm macro is a bit too steep for a hobbyist 🥲

[@davidmarquezarjona5134]

Por qué tus vídeos no se pueden traducir?

[@MicaelWidell]

No estoy seguro, tal vez toma un tiempo hasta que KZbin haya procesado el video. Está fuera de mi control.

[@joestrahl6980]

​@@MicaelWidell I think it is only the language spöken which gets the textning automatically on YT. Otherwise you have to add on your own translated text (?) in this case into Spanish.

[@Marc_Yu]

Now Sony A7Cii has focus bracketing, so maybe upgrading to A7Cii will help to have only one system of cameras.

[@MicaelWidell]

Sony has no suitable high magnification lens for stacking. OM system is still far ahead of the others

[@Marc_Yu]

@@MicaelWidell Yes, indeed.

[@rndvideo64]

@@MicaelWidell You can use a microscope lens with an RMS adapter if you want extreme magnification for cheap

[@BilloBob1231]

Good choice

[@glathoppa]

DPReview 31st Jan. 2023 - Sony A7R5 review. Quote: 'Continuous shooting at up to 10fps with flash (JPEG or Lossy compressed Raw)'.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes but continuous shooting is not the same as stacking.

[@sergeys.4912]

Hi! You have an interesting channel. I have an Olympus e-m1 mark III and a 60mm f2.8 macro. The other day I conducted a small study on the manifestation of diffraction in macro photography. I was shooting an optically erasable memory chip from a tripod, it has a very fine structure and is good for comparison. I shot several series of shots at all aperture values in 1/3 step increments. I can say that at a scale of 1:1 in normal 20mp mode, diffraction begins to be felt from the aperture value of F5.0, and in HiRes mode 80mp from the value of f3.5 or f4 if you don't find fault. I also shot at the maximum scale with AF macro rings of 16mm + 10mm, in total they give a scale of 1.7:1 with this lens. In this mode, at 20mp, the diffraction begins to manifest from f4 at 20mp and from starting with a wide-open aperture at 80mp. I also noticed that when the aperture is closed, the color changes, as I understand it, it becomes more accurate. I mean the transitions between the color of the smallest details. I noticed the same effect when photographing the landscape, that in addition to the depth of field, the color becomes more juicy. Yesterday I also tried to take a photo with a focus bracketing with a flash. And I noticed that this mode is implemented using an electronic shutter, while the minimum synchronization shutter speed is limited to 1/50 for em1mkIII and 1/20 for em5mkII. I wonder how it is with the OM-1 camera? A strange decision to use an electronic shutter without the possibility of choosing otherwise.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes there is the same limitation for bracketing/stacking mode on the OM-1 - only electronic shutter. But on the OM-1 you get 1/100 s of maximum shutter speed, which is often enough. I am pretty sure this is a technical limitation, a tradeoff they had to do to enable such fast stacking.

[@sergeys.4912]

@@MicaelWidell By the way, I watched your video about diffraction and that the effective aperture number increases with increasing scale. I believe that this happens because when you zoom in, the lens unit of the lens, along with the aperture, moves away from the camera sensor and the diffraction spot increases accordingly. I don't know, maybe someone wrote about it, didn't read all the comments. There are also thoughts about the cheapest setup for macro photography. I believe this is a Panasonic GF5 or G5 camera(if there is a little more money) + adapter for M39/L39 + macro rings M39 two sets(about 100mm length) + an old lens from a photo magnifier. In my country, on the secondary market, such a set can cost $ 100 or less if you do not need a whale lens 14-42 (or similar). I tested a lot of old optics from film SLR cameras. Its resolution is noticeably lower than that of the native 60mm macro, especially seen in 80mp images. I also noticed that for these lenses the diffraction limit starts later, starting from f5.6-8, which may give an advantage in depth of field. Unless, of course, you need the maximum resolution of the images. And it's really much cheaper than modern lenses.

[@mromagnoli]

Welcome to the system!

[@glathoppa]

[1] - Cost is not as simple as it seems. My Sony A7R5 is magnificent for wildlife. The OM system is no match, to say the least. The OM-1 and macro lens is cheaper than an A7R5 system with the Laowa 90mm lens, but not if you already have a full frame 60 to 600mm Sigma E mount lens for wildlife. [2] - I've yet to hear a clear, unambiguous, logical, thorough and convincing argument how and why MFT 20MP is better that full frame 60MP. It must be true, since so many trusted experts are saying it is, but I haven't seen one single convincing explanation from the ground up.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes, as I said in the video you have of course to weigh in all the different things you use your camera for. I agree that a full frame system is better for pretty much everything except macro. I also tried my best in this video to explain why the OM-1 is in fact better for live insect macro photography, than any full frame system - it has worse dynamic range but unparallelled bracketing features and a higher pixel pitch than the A7RV, which are two very important factors in live insect macro photography.

[@aimlezz8855]

ffs now I have to get an Olympus xD

[@RyanFordePhotographer]

Sony a6700 can focus stack

[@MicaelWidell]

Not 10 shots per second, automated and in sync with a flash?

[@marknathan7744]

I would never change a camera system just to shoot one genre, you will have to sell all your Sony fit Macro lenses and change your macro flashes unless you are using basic manual jobs. Once you configure in all the extra cost of these items it isnt worth it you should of just upgraded to the a7r5 or wait until the a6700 comes out. The only reason to keep olympus is if they gave it to you and they asked youi to big them up. If that is the case then yeah no brainer keep it. Never change camera systems just lenses if really needed.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for watching

[@marknathan7744]

@@MicaelWidell No worries .Don't take it personally but I never trust anyone who reviews lenses and cameras and gets paid by said company for doing so .I do not know if that is the case with you but most people are smarter than that. I love your videos and will continue to watch them and like them but if you become an Olympus ambassador then that will be the moment I cease to follow thanks for your understanding.

[@edwinhamm1905]

WOW. Is your favourite song Suspicious Minds ? 😂😂

[@marknathan7744]

@@edwinhamm1905 hehe I like Olympus I think they are stills based which I like and if I could carry two systems it would be Sony and Olympus or maybe Fuji and Olympus but never Panasonic been there done that .

[@nidheesh.k.b6105]

Iam using sony a7iii with canon 100 mm2.8L😅😅

[@ianvaughan9028]

Olympus (You're welcome) ;-)

[@d.k.1394]

Another great video😅

[@elgallego_54]

Sony

[@glathoppa]

My comment on kzbin.info/www/bejne/amS7lIGorp6Xask is reproduced below. It generated a reference by the creator to you, Micael. Any advice, please, would be welcomed, with thanks. While i'm here, many thanks for your excellent and inspirational macro videos. The focus stacking capturing process takes several seconds. If the subject moves during that period, the stack will be ruined. My Sony A7R5 is also "slow". Is anyone aware of a camera achieving automatic captures of images as rapidly as, for example, burst mode (multiple shots per second), please? My objective is to capture stacks of frequently moving subjects (e.g. insects) during very brief periods of no subject movement. I don't need in-camera processing to achieve a final image in the field. I'm perfectly willing to use stacking software on my PC to do that.

[@MicaelWidell]

I think the fastest stacking solution you can get is the OM-1 that I talk about in this video. It is very fast with a flash and even faster without a flash. However you will never be able to stack an insect while it is moving, it is simply not possible with any camera out there. Wait until it is still for 2-3 seconds and then you can stack.

[@r1chm]

You list showed Canon leading with 25 cameras. Not because it is a better system. Because they sell more cameras than anyone.

[@MegaWhyKey]

ははは、私は写真家としての勉強を続けるのが遅いので、いずれにせよ、現時点ではソニーの最高の機器を最大限に楽しむ資格がありませんははは

[@d.k.1394]

1st to comment

[@chema_dominguez]

Canon.