After a long work week, I always look forward to your next video. I know it will be beautiful and interesting. And I have never made a mistake! :) Happy New Year! :)
Have been trying to get a decent image of Yellow Jelly Fungus for literally years without success, the image you produced there Mark was an absolute "stonker" I know you have high end gear there but it just goes to show if you have a good command of lighting technique just shows what can be achieved. Ditto for the leaf subject too, your lighting set up on that really brought the detail out, on what was a subject that normally wouldn't even register with me. A very inspirational video to a macro lover like me.👌
Thanks very much! Funny you should mention high end gear though - in the next couple of days I'm planning to do a video where I shoot images on a Nikon Z30 with the kit lens, so pretty much entry level gear. I've no idea how well it will work, but there's only one way to find out!
@MarkMorganPhotography Very much look forward to the results of that Mark as economical gear for my photography is my only option. On the plus side though is if you acheive a real outstanding image on this type of equipment it really gives you probably a greater sense of achievement. 👍
@@glennhunt3595 I've decided to shoot it tomorrow, and just packed the bag - Z30 and kit lens. I'm still taking a couple of little lights because they're a few years old and one of them has a broken switch, so I figure that's OK. Results next week... hopefully!
Hi Mark: Great video - I have the same body and lens in hand. Curious about the backing off of the focus on the 105 before you start your capture. Do you have a video explaining the how and why on that step? I have been struggling to understand how the Nikon stacking system works and this is the first time I have seen a procedure like yours. Thank you - Have a great 2025 Bruce B
Glad you liked the video, thank you! The focusing thing - I don't have anything specifically about that, but all I do is use the autofocus to focus on the nearest part (more or less) of the subject to me, and without changing anything else I just turn the focus ring so that the lens focuses slightly closer still and everything is then slightly out of focus before I start the stack. I do this in case there's a small part of the subject I haven't seen that is closer to the camera. Combined with plenty of frames, I can be absolutely sure to get the entire subject covered in the stack. It's pretty annoying to shoot a great shot, and then find the closest part right in the middle of the shot is out of focus - I've done that more than once! Back at the computer I delete all the fully out of focus shots and then stack from the remaining shots.
There are a couple that I use regularly. The SmallRig P96L is really compact, bright, and I think produces a really nice quality of light. I don't know where you're located, but here in the UK they're only about £35. I also like the Aputure MC - a bit pricier, but they can go much dimmer that the SmallRigs, which is sometimes useful, and you can also control them from a phone via Bluetooth, which is really useful if you're kneeling on the ground and they're out of reach! They also come with a silicone diffuser which makes them easy to stand up. Links to both lights are in the video description, if that's helpful. I also have a Nanlite Pavotube which is good. I don't know if that's still made, though.
I use all the “useless bits” on my Shimoda. 😊 You might contact Shimoda for more details on the adjustment range of their “adjustable and removable waist belt.” If the adjustment range is inadequate you might inspire and serve as test subject for a revised version.
One man's useless bits are another man's essentials, I suppose 🙂👍. You almost certainly know this from your own bag, but the waist strap can be adjusted from the back as well, but then the velcro retainers (certainly on mine) then don't line up, and the waist belt slides around. It does have some great features as well, and it's easily the best backpack I've owned (so far!). I'd give it a solid 7 out of 10... I just want a 9.5 out of 10! Maybe it would also help if I ate less cake 🤣
I am new to your channel and I have been catching up on your macro videos. I have just switched to the Nikon system having been a long term Pentax user and I am weighing up whether to get the Nikon 105mm MC or the 50mm MC? I see that you have used both - which would you recommend? Thanks
Ah, well, that's a good question! The 105 is one of the more premium 'S' lenses, whatever that really means, and it feels very well made. It's really solid, optically outstanding, and gives a comfortable working distance - I originally got mine when I was photographing live wasps, and didn't want to get too close. I've left it out in the rain more than once with no ill effects, so the weather sealing seems good. The 50 is much lighter in weight and doesn't feel as solid, but it's still optically great - It would be really hard to tell the difference between the 105 and the 50, unless you were doing a side-by-side comparison of test charts. The working distance with the 50 is a lot closer, which can of course be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the subject. For me, the main difference between the two is the look of the final images. The 105 makes it really easy to blow the background away, but the 50 will let you see more of the background, and show a bit more context in the shot. One advantage the 50 has over the 105 is that you can just leave it on the camera as a 'standard' lens if you want to. They're both great lenses, but it may be worth considering that fact that the 50 both lighter and cheaper. If I had to pick one, I'd probably choose the 105, but only because I've also got a 'normal' non-macro 50mm. If I didn't have the normal 50 I'd probably choose the 50mm macro over the 105. I'm afraid that probably hasn't been much help!
@ Thanks for taking the trouble to reply. I think I will be going for the 105 as that is closer to the 100mm I used to use on my Pentax. Great channel by the way 👍😀
I've been bothered by not knowing what Nikon's focus shift step width numbers represent in actual focus change. Yesterday I think I finally succeeded. The results: #1 0.11mm, #2 0.11mm, #3 0.12mm, #4 0.15mm, #5 0.21mm, #6 0.30mm, #7 0.38mm, #8 0.66mm, #9 0.98mm, #10 1.46mm. I was using a AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G-ED on a Nikon D850. For each focus step size near focus was set to reproduction ratio 1:1 and 100 focus steps were executed. The target was a transparent plastic rule marked down to 0.5mm, taped to an LED flat panel. The rule was oriented a few degrees off the lens axis, just enough so the in-focus position could be read at the start position and end position of each focus step width run. I also measured DoF at 5 reproduction ratio focus settings from 1:1 to 2:1, in one-stop increments. Knowing the DoF, and actual step size in theory should guide selection of step width number. Now I need to put theory into practice and see what happens.
That's very interesting. Based only on the experience of shooting (i.e. not testing), it seems to broadly bear out what I've seen, in that when shooting with a step width of 1, two images shot in the field a single step apart can be very difficult (if not impossible) to tell apart, and a total depth of about 11cm between image 1 and image 100 seems very plausible indeed. It would be interesting (although time consuming) to test at different distances, plot the results, and see what the resulting graph looks like. The geek in me would also want to test multiple times to see if/how manufacturing tolerances within the lens cause results to differ from one run to the next... but maybe I'm getting a bit carried away there!
@ We share a common affliction. I too wondered about reproducibility, and if step width varies with focus distance. Perhaps this evening after dinner, when I’m no longer good for anything but simple, repetitive tasks, or watching TH-cam videos…😉
You can actually adjust the strap from the back as well, and they helpfully provide a tool to make that easier, but then the velcro retainers that stop the strap falling out don't line up. It's a curious oversight that could be easily fixed, so hopeful they will in the next version.
oh yes, long live the pipe dream of a better backpack for camera gear. It's crazy to think that you put all this heavy kit in it yet they don't truly consider the supports properly. I have a ThinkTank bag and it holds all my kit but I do feel that the top part of the straps that attach to the bag could have an extra strap that allows adjustment rather than nothing which means it's all hanging badly on your back and shoulders. Shocking that your waist straps aren't long enough/velcro in wrong place. For the price these bags cost you would think that they would at least be almost perfect or have actually had some interaction with folks that wear them, anyhow I digress, sorry. I will crack on and watch the rest of the video and forget about the backpack issue. A fab 2025 to you and all your family, esp the eagle-eyed wonder.
I suppose there's a big commercial incentive to add more and more twiddly bits, and that the core purpose sometimes gets shuffled into second place. 'Eagle-eyed wonder', though - I just told her that, and I think she's tempted to make it her official title 🤣. Anyway... a splendid New year to yourself as well. Cheers!
After a long work week, I always look forward to your next video. I know it will be beautiful and interesting. And I have never made a mistake! :)
Happy New Year! :)
Thanks very much, I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Happy New Year to you!
I like the duel lights on the jelly ✨️
Thanks!
Have been trying to get a decent image of Yellow Jelly Fungus for literally years without success, the image you produced there Mark was an absolute "stonker" I know you have high end gear there but it just goes to show if you have a good command of lighting technique just shows what can be achieved. Ditto for the leaf subject too, your lighting set up on that really brought the detail out, on what was a subject that normally wouldn't even register with me. A very inspirational video to a macro lover like me.👌
Thanks very much! Funny you should mention high end gear though - in the next couple of days I'm planning to do a video where I shoot images on a Nikon Z30 with the kit lens, so pretty much entry level gear. I've no idea how well it will work, but there's only one way to find out!
@MarkMorganPhotography Very much look forward to the results of that Mark as economical gear for my photography is my only option. On the plus side though is if you acheive a real outstanding image on this type of equipment it really gives you probably a greater sense of achievement. 👍
@@glennhunt3595 I've decided to shoot it tomorrow, and just packed the bag - Z30 and kit lens. I'm still taking a couple of little lights because they're a few years old and one of them has a broken switch, so I figure that's OK. Results next week... hopefully!
Hi Mark:
Great video - I have the same body and lens in hand. Curious about the backing off of the focus on the 105 before you start your capture.
Do you have a video explaining the how and why on that step?
I have been struggling to understand how the Nikon stacking system works and this is the first time I have seen a procedure like yours.
Thank you - Have a great 2025
Bruce B
Glad you liked the video, thank you! The focusing thing - I don't have anything specifically about that, but all I do is use the autofocus to focus on the nearest part (more or less) of the subject to me, and without changing anything else I just turn the focus ring so that the lens focuses slightly closer still and everything is then slightly out of focus before I start the stack. I do this in case there's a small part of the subject I haven't seen that is closer to the camera. Combined with plenty of frames, I can be absolutely sure to get the entire subject covered in the stack. It's pretty annoying to shoot a great shot, and then find the closest part right in the middle of the shot is out of focus - I've done that more than once! Back at the computer I delete all the fully out of focus shots and then stack from the remaining shots.
@@MarkMorganPhotography Thank you for the explanation, I will give it a try.
Have a great new year.
Is there an LED you'd recommend for woodland macro photography?
There are a couple that I use regularly. The SmallRig P96L is really compact, bright, and I think produces a really nice quality of light. I don't know where you're located, but here in the UK they're only about £35. I also like the Aputure MC - a bit pricier, but they can go much dimmer that the SmallRigs, which is sometimes useful, and you can also control them from a phone via Bluetooth, which is really useful if you're kneeling on the ground and they're out of reach! They also come with a silicone diffuser which makes them easy to stand up. Links to both lights are in the video description, if that's helpful. I also have a Nanlite Pavotube which is good. I don't know if that's still made, though.
@@MarkMorganPhotography Many thanks for your suggestions
I use all the “useless bits” on my Shimoda. 😊 You might contact Shimoda for more details on the adjustment range of their “adjustable and removable waist belt.” If the adjustment range is inadequate you might inspire and serve as test subject for a revised version.
One man's useless bits are another man's essentials, I suppose 🙂👍. You almost certainly know this from your own bag, but the waist strap can be adjusted from the back as well, but then the velcro retainers (certainly on mine) then don't line up, and the waist belt slides around. It does have some great features as well, and it's easily the best backpack I've owned (so far!). I'd give it a solid 7 out of 10... I just want a 9.5 out of 10! Maybe it would also help if I ate less cake 🤣
I am new to your channel and I have been catching up on your macro videos. I have just switched to the Nikon system having been a long term Pentax user and I am weighing up whether to get the Nikon 105mm MC or the 50mm MC? I see that you have used both - which would you recommend? Thanks
Ah, well, that's a good question! The 105 is one of the more premium 'S' lenses, whatever that really means, and it feels very well made. It's really solid, optically outstanding, and gives a comfortable working distance - I originally got mine when I was photographing live wasps, and didn't want to get too close. I've left it out in the rain more than once with no ill effects, so the weather sealing seems good. The 50 is much lighter in weight and doesn't feel as solid, but it's still optically great - It would be really hard to tell the difference between the 105 and the 50, unless you were doing a side-by-side comparison of test charts. The working distance with the 50 is a lot closer, which can of course be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the subject. For me, the main difference between the two is the look of the final images. The 105 makes it really easy to blow the background away, but the 50 will let you see more of the background, and show a bit more context in the shot. One advantage the 50 has over the 105 is that you can just leave it on the camera as a 'standard' lens if you want to. They're both great lenses, but it may be worth considering that fact that the 50 both lighter and cheaper. If I had to pick one, I'd probably choose the 105, but only because I've also got a 'normal' non-macro 50mm. If I didn't have the normal 50 I'd probably choose the 50mm macro over the 105. I'm afraid that probably hasn't been much help!
@ Thanks for taking the trouble to reply. I think I will be going for the 105 as that is closer to the 100mm I used to use on my Pentax. Great channel by the way 👍😀
@@mike1902 The 105 is a good choice, especially if you're used to a 100. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
I've been bothered by not knowing what Nikon's focus shift step width numbers represent in actual focus change. Yesterday I think I finally succeeded. The results: #1 0.11mm, #2 0.11mm, #3 0.12mm, #4 0.15mm, #5 0.21mm, #6 0.30mm, #7 0.38mm, #8 0.66mm, #9 0.98mm, #10 1.46mm. I was using a AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G-ED on a Nikon D850. For each focus step size near focus was set to reproduction ratio 1:1 and 100 focus steps were executed. The target was a transparent plastic rule marked down to 0.5mm, taped to an LED flat panel. The rule was oriented a few degrees off the lens axis, just enough so the in-focus position could be read at the start position and end position of each focus step width run. I also measured DoF at 5 reproduction ratio focus settings from 1:1 to 2:1, in one-stop increments. Knowing the DoF, and actual step size in theory should guide selection of step width number. Now I need to put theory into practice and see what happens.
That's very interesting. Based only on the experience of shooting (i.e. not testing), it seems to broadly bear out what I've seen, in that when shooting with a step width of 1, two images shot in the field a single step apart can be very difficult (if not impossible) to tell apart, and a total depth of about 11cm between image 1 and image 100 seems very plausible indeed. It would be interesting (although time consuming) to test at different distances, plot the results, and see what the resulting graph looks like. The geek in me would also want to test multiple times to see if/how manufacturing tolerances within the lens cause results to differ from one run to the next... but maybe I'm getting a bit carried away there!
@ We share a common affliction. I too wondered about reproducibility, and if step width varies with focus distance. Perhaps this evening after dinner, when I’m no longer good for anything but simple, repetitive tasks, or watching TH-cam videos…😉
Or they could do extention straps
You can actually adjust the strap from the back as well, and they helpfully provide a tool to make that easier, but then the velcro retainers that stop the strap falling out don't line up. It's a curious oversight that could be easily fixed, so hopeful they will in the next version.
oh yes, long live the pipe dream of a better backpack for camera gear. It's crazy to think that you put all this heavy kit in it yet they don't truly consider the supports properly. I have a ThinkTank bag and it holds all my kit but I do feel that the top part of the straps that attach to the bag could have an extra strap that allows adjustment rather than nothing which means it's all hanging badly on your back and shoulders.
Shocking that your waist straps aren't long enough/velcro in wrong place.
For the price these bags cost you would think that they would at least be almost perfect or have actually had some interaction with folks that wear them, anyhow I digress, sorry.
I will crack on and watch the rest of the video and forget about the backpack issue.
A fab 2025 to you and all your family, esp the eagle-eyed wonder.
I suppose there's a big commercial incentive to add more and more twiddly bits, and that the core purpose sometimes gets shuffled into second place. 'Eagle-eyed wonder', though - I just told her that, and I think she's tempted to make it her official title 🤣. Anyway... a splendid New year to yourself as well. Cheers!