steelhorzz

I was asked by a friend to take some photos of his model train set.

I'm using a Canon 7D Mark ll
I used every lens I have, from 10-22 to 70-200.

I'm confused by the results I got.

It's the depth of field.

Regardless or aperture, f4- f16, Nothing is in focus all the way from front to back.

I tried various settings for speed, aperture, timing. Pics look good, except for there is no "complete" focus front to back.

We're trying to get some specific views/ shots of his complete setup, (a town and surrounding country with trains), so depth of field is important.

I did some research on shooting model trains and found many people talking about "stacking".

Well, I downloaded some software, and we picked a few shots that if (in focus), we think would be pretty good, and we're going to try it again.

I understand the process of stacking and how it "constructs" a final pic, but what I can't understand is WHY I can't take a pic in complete focus, using just my camera the first time.

Advice, comments, questions, I'd appreciate anything.

Just trying to get my head around it, before I go back and take multiple shots of the same view and start the stacking process.

Thanks everyone!!

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

1. Use a tripod if not already
2. Only take pics of the trains standing still.
3. for larger depth of field use smaller apertures and slower shutter speeds. Diming the lights some will help with getting the shutter speeds down if needed.

If you post one of the current pics for starters with dimensions of the layout, it might help with suggestions.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

This may be worthwhile reading:
https://digital-photography-school.com/understanding-depth-field-beginners/

BebuLamar

If you use a depth of field calculator you will see at the distance you need to shoot at you can't have sufficient depth of field. You just have to stack or compose it in such a way that you don't need good depth of field. Shallow depth of field can look good but generally not realistic because when you taking pictures of real train you have enough depth of field.

steelhorzz

Thanks!
Wasn't using a tripod as we were just looking for shots that we wanted to select from, on his entire layout.

(Was gonna is my tripod for the "final" shots).

Did use up to f16 aperture and with his led lighting was able to shoot with relatively slow shutter Speeds, 1/125, I think ....

I'll have to get his layouts dimensions, and will post some examples after I get that info.

I do remember him telling me that every inch on his layout was equivalent to 7 feet in ratio.

Thanks for the suggestions and questions.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

If you say "NOTHING" is in focus, this many not be a depth of field issue alone. Even of you have miscalculated and focused on the wrong points and did not consider hyperfocal distances and other depth of field basics, at smaller apertures SOMETHING has to be in focus.

Shooting model railroad layouts is much the same as many other tabletop kinds of work where you are at relatively close camera/subject distances and depth of field can be critical as is perspective and coming up with a realistic look to the resulting images. Camera angel plays a part in both of theses aspects.

Whenever these kinds of problems or questions are presented, it is best to post some of the images that you are dissatisfied with along with the data as to all your settings. If you post properly and check off the (store original) box, the accompanying EXIF data will be very helpful.

There are a number of photograhers on this site that specialize in "trains" and I am sure there are folks who are experienced in model railroading photography as well.

I do quite a bit of commercial tabletop and product work , so I may be able to assist you as well. Show the pictures and help will arrive

steelhorzz

That is making sense to me. I know I can overcome by stacking but could not "grasp" the reason why "just shooting" wouldn't work. Thanks!!! 👍

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Seriously look into stacking for that project. I know that article writers for model railroad magazines went that route some years ago.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

If you have nothing in focus you probably used the wrong distance. To get everything in focus it 'be best if you do some stacking! Have fun!!

steelhorzz

We've already selected form the shots I took, which ones we want to "pursue".

I'll be going back with my tripod and shoot multiple pics and try the "stacking" method.
Thanks for the response!!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Depth of field is not infinite, and the longer the focal length the more limited it is, even at F16. Focus stacking with nothing moving is the best solution for you. If you look at a depth of field calculator you will get the answer to the "why" you can't have what you are looking to do. F16 will soften the image due to diffraction, but with a 10mm lens at F16, your hyperfocal distance (distance from plane of focus to sensor that provides the deepest depth of field at a given focal length), your DoF will be from 6" to infinity. But don't expect it to be crisp at either end.

Always best to post an image.

steelhorzz

Thanks for the response and I will be doing "stacking". My mind grasps the issue now. Thanks again!!

Bill_de Loc: US

UHH Train Section

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-131-1.html

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steelhorzz

Thanks! I'd seen this link when I first started searching. Most of the photos were large size real trains. (No apparent issues).

It wasn't till I got to page four that I saw some photos of model trains and noticed they too had issue where the background, or foreground was no in focus.

But I understand the reason now and will be attempting photo "stacking" on my next session.

I'll let ya know how it works out. 😬

Thanks again!!

BebuLamar

As I have said in earlier post. Shallow depth of field can look good but it would not look like real trains. With shallow depth of field they look obviously model trainsl