Shooting model trains - need advice
Jul 9, 2019 05:35:57 #
Simple answer is to put away the DSLR unless you want to go
to the trouble to focus stack. Use an iPhone or other phone camera which will allow you to get closer and have much greater DOF. My friend Jim Six takes almost all of his model train photos for publishing with his iPhone.
If you use a DSLR it will be much more work and the results will not be any better in my opinion. Save the DSLR for shooting prototype trains.
to the trouble to focus stack. Use an iPhone or other phone camera which will allow you to get closer and have much greater DOF. My friend Jim Six takes almost all of his model train photos for publishing with his iPhone.
If you use a DSLR it will be much more work and the results will not be any better in my opinion. Save the DSLR for shooting prototype trains.
Jul 9, 2019 06:51:59 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
steelhorzz wrote:
My mind grasps the issue now.
Great- you're a fast learner. Some appear to never understand that the focal length has no affect on depth of field.
Jul 9, 2019 07:59:59 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
steelhorzz wrote:
I was asked by a friend to take some photos of his... (show quote)
When I did that I tended toward the telephoto, tripod, at or just below ground level to give the impression that you are really a miniature person in the scene.
Jul 9, 2019 08:05:04 #
I have had better results with my I-phone than with a regular camera. I have a small n-scale layout. The phone can get into small areas and down closer to “ground level” than a bulkier camera, especially if I shoot with it upside-down. I think the depth of field is better, but my layout is small enough that I have less problem anyway.
Jul 9, 2019 08:11:19 #
Also, the closer you physically are to your subject, the more narrow the depth of field. If your camera is close to the train, try backing up.
Jul 9, 2019 08:34:04 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Use this photography calculator to get a handle on what will ne in focus. You can make various calculations based on sensor factor, focal length, and distance to subject. I suspect that a wide wide angle lens that is stopped way down will get you what you want.
http://www.tawbaware.com/maxlyons/calc.htm
http://www.tawbaware.com/maxlyons/calc.htm
Jul 9, 2019 08:41:44 #
steelhorzz wrote:
I was asked by a friend to take some photos of his... (show quote)
Nothing is in focus? Certainly something is seriously wrong. Someone else asked a similar question a few weeks ago. They as I recall were getting part of their scene in focus (likely the middle of a train of cars). Focus stacking was suggested. You might Search UHH and see if you can find that Thread and answers as well as what you are getting here.
Jul 9, 2019 09:05:04 #
Are you possibly too close to the subject for the lens that you're using? More than likely you're experiencing camera shake. Try using a tripod, preferably with a trigger to eliminate the possibility of camera movement. Use different focus points if you want to try stacking.
Jul 9, 2019 09:15:12 #
Jul 9, 2019 09:18:42 #
Then why would a DOF calculator ask for the focal length...
Leitz wrote:
Great- you're a fast learner. Some appear to never understand that the focal length has no affect on depth of field.
Jul 9, 2019 09:28:05 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
Notorious T.O.D. wrote:
Then why would a DOF calculator ask for the focal length...
To determine the scale of reproduction.
Jul 9, 2019 09:48:20 #
Leitz wrote:
To determine the scale of reproduction.
Huh???
A 24mm lens at f/8 focused at 5 feet has a depth of field of 8.84 feet
A 50mm lens at f/8 focused at 5 feet has a depth of field of 1.34 feet
A 105mm lens at f/8 focused at 5 feet has a depth of field of 3.46 inches
Jul 9, 2019 10:05:51 #
steelhorzz wrote:
I was asked by a friend to take some photos of his... (show quote)
Try a wide angle lens for the overall scenes. For most of the shots I would recommend getting close and level with the trains (as if you watching real trains). I used a 28-300 lens and had no trouble with DOF. See my example: night train. One more thing ... HAVE FUN doing it! It sounds like you're not enjoying the task. There is a "Trains" forum ... perhaps they can give you some ideas.
Jul 9, 2019 10:10:10 #
Jul 9, 2019 10:20:03 #
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