Shutter setting during focus bracketing

Shooting in macro mode, techniques, tips & tricks
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Kalman
Posts: 1
Joined: 24.03.2026 02:26

Shutter setting during focus bracketing

Post by Kalman »

I am using Helicon Soft for focus stacking of images collected on a Sony A7RV camera. I am taking close up (near macro) stacks of 30-100 photos using a Sony 90 mm Macro lens. My exposures are typically ≈1 second each.

QUESTION: Is there any value in capturing the images using silent shutter (electronic shutter) vs. electronic front curtain shutter? In theory, the electronic front curtain shutter might contribute to "shutter shock". Any suggestions? Thanks!
BobStone
Posts: 67
Joined: 03.06.2017 11:13

Re: Shutter setting during focus bracketing

Post by BobStone »

Nikon User ... but I always use 'silent shutter' for the reason you mentioned.
waldenk
Posts: 50
Joined: 15.02.2015 19:17

Re: Shutter setting during focus bracketing

Post by waldenk »

Just a footnote to the good suggestion from @BobStone. I'm a Nikon Z7/Z9 shooter...and I'm shooting deep stacks with dual SB900 flash units. Unfortunately, if you're using flash, Nikon disables the "silent shutter" option. I realize in most use cases, if you have big honkin' flash going off, "silent shutter" would make little sense. For macro work however, it would be very useful.
shutterbug
Posts: 68
Joined: 17.12.2022 15:14

Re: Shutter setting during focus bracketing

Post by shutterbug »

Kalman wrote: 24.03.2026 02:33 I am using Helicon Soft for focus stacking of images collected on a Sony A7RV camera. I am taking close up (near macro) stacks of 30-100 photos using a Sony 90 mm Macro lens. My exposures are typically ≈1 second each.

QUESTION: Is there any value in capturing the images using silent shutter (electronic shutter) vs. electronic front curtain shutter? In theory, the electronic front curtain shutter might contribute to "shutter shock". Any suggestions? Thanks!
As a general rule - if you have longer exposures use ES as there's no advantage in using the mechanical shutter (unless you need to have flash sync for some reason) while ES almost guarantees that there's no issue with vibration before or after the shot.

Where you need mechanical shutter with the A7V is with flash or when using fast shutter speeds hand-held (for example with live fast moving subjects for manual focus bracketing). But as soon as you're on a tripod with continuous/available light and your subject isn't moving, ES is much more comfortable.
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