Focus Stacking in PS - This time by changing the lens focus instead of the distance
Mar 28, 2017 04:40:19 #
Well yesterday's experiments were by changing the focus of the lens instead of using the focus rail to move the lens/camera.
It produces a better image with fewer multiple edges etc, but, has the draw back that I can't control the twist of the lenses that well by hand. Some out of focus gaps and I didn't get the far edges because I was looking in live view with 5X magnification and could not see the edges. My "guesstimates" were off. I need software for fine focus control or connect the camera to my computer so I can see everything in larger size for focusing not just the center of the image. The live view adjustments don't go far enough to see the whole thing.
1. The old puffball, getting somewhat the worse for wear. Dropping a paper bowl edge on it didn't help either, so I turned it around to the side that is still the most intact. Missed areas, needs more frames and both close and far edges
2. New puffball not real good at all, needs way more frames
3. This one I found in the yard right next to a potted plant and intended to get it after I finished watering the other potted plants. Got distracted and sprayed it, it was complete and nearly perfect, after the accidental shower, not so much. Almost wiped it out, like 99% of the seeds are gone. Has several distances that I missed trying to focus by hand.
It produces a better image with fewer multiple edges etc, but, has the draw back that I can't control the twist of the lenses that well by hand. Some out of focus gaps and I didn't get the far edges because I was looking in live view with 5X magnification and could not see the edges. My "guesstimates" were off. I need software for fine focus control or connect the camera to my computer so I can see everything in larger size for focusing not just the center of the image. The live view adjustments don't go far enough to see the whole thing.
1. The old puffball, getting somewhat the worse for wear. Dropping a paper bowl edge on it didn't help either, so I turned it around to the side that is still the most intact. Missed areas, needs more frames and both close and far edges
2. New puffball not real good at all, needs way more frames
3. This one I found in the yard right next to a potted plant and intended to get it after I finished watering the other potted plants. Got distracted and sprayed it, it was complete and nearly perfect, after the accidental shower, not so much. Almost wiped it out, like 99% of the seeds are gone. Has several distances that I missed trying to focus by hand.
The old puffball after partial smashing by the edge of a paper bowl
(Download)
New Puffball #2, not nearly enough frames
(Download)
New Puffball??? #1 After an "opps" with the water hose, several sections out of focus or just missing
(Download)
Mar 28, 2017 12:27:42 #
You have chosen a difficult subject for your focus-stacking hands-on education. I commend you for your patience, but am concerned for your sanity. 
Mar 28, 2017 13:59:44 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Well I not only have a history of trying the hard way, but tend to be stubborn and have what a "shrink" friend called a "resistant personality".You have chosen a difficult subject for your focus-stacking hands-on education. I commend you for your patience, but am concerned for your sanity.
As to my sanity, well 34 years in the classroom, mostly in East Los Angeles, my sanity long since went into hiding and comes out to visit from time to time.
I figure if I manage to "get it" with this then other things will seem easy.
It worked for most of life. Other teachers would ask why I wasn't upset over XYZ the district/students/universe had done. Having done two years in Vietnam I would ask a string of questions: Any snipers around? Sappers in the wire at 5 meters? Bombs going off on campus or mine fields? Booby traps in our classrooms? No! So whats to get upset about?
Mar 28, 2017 19:30:10 #
On Occasion I will try stacking using a tripod. I will also focus the lens into the subject. I use chalk to mark a Point on the lens barrel to help eye the distance moved between shots. I find this easier than using the live view, hope this helps. P.S. I have thought of using a cloth tailors tape to wrap around the lens also to help eye/judge the steps between focus points but have not gotten around to it.
Mar 28, 2017 20:49:26 #
martinfisherphoto wrote:
I thought of a mark on the lens barrel and then using the grooves in the rubber focus ring as markers to adjust the focus.On Occasion I will try stacking using a tripod. I will also focus the lens into the subject. I use chalk to mark a Point on the lens barrel to help eye the distance moved between shots. I find this easier than using the live view, hope this helps. P.S. I have thought of using a cloth tailors tape to wrap around the lens also to help eye/judge the steps between focus points but have not gotten around to it.
Mar 28, 2017 21:22:54 #
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