Shooting tactics for focus stacking
Jan 11, 2018 13:35:05 #
I have read about two different tactics for collecting exposures for focus stacking. (I) In the first, the camera stays in one position, and the lens is focused on a different point in the scene for each exposure. (II) In the second, the lens focus doesn't change, but the camera is moved slightly closer or further for each exposure, so that each exposure still features a different focus point.
I use an AF Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 D lens. Like many (all?) Micro Nikkors, the focal length actually changes as focus changes, particularly as one approaches 1:1, so the perspective changes as the focus changes. Similarly, as one moves the camera closer to the subject, the perspective shifts a bit. I assume that the stacking software takes all of this into account.
My question is: What reasons are there to prefer tactic (I), with the stationary camera, over tactic (II), with the moving camera, or to prefer tactic (II) over tactic (I)?
This has become a more interesting question with the appearance of the D850, which provides an automated feature for tactic (I).
Thanks in advance for your input; I'm looking forward to it.
I use an AF Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 D lens. Like many (all?) Micro Nikkors, the focal length actually changes as focus changes, particularly as one approaches 1:1, so the perspective changes as the focus changes. Similarly, as one moves the camera closer to the subject, the perspective shifts a bit. I assume that the stacking software takes all of this into account.
My question is: What reasons are there to prefer tactic (I), with the stationary camera, over tactic (II), with the moving camera, or to prefer tactic (II) over tactic (I)?
This has become a more interesting question with the appearance of the D850, which provides an automated feature for tactic (I).
Thanks in advance for your input; I'm looking forward to it.
Jan 12, 2018 09:56:05 #
aphelps
Loc: Central Ohio
cbtsam wrote:
I have read about two different tactics for collec... (show quote)
In stacking it is important to keep both exposure and perspective constant. Using manual focus, first focus on the closest part of the image you want to be in focus. Then take additional exposures each focusing on successive areas as you move the focus point to the rear most area to be in focus. The camera remains fixed in position throughout the process. If the focal length has changed significantly through the series you may have to resize images to a common size. However, the focus stacking software may do that for you if the size difference is small.
Jan 15, 2018 20:01:47 #
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