sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Alan, diffraction plays a big part in the clarity and sharpness of the image. Focus stacking is a bit different than taking a single macro shot in the field and especially when seeking higher magnification.

I've learned that by keeping the f/stop to the most open position works best and perhaps up to the 2nd stop beyond it. Extending the lens with tubes, helicoid or bellows results in a loss of light on the sensor and cranking the f/stop to f/11 or more will most often result is softness.

I often shoot with microscope objectives as the camera lens and there is no aperture adjustment so they shoot "wide open" and produce razor sharp images. I do get frustrated that I have yet to find a way to reduce the size of the master image without impacting the high resolution which drives me crazier than I already am.

Try a session with a shorter stack, just as an experiment and yes only part of it will be in focus but this is just a test, with the aperture set full open and then at two stops closed. Example; f/2.8 and then about f/5.6. I believe you will notice a difference.

AlanTN Loc: Rogersville, Tennessee

I'll look into it...thanks!