Hand FOCUS STACKing in the Field
Apr 25, 2013 12:23:09 #
A few observations from these stacks I made today. On the first two stacks I tried to focus using the focusing ring on the lens. Very possible but found you get more Ghosting when focusing in this manner, I removed the ghosting thru PP, had to give it a try. Last stack/photo I used the set focus, move camera in method, much happier using this method. Nowhere near as nice as the ones Allen/LoneRangeFinder as shared. Also Second stack was using f/5.6 and again not happy with this when hand holding as I'm focusing in less then perfect increments. I chose f/9 for the last stack allowing more over lap focus per photo. Last image is 19 photos stacked. Still Have a Long way to go, will be Months before I have a real handle on this.
A few pointers, I'm using a stick planted on the ground and grasping with a finger in my camera hand, really helps. I take a practice exposure shot before wasting time and batteries. I start at the front and lean all they way thru first to make sure all shots will fit into frame. I should mention a slight breeze today. Will share as I plug along.
A few pointers, I'm using a stick planted on the ground and grasping with a finger in my camera hand, really helps. I take a practice exposure shot before wasting time and batteries. I start at the front and lean all they way thru first to make sure all shots will fit into frame. I should mention a slight breeze today. Will share as I plug along.
using the focusing ring on lens
using the focusing ring on lens
pre-set focus & f/5.6, moving entire camera/lens towards subject
pre-set focus & f/9, moving entire camera/lens towards subject
Apr 25, 2013 12:56:19 #
The stick (hiking pole) support or unattached mono-pod might be the answer. Do you use the viewfinder or the LCD? If you use the viewfinder do you use a hood? Great series despite your self depreciation.
Apr 25, 2013 13:03:14 #
jrb1213 wrote:
I use a stick as I my be standing or on my knees, it's about 4 feet long. No I use the view finder as I can't get use to the LCD screen, not to mention live view slows the process. The quicker one moves thru the set, the better alignment & focus over-lap. I never use a hood as my working distance is too close. My biggest problem is I automatically hold my breath. When I do this I rush the last few frames so I can breathe. Working on breathing thru the shots.The stick (hiking pole) support or unattached mono-pod might be the answer. Do you use viewfinder or LCD? If you use the viewfinder do you use a hood?
Apr 25, 2013 14:23:04 #
Thanks. The hood I was talking about is for the lcd screen, like Hoodman with a 2x or 3x diopter. But it sounds like the answer was no anyway.
Apr 25, 2013 14:34:29 #
jrb1213 wrote:
I did find a magnifier for my diopter thru Nikon. It magnifies about 17% which helps. No LCD hoodThanks. The hood I was talking about is for the lcd screen, like Hoodman with a 2x or 3x diopter. But it sounds like the answer was no anyway.
Apr 25, 2013 20:25:27 #
Apr 26, 2013 00:46:29 #
Hey, Martin, I think these are pretty good. Hand-held stacks are still something I've not tried. I may get a chance this week-end
Apr 26, 2013 08:55:44 #
Apr 26, 2013 09:26:04 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Thanks, no where near as nice as your tripod shots. Will have to dig my tripod out and give it a go on some flowers. Can you recommend a good reasonable Macro rail??Hey, Martin, I think these are pretty good. Hand-held stacks are still something I've not tried. I may get a chance this week-end
Apr 26, 2013 10:28:48 #
I ended up with a cowboy studio used (actually new but from their warehouse reboxed) All the rails I have seen look identical. The one I have I would give a 5 out of five. All metal construction about 1.5 pounds. It cost me $19. I love the warehouse deals at amazon.
I have seen others that are used in the $30 range. With the flash, flash armature, camera, rail and tripod you may be talking in the 8-10 pound (3-4 kg)range. So it may be a lot to carry on an hour trek.
I have seen others that are used in the $30 range. With the flash, flash armature, camera, rail and tripod you may be talking in the 8-10 pound (3-4 kg)range. So it may be a lot to carry on an hour trek.
Apr 26, 2013 18:11:57 #
fstop22 wrote:
i like em, yup I resemble the remarks on breathingMy biggest problem is I automatically hold my breath. When I do this I rush the last few frames so I can breathe. Working on breathing thru the shots.
Apr 26, 2013 18:24:00 #
jrb1213 wrote:
A photograph of your set-up would be quite instructional to us.I ended up with a cowboy studio used (focusing rail).
Apr 28, 2013 14:56:01 #
fstop22 wrote:
Are you using your High Speed shutter? Seems that for this type of work in the field that might be an option.I use a stick as I my be standing or on my knees, it's about 4 feet long. No I use the view finder as I can't get use to the LCD screen, not to mention live view slows the process. The quicker one moves thru the set, the better alignment & focus over-lap. I never use a hood as my working distance is too close. My biggest problem is I automatically hold my breath. When I do this I rush the last few frames so I can breathe. Working on breathing thru the shots.
Apr 28, 2013 16:02:42 #
fstop22 wrote:
Martin: I'm not sure how reasonable this is. I think I paid around $100 for it. The knob on top operates the forward movement and the one on the bottom for the side-to-side adjustment. Out of the box, both knobs were on the same ("bottom") side. It's a simple change with a couple set-screws to flip it. I use my left hand to adjust the rail-- and the two knobs were too close together anyway. It's a Velbon....Can you recommend a good reasonable Macro rail??
Apr 29, 2013 09:18:24 #
Hey Geff
No just my usual 1/200 Shutter speed. My flash does not have the High Sync speed capabilities
No just my usual 1/200 Shutter speed. My flash does not have the High Sync speed capabilities
Blurryeyed wrote:
Are you using your High Speed shutter? Seems that for this type of work in the field that might be an option.
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