Focus Stacking software
Feb 22, 2019 11:01:12 #
rydabyk wrote:
I've looked at both Helicon and Zerene but there seem to be a ton of focus stacking options out there that are free. Any opinions?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Zerene, and probably Helicon, are so much better, easier, and quicker than Photoshop that either will be well worth the relatively low cost.
Feb 22, 2019 11:01:54 #
sbohne wrote:
When did combining layers become known as "focus stacking?" Just curious.
Never.
Feb 22, 2019 11:30:36 #
cactuspic
Loc: Dallas, TX
For larger stacks, PS does not work as well as either Zerene or Helicon. Both of those programs render consistently better results with less cleanup required, particularly with more complex macros, although PS should be fine for simple landscape stacks. ON1 is not ready for prime time as of yet. The maximum number of images that it can handle in a stack is 14. I could not test it as the smallest stack I could conveniently find was in excess of 30 images. As a practical matter, most of my closeup and macros (at about 1x) are between 30-100. At higher magnifications, the number of images tend to increase. I would try the free evaluative copies of Helicon and Zerene and compare the results with PS by taking a stack and seeing which programs gives the best results
Feb 22, 2019 11:30:53 #
rydabyk wrote:
I've looked at both Helicon and Zerene but there seem to be a ton of focus stacking options out there that are free. Any opinions?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Zerene is a fine program, I have it although I do not use it, I use PS instead (much more control)!
Feb 22, 2019 11:44:49 #
bsprague wrote:
I don't think we photographers should learn Photoshop. It is too big, complex and intimidating. However, there may be a dozen techniques withing Photoshop that are useful, fun and relatively easy.
First and foremost on my list is object removal. Photoshop is far better than Lightroom.
First and foremost on my list is object removal. Photoshop is far better than Lightroom.
Thanks bsprague, that's about all I've used PS for so far.
Feb 22, 2019 12:34:09 #
kmpankopf
Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania
I've been using Helicon Focus for a few years. Most of my stacking is done for model trains (indoors). I also use Helicon Remote to control the camera. IMO, great system.
This was true years ago, Helicon was much easier and faster than PS and IMO produced a much better result. I ran multiple comparisons. I haven't re-tried PS in a long time.
This was true years ago, Helicon was much easier and faster than PS and IMO produced a much better result. I ran multiple comparisons. I haven't re-tried PS in a long time.
Feb 22, 2019 14:54:47 #
For non-macro photo stacking you might find the Focus Stacking phone app useful. It will give you the number of shots to take and the optimum focus distances for the range, aperture and focal length you are using.
Feb 22, 2019 15:45:07 #
rydabyk wrote:
I've looked at both Helicon and Zerene but there seem to be a ton of focus stacking options out there that are free. Any opinions?
Thanks!
Thanks!
I use both Zerene and Affinity Photo's Focus Merge/Stacking. I prefer Affinity simply because the stacked result drops directly into Affinity's postprocessing environment.
bwa
Feb 22, 2019 16:04:35 #
bsprague wrote:
I don't think we photographers should learn Photoshop. It is too big, complex and intimidating. However, there may be a dozen techniques withing Photoshop that are useful, fun and relatively easy.
First and foremost on my list is object removal. Photoshop is far better than Lightroom.
First and foremost on my list is object removal. Photoshop is far better than Lightroom.
Bill, I am glad you mentioned this - about Photoshop being better than Lightroom for removing objects. I can do it in Lr but not pleased with the end result. So I will need to learn how this is done in Ps.
Feb 22, 2019 17:29:01 #
There is not enough stress here on the fact that subject movement is deadly to all focus stacking techniques.
Feb 22, 2019 18:58:26 #
Fotoartist wrote:
There is not enough stress here on the fact that subject movement is deadly to all focus stacking techniques.
Actually this is one of the reasons I use Focus Stacking on occasions. I does a pretty reasonable job of removing subject movement. At least the Focus Merge in Affinity Photo does...
bwa
Feb 22, 2019 19:02:44 #
Feb 22, 2019 19:07:33 #
FiddleMaker wrote:
Bill, I am glad you mentioned this - about Photoshop being better than Lightroom for removing objects. I can do it in Lr but not pleased with the end result. So I will need to learn how this is done in Ps.
Yes, context sensitive removal is amazing in PS. I start all work in LR, but the brush removal there works only for a spot in the sky, not anything tricky. And it seems to slow the whole program down, keeping track of non destructive brush strokes.
Feb 22, 2019 20:22:46 #
Elements + is available for Photoshop Elements (any version) for about $12.00 US or $17.00 CAD. It has a focus stacking feature among others. The link is http://elements plus.net.
Feb 22, 2019 21:42:51 #
jamesl wrote:
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Here are some options to look at: https://listoffreeware.com/best-free-focus-stacking-software-windows/
Here are some options to look at: https://listoffreeware.com/best-free-focus-stacking-software-windows/
Thank you!
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