Vietnam Vet

I have never done focus stacking because I don't see how that would be different than just taking a single image at like an f32. Will someone please take two images and post them? One a single image like a f32 and another using focus stacking. Convince me to give focus stacking a try.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Check out extreme depth of field and also astronomy photography with light painted forground.

Some use stacking for reducing noise.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

All you could want to know here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=focus+stacking&oq=Focus+Stacking&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i59j0l2j69i61j69i60.7774j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

ERay

When you are doing macro photography, even f/32 may not give you the DOF you desire. In a situation like that, multiple exposures with the focus set at multiple distances from the front of the object to the back of the object can give you what you want. You stack the images and the software will use the in-focus areas of each image to build a sharp image. That also allows you to use a wider f-stop which will not be degraded by diffraction problems. Saying that, I have not done it myself but I would like to experiment with it. You can find many examples of the process and resulting images on the web.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

I would only suggest focus stacking if you want the best sharpness. At f32 it will not be as sharp.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

According to an online calculator, the DoF of a 100mm lens focused at 400mm at f32 would be ~2.6mm.
I did a focus stack of a 2 inch diameter rose a few days ago, shooting 49 'slices' to get the entire rose in focus.
You will likely also get diffraction at f32.
Most experts on macro photography recommend not using apertures smaller than f16.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

I have been shooting stacks all day, but I didn't shoot anything at f/32.

Why not test it for yourself?

You can get a free 30 day trial of Zerene stacking software here:

http://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker/softwaredownloads

Put the camera on a tripod and take photos at different focus settings. Figure out optimum distance to focus and f stop you are happy with by trial and error, then combine them, with Zerene.

Focus bracketing and stacking is not a cure all or always better. It is just another approach. But there is no question that there are images that could only be accomplished with stacking.

Take a look:

https://www.flickr.com/groups/dof_stacking/pool/

Mike

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

It works and gives a sharper image than f/32 or the like.
About a year ago I was doing a lot of them and am starting to feel the urge to do more.
There is a limit to the DOF you can get, and when the f-stop gets too small the image degrades. With focus stacking you can use your lens' sharpest f-stop and stack the slices of the subject so that the whole thing, front to back is sharp without the image degradation.

I probably have some comparisons like you asked for but don't recall where in my files to look. But here is a stacked image done with a macro lens from close range that no amount of DOF would have made the whole subject sharp.

Well this is close:

The first is a stack, but only 10 shots with the focus starting on the front edge of the pale yellow dried flowers. f/8 from just under a foot away with a 100 mm Canon macro lens. The very closest to the lens is a bit off in focus and starting with the brown leaf the yellow flowers rest on the focus is less and the blue cloth used for a back drop is completely out of focus.

The second is the same arrangement but with a 20 shot focus stack that now includes the foreground and background in the sharp focus area.

The third is one of those f/8.0 slices used for the stack. Focus is just about on the lower line if the rule of thirds grid was imposed on the image.

these were each stacked and processed at different times from the same series of shots, #3 was also an experiment in shifting the color of the background, I don't it as much as the blue but I had it for an example

10 shots with focus from front edge of dried yellow flowers to back edge of same

(Download)

20 shot stack with focus points on everything front to back

(Download)

single frame with focus at about 1/3 up from bottom of the frame

(Download)

PhotoDerek Loc: County Durham, UK.

Nikon D5 24-70 F2.8 35 mm F16 not my usual F11.

Capn_Dave

You can also stack photos to get the silky water effect when you forget your ND filters and it
is the middle of the day. Set your camera on a tripod, compose your photo and fire about 10 shots.
Stack them in post and viola the silky water effect.

PhotoDerek Loc: County Durham, UK.

Vietnam Vet
Sorry the above is out of context - my reply disappeared. Shot on the Roman wall near Housesteades, Northumberland, UK with a D5 as mentioned in the above post. The wall has a path on it in this section, used as a honey pot for tourists and to protect other parts of the Wall that are not walkable. My D5 will multiple exposure and shoot 10 images, usually shoot F11 but this was F16, sturdy tripod, zoom to compose and shoot 10 exposures at different focus points. After the 10 exposures the camera goes into "busy" mode and marries the exposures in RAW. Download and process then enjoy.
Derek.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Focus stacking is almost like magic, and it's very good for close-ups. Using f/32 will get one area in sharp focus, with a relatively large depth of field. Focus stacking can get a dozen different points in sharp focus. You decide which areas get the sharp focus. Shooting at f/32 won't necessarily get you the best quality image.

Examples -
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS716US717&q=focus+stacking+images&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjgnfCmh_rgAhUEm-AKHVtxDsMQsAR6BAgDEAE&biw=1920&bih=937

Lots of articles -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Dz34MMjQ0&t=142s
https://northrup.photo/my-account/download-sdp-ebook/stunning-digital-photography-video-index/landscape-focus-stacking/
https://digital-photography-school.com/post-processing-focus-stacked-images/
https://digital-photography-school.com/photograph-images-needed-focus-stacking/
http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/focus-stacking-software-photoshop-helicon-combinezp-zerene.html
http://www.lightstalking.com/focus-stacking-in-photoshop/
http://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker/docs/purchasing
http://www.heliconsoft.com/heliconsoft-products/helicon-focus/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/simple-steps-for-focus-stacking-in-photoshop/
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-improve-your-long-exposure-with-photo-stacking/

fjwallace

I do a lot of focus stacking and the diffraction issue is the problem (same problem with telescopes and all optics). At f 5.6 or f 8 things are great but when you start getting to f 22 and higher you notice the lack of sharpness. Couldn't figure out how to add a picture, but you can see it clearly if you try the experiment. My photos are from a few years ago and JPGs but it is clear at f 32 - give it a try.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Go to youtube, there are dozens of examples showing you how to focus stack and the difference and yes, there is a big difference it you want front to back focus. You only think the distance stuff is in focus at f/32, plus most lens have issues at the extremes. If your photos are only small 8x10 maybe 11/14 you can get away with f/32. Go larger and the difference is significant.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Vietnam Vet much depends on the visual statement you're seeking...
For those who work commercially their clients may (and often do) demand a high degree of acuity throughout the image... this is especially true in architectural renderings...

However for fashion and beauty editorials a shallow DOF is cherished to focus a view's eye on a single component of an image (often the model's eye(s)).

There is virtually little reason to deploy focus stacking for portraiture or event photography while there are strong compelling reasons to do so for product photography...

Note: I'm a commercial shooter and have no interest in landscape imagery since Stock Agencies have killed all market potential there... it is the realm of hobbyist exclusively...

That said Photoshop makes it so easy that you have no excuse not to test it for yourself... YouTube videos abound...

All the best on your photographic journey Vietnam Vet and thank you for your service for our country...