Focus Stacking Problem
Dec 31, 2014 09:40:03 #
Are you moving the camera when adjusting focus? Was the wind blowing your subject around? One of the strong point of Zerene Stacker is the retouch feature which allows for correction of these issues, especially subject movement.
Dec 31, 2014 10:09:27 #
Apaflo wrote:
Except that done correctly moving the subject would have to also move the lighting. That isn't usually easy at all.
With either manual or motorized it seems to me that moving a camera is pretty much just as easy as moving a specimen holder, and keeping the camera stable while being moved may be easier than keeping a variety of different specimen options stable while they are moved.
But both ways work!
With either manual or motorized it seems to me that moving a camera is pretty much just as easy as moving a specimen holder, and keeping the camera stable while being moved may be easier than keeping a variety of different specimen options stable while they are moved.
But both ways work!
Good points. I agree but it also depends on the specimens. If you are shooting something that is a few millimeters wide, high, and deep, the staging necessary is physically more compact by far then that needed for the camera/lens/bellows/etc. combination. Cheaper also.
Lighting is always a pain ...
Dec 31, 2014 10:09:49 #
No, none of those.
There is simply no way to get a sharp image of the distant area near the edge of the hole.
It will always be covered by the out of focus edge of the hole.
There is simply no way to get a sharp image of the distant area near the edge of the hole.
It will always be covered by the out of focus edge of the hole.
Dec 31, 2014 10:11:59 #
oldtigger wrote:
except with totally diffused lighting, moving the subject confuses the stacker or leaves streaks in highlights.
I rarely light so I might be getting away with it. I have not seen stacker confusion or streaking in the highlights so will have to set something up to test.
What are you stacking with?
Dec 31, 2014 10:21:46 #
UtahBob wrote:
I rarely light so I might be getting away with it. I have not seen stacker confusion or streaking in the highlights so will have to set something up to test...What are you stacking with?
Streak only shows up in specular highlights.
Using CombineZP, but going back to Zerene as soon as i can afford it.
Dec 31, 2014 10:45:02 #
oldtigger wrote:
Streak only shows up in specular highlights.
Using CombineZP, but going back to Zerene as soon as i can afford it.
Using CombineZP, but going back to Zerene as soon as i can afford it.
I tried CombineZP a while back. I don't recall it that well and why I switched to something else. Helicon and Zerene really make things easy especially with the ability to execute retouching.
Zerene has 20% off till the end of today if that would make a difference to you. They are pacific time so I'd assume you'd have an extra 3 hours past the NYC ball drop. I think the retouching is in the Prosumer Edition. If you are past the point of just getting into stacking, then getting just the Personal Edition will probably create SAS (software equivalent of GAS) for the advanced features they want an extra $100 for ... and that are probably worth it unfortunately.
For $71.20 today, the Personal Edition isn't a bad deal for what you get with Zerene and I think you can always step up in the future.
Dec 31, 2014 10:51:08 #
This was a great article. I've used a rail to make one or two pictures then did some focus stacking. Will play with this more.
Dec 31, 2014 12:16:58 #
drdale wrote:
I do a lot of macro work with multiple exposures with a series of focal points. Even when I use a series of 10 shots there are areas that are fuzzy when the layers are put together. Given how many shots are taken at F8 and the very small adjustments of the focal ring this does not seem right. Any ideas?
Depending on the camera you have and a few other factors, I can only speak for nikon equipment... I found that Control my nikon was outstanding for operating the camera... $30 bucks last time I looked... That and using Zyrene stacker was a winning combination.. I had tried the free programs and was not satisfied with them... Also do some serious reading on the macro forum here.... They are very helpful....
Dec 31, 2014 12:25:38 #
I use HeliconFocus with a Velbon Super Mag Slider with my Canon 100mm macro and my Canon 65mm macro.
Dec 31, 2014 14:52:46 #
If you have Nikon camera you can use Control my Nikon software http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7b5VtdHWbQ
drdale wrote:
I do a lot of macro work with multiple exposures with a series of focal points. Even when I use a series of 10 shots there are areas that are fuzzy when the layers are put together. Given how many shots are taken at F8 and the very small adjustments of the focal ring this does not seem right. Any ideas?
Dec 31, 2014 15:35:38 #
drdale wrote:
Suggestions on where to buy a "focus rail"?
If you can do your Macro in a Vertical Position you can use your Tripod Crank like I do. And use .5mm slices for your stack, works great.
Craig
Dec 31, 2014 17:47:46 #
Erik_H wrote:
Another thing that you could try is stopping down to about f/16 to squeeze out a little more DoF.
All of the above suggestions plus subject must NOT move if it does causes bad blurr when stacking.
Dec 31, 2014 22:16:20 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
Use a focus rail & move the camera, not the focus ring....Moving the focus ring changes the subject magnification...
But moving the camera changes the perspective, no???
Dec 31, 2014 22:23:25 #
ygelman wrote:
But moving the camera changes the perspective, no???
no, moving camera changes framing.
Stacking program take care of magnification change.
Dec 31, 2014 23:09:05 #
cactuspic
Loc: Dallas, TX
ygelman wrote:
But moving the camera changes the perspective, no???
Yes it changes the perspective but the stacking programs account for that.
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