Has anyone tried stackiing?

[Tony_photoplus]

Just wondered if anyone has tried stacking images. Its not as difficult as you think if you have CS4/5 (not sure of 3). If not and you would like to have ago then use the free CombineZP.
What is stacking? As most of you are aware, macro photography has a very shallow DOF and stacking is away of creating a larger DOF. You must be on a tripod (although PS aligns images for you, but best with a tripod). focus on the front of the object and then focus on the next area further behind and so on, until you have taken three or more images and you have covered the area.
Just a note here, don't get too close as the distance of the lens moving from front to back is too much for the software and it won't work. You have to experiment and find out what works at what distance. If it fails to come together on the software you usually are too close.
Put the images into the software (make them TIFF or JPEG) and the stacking image software aligns the image, pulls out the sharp pixels and you should have your result. I have used it large objects, but mainly on macro. You try on on a coin or a watch, anything to get your hand in and you will be hooked. And at the end of the day you get an image with greater DOF

[miketoll]

Thanks for the link Tony but it says CombineZP only runs on XP and Vista and does nor mention 7 so presumably is not fully compatible with 7 or is it? Suck it and see I guess.

[Tony_photoplus]

Originally Posted by miketoll

Thanks for the link Tony but it says CombineZP only runs on XP and Vista and does nor mention 7 so presumably is not fully compatible with 7 or is it? Suck it and see I guess.

I have Win7 64 bit and it works.

[wolfie]

Have been using focus stacking for a number of year, CombineZM, then CS4 andnow CS5. Afew other members have also been using it for some time now.

Here's a link to an earlier thread http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...read.php?t=741

Harry

[miketoll]

Originally Posted by Tony_photoplus

I have Win7 64 bit and it works.

Thanks, I will download it tomorrow and give it a go some time when I have a go at a suitable subject.

[Tony_photoplus]

Originally Posted by miketoll

Thanks, I will download it tomorrow and give it a go some time when I have a go at a suitable subject.

Just try it on anything, your wrist watch, a coin, a flower, a fungi. But remember, put your camera on manual, set your light meter reading and don't touch anything else except the focus. As you move your lens in it will expand or contract the object, so don't get too close. Its all about experimenting until you find the right way that works

[petrochemist]

I've used it with a microscope, (using the older Combine ZM) and have never had any problems with being too close.
I think the secret is not to adjust the focus but to move the camera, (or subject) keeping the magnification constant.

[Tony_photoplus]

Originally Posted by petrochemist

I've used it with a microscope, (using the older Combine ZM) and have never had any problems with being too close.
I think the secret is not to adjust the focus but to move the camera, (or subject) keeping the magnification constant.

Never tried it that way, but moving the subject is really very small and you would have to measure its distance with a ruler I think. I shall give it a go and see what I come up with soon

[wolfie]

There's certainly no problem with getting in close, I often use a full set of tubes/bellows with my 100mm macro lens attached.

Also remember photostacking is not just for macro, as you can also use it on landscape.

http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...999&ppuser=150

http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...066&ppuser=150

http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...at=&ppuser=150

[Tony_photoplus]

Thats the beauty of stacking its very versatile