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Focus stack of an alstroemeria flower (42 images)

Started 2 months ago | Discussions thread
OP newmikey Veteran Member • Posts: 5,202
Re: Focus stack of an alstroemeria flower (42 images)

ken_in_nh wrote:

Nice photo, but your setup sounds sooo complicated. Can't you move the plant to a sunny window and use natural light?

What did you find complicated? The rail, the flash or both? Of course I would, if I could. But Januari in the Netherlands is one of the bleakest, greyest, darkest and wettest months of the year so that makes the flash a must. Come spring, I'll go back to natural light.

Also, one of the first things I did when I started shooting macro stacks was ditch the rail. I found an app that allowed me to manually step the focus of my lens. Have you looked for one?

You're probably using a focus-by-wire camera (MILC?) and I'm using a DSLR. Besides putting an electronically controlled follow focus rig on the lens (which is meant for video, not macro) I cannot see an app controlling focus on my lens. I've always staid away from any camera which does not allow me direct control of the focus ring of a lens and cannot see myself using it. I also have absolutely no place for an app which controls my camera to begin with. Tried it, and the power drain from the BT/WiFi connection just empties my batteries faster than I can charge them. I'm just more of a hands-on type of person I suppose.

For stacking, rail vs changing lens focus is a complicated topic. Suffice to say that the experts I know say there's no right answer, and I've been happy with my results for years...

It's not that complicated, as you say there's no right answer. I've also been quite happy with my results for years so good on you too! It's just that motorizing a manual stacking rail is a lot of fun and produces good results.

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