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Manual focus stacking questions

Started 3 months ago | Discussions
Autismo Regular Member • Posts: 304
Manual focus stacking questions

I have Sony A7R3 and A7C... Neither feature focus stacking. I assume I can do it manually by picking different focus points and then using some type of software. A little bit bit more effort but same results?

3D Gunner Senior Member • Posts: 1,025
Re: Manual focus stacking questions
1

Done properly, the results are better.

OP Autismo Regular Member • Posts: 304
Re: Manual focus stacking questions

I figured. I have to start the process of figuring it out.

3D Gunner Senior Member • Posts: 1,025
Re: Manual focus stacking questions

You can find lots of tutorials online. Procedure in principle is no big deal.

To perfect the final result requires more knowledge and effort.

grsnovi Veteran Member • Posts: 3,030
Figuring it out...
  • Your choice of lens matters. A longer focal length will allow you more room between subject and lens (which will allow more room for additional lighting).
  • Lighting will be critical.
  • Will you shoot inside or do you want to wander around outside? 
  • Common post-processing s/w often includes stacking - you don't have to purchase a dedicated stacking s/w like Helicon or Zerene. I use Affinity Photo which includes a very capable stacking option.
  • You might want to take a look at some of this guy's videos.
  • Shooting inside I use a focusing rail mounted on a tripod and a remote shutter release.
  • A fully manual lens might cost less but remember if you are shooting stopped way down, you might have a tough time seeing enough to focus.
  • I (along with many others) find this guy's macro work posted in the MFT forum and here to be quite spectacular. He is also helpful to newbies like me.

Once you get started, just ask. It would be helpful if you updated your gear listing so the rest of us know what you're using.

- Gary

 grsnovi's gear list:grsnovi's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Sony SLT-A65 Sony a7R III Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 OM-1 +11 more
OP Autismo Regular Member • Posts: 304
Re: Figuring it out...
1

Appreciate the willingness to help. I did not know I even had any gear listed. If so, it is no doubt out of date. Will have to check. A7R3 and Sony 90 macro. I have a bunch of flash equipment Godox V1, AD200, etc. Tripod. I will do both inside and outside wandering. I will check out those links.

3D Gunner Senior Member • Posts: 1,025
Re: Figuring it out...

grsnovi wrote:

  • A fully manual lens might cost less but remember if you are shooting stopped way down, you might have a tough time seeing enough to focus.

- Gary

His camera is Mirrorless, so shooting stopped way down is not a problem. 🙂

grsnovi Veteran Member • Posts: 3,030
Re: Figuring it out...

This is true however I wasn't able to view his gear and I didn't know what he was using until he posted in the post just above yours.

 grsnovi's gear list:grsnovi's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Sony SLT-A65 Sony a7R III Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 OM-1 +11 more
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