Automatic focus stacking with Sony - It can be done (software inside)

[Paul Barnard]

This works very well (A7r3, sony imaging edge remote, various lenses) Step size normal is too small for some situations and big is too large. Is it possible to insert a numeric variable?

The step size is set by Sony and there only three choices. What would be possible is to issue multiple focus move commands between images. I’ll make that change on the Mac version.

 

[Paul Barnard]

This works very well (A7r3, sony imaging edge remote, various lenses) Step size normal is too small for some situations and big is too large. Is it possible to insert a numeric variable?

The step size is set by Sony and there only three choices. What would be possible is to issue multiple focus move commands between images. I’ll make that change on the Mac version.

The Mac version is updated to include setting a step 'size'. this causes the app to issue additional focus move commands between images.





The source is updated on GitHub

 

[binarycamera]

This works very well (A7r3, sony imaging edge remote, various lenses) Step size normal is too small for some situations and big is too large. Is it possible to insert a numeric variable?

The step size is set by Sony and there only three choices. What would be possible is to issue multiple focus move commands between images. I’ll make that change on the Mac version.

The Mac version is updated to include setting a step 'size'. this causes the app to issue additional focus move commands between images.



The source is updated on GitHub

A good idea.

I'll update the windows version to the same functionality soon.

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[binarycamera]

Version 0.0.2 of B8Stack is up. The new version includes a slider that multiplies the selected step with for each frame.

Github site of B8Stack

 

[brendonparker]

Thats brilliant. I just did a test with the a7r3, metabones 5, tamron 90mm macro. Front to back of a fly, 20 shots with the step size normal and on the fourth mark of the variable. Starting position at shortest focus of the lens. This now makes a very successful tethered stacking method for the a7r3. (using the windows version of B8 Stack.02)

 

[texdpl]

Sorry for dumb questions. I am not a developer.

Looks like two versions are up. On says "Designer". Are these for Mac or Windows?

Also, does this work on RAW files only?

 

[Paul Barnard]

Sorry for dumb questions. I am not a developer.

Looks like two versions are up. On says "Designer". Are these for Mac or Windows?

Also, does this work on RAW files only?

binarycamera wrote and posted the PC version. I copied the technique to product the Mac version. So there are two very similar versions.

Both versions use the Sony Remote application to control the camera.

You can configure your camera any way you like, RAW, JPG, RAW & JPG, Full frame, APS, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual.... The apps only send commands to move the focus distance and activate the shutter.

 

[binarycamera]

Thats brilliant. I just did a test with the a7r3, metabones 5, tamron 90mm macro. Front to back of a fly, 20 shots with the step size normal and on the fourth mark of the variable. Starting position at shortest focus of the lens. This now makes a very successful tethered stacking method for the a7r3. (using the windows version of B8 Stack.02)

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[texdpl]

Paul

Thanks

 

[eliz82]

There is an app for Android in Google Play Store called qDslrDashboard, that support some previous Sony cameras models: link

That app can make focus stacking but only for Canon and Nikon cameras. For Sony the developer said that is not possible: link

However with reverse engineering anything is possible. You can study the binary data send by Windows and send the same binary data with Android.

 

[binarycamera]

However with reverse engineering anything is possible. You can study the binary data send by Windows and send the same binary data with Android.

Sure, you can even start decompiling the MTP dll that Sony ships with the imagine edge software if watching the bus data doesn't yield enough information.

However doing so will take alot of time and resources. I can't imagine anybody doing this for free in his spare time.

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[eliz82]

For older cameras you should have a look at this guy app

see demo here:

the github link is in the video description

 

[mujana]

For older cameras you should have a look at this guy app

see demo here:

the github link is in the video description

Unfortunately no time to watch now, but...Sony A7RII?

 

[Lothman]

binarycamera wrote

Version 0.0.2 of B8Stack is up. The new version includes a slider that multiplies the selected step with for each frame.

Github site of B8Stack

pitty that the steps couldn`t be smaller. with an old Sigma 70mm Macro and MC11 near 1:1 i got blurred parts @f8 between some shots.

Nevertheless thanks for your Software

any comments ofusers with the FE 90mm macro, is the stepsize OK for 1:1 ?

 

[Prognathous]

Very impressive!

Will this software work with a Sony A77 II?

 

[Paul Barnard]

Very impressive!

Will this software work with a Sony A77 II?

If the Sony remote app works then the stacker will work

 

[brendonparker]

Very impressive!

Will this software work with a Sony A77 II?

From the list of supported cameras given by Sony, only the 7r3 and 73 can be configured to MF in the remote software, this is necessary for the software patch to work?

 

[binarycamera]

binarycamera wrote

Version 0.0.2 of B8Stack is up. The new version includes a slider that multiplies the selected step with for each frame.

Github site of B8Stack

pitty that the steps couldn`t be smaller. with an old Sigma 70mm Macro and MC11 near 1:1 i got blurred parts @f8 between some shots.

Nevertheless thanks for your Software

any comments ofusers with the FE 90mm macro, is the stepsize OK for 1:1 ?

Odd. At 1:1 with my 90mm macro the normal step width is tiny, on the verge of unnoticable. I have to use extension tubes or magnification lense to even consider the smallest step with.

 

[binarycamera]

Very impressive!

Will this software work with a Sony A77 II?

From the list of supported cameras given by Sony, only the 7r3 and 73 can be configured to MF in the remote software, this is necessary for the software patch to work?

Yes MF is required, but I don't see why the older A7s should not support it.

With the 90mm its abit unintuitive: You have to switch the focus ring to AF and set the camera focus mode to MF. This gives you MF mode in the remote software.

 

[Prognathous]

If the Sony remote app works then the stacker will work

I just tested with my A77 II and although Sony Imaging Edge software allows remote control of the camera, some functions (such as MF) are not supported...