Some focus stacking examples.

[arlon]

I downloaded a free copy of CombineZM focus stacking shareware (google CombineZM) and have had some good fun with it. Here are a few samples.


The watch was shot with a 55mm micro nikkor lens, d200 camera, mounted on a focus rail/tripod. ELEVEN shots where taken moving the camera forward about 1/8" per shot.

Shots where simply loaded into combineZM and stacked with the default combine routine.


LARGER VERSION

The original 11 shots can be seen HERE.


This rose was done using 6 shots. These where done from a tripod but changing the focus on the lens rather than moving the camera (seems to work for larger items that are further away)



LARGER VERSION


The original 6 shots can be seen HERE.


These flowers where done from 4 images that I hand held and simply moved the camera forward until the next flower came into focus.

Flowers without stacking:



And the stacked result..

LARGER VERSION

The original 4 shots can be seen HERE.

[Glayva]

Hi Arlon
These are excellent shots. I have tried this software, and others too, but always seem to have a problem with ghosting or other artifacts. I assume that your subjects were perfectly still? I don't know how you can hand hold and get such an excellent shot - for the same reason i have said. Very well done.

[arlon]

There is a yahoo group that is very good for getting parameters to use for your different shots. I use that help group when ever something doesn't work right. The guy who wrote the program is on there all the time and is VERY helpful.

combinez : CombineZ

I understand the watch with stacking, but what's the poing with the flowers?

It doesn't seem to be the right technique for that application.

[arlon]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

I understand the watch with stacking, but what's the poing with the flowers?

It doesn't seem to be the right technique for that application.

Did you look at the original pictures?
What is the "right technique" to gain that depth of field with a flower?
I thought the right technique was one that worked. I've used combineZM for aligining photos for HDR because it's alignment is better than photomatix (manual alignment), I've even used it on some moon shots so why not a flowers?

[PRH]

I love how these images have turned out. It would be a great way of increasing dof in macro photography without forking out serious $$$$ for a tilt shift lens.

Interesting side note:
Scientists often use this technique when photographing cells. The depth of field with light microscopes is in the order of 1 or 2 micrometers (ie 0.0001 cm) depending on the magnification so getting a whole cell in focus is not possible without exposure stacking. Its known as "deconvolution".
The funny thing is it never occurred to me to transfer the technique to the "real world"

[laila09]

thanks for sharing it
but i can not understand clearly, especial the flower.