Focus stacking

[jrader]

So I was reading about this technique in the macro forum. I got to thinking that it would be especially nice to have an image completely in focus from front (the closest object in frame) to back (infinity). I was wondering if anyone has experimented with this, and how successful are the images? I have a feeling someone in this forum has done it. If I'm not mistaken, someone may have even mentioned doing both AEB and Focus bracketing as well.

Let me know.

John

[tigerotor77w]

Could HFD do the trick for getting everything that you want in focus?

[jrader]

Yeah, I use HFD. I was just wondering if you could apply this stacking technique to landscapes and if it would make a difference.

Maybe I should post this in the Macro section :P

John

[Karl Johnston]

I've tried this myself, actually. I actually went in reverse. I didn't quite understand HFD so I tried out focus stacking. I have a theory that Marc Adamus does this to get the whole tonality of detail throughout the range of his pictures.

here's my two cents:
It's great when you want to isolate quality ...if done correctly. And it's also great if you want to minimize shake (as you can use faster shutter speeds).

It's also great for minimizing the loss of light from having a small aperture (f11-22)

Otherwise HFD is the best bet for sharpness throughout the whole range.

[Ed The Shed]

Will HFD really work when photographing smaller subjects ????

I have used stacking just the once when I first found out about it. I shot a cable clip using my 28mm lens plus extension tubes, and I was very happy with the results for a first attempt.

The stacking program was free of the net.

The only reason why I haven't done more is the lack of time to practise taking the source images to stack. My hand isn't that steady so I really need to use a tripod to get the image right.

When I get more time will definatley spend a little more time trying this out.