What is the best focus stacking software?

WestEndBoy

OK, I have the AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED, Kenko 10, 20 & 36mm and the TC-201 (The TC-201 will not auto-focus, but who cares, I am shooting macro). RRS focusing rails will be ordered soon. I do have Photoshop.

In your guys' opinions, what is the best focus stacking software? They have to be significantly better than Photoshop to be worth learning a new program.

Golf007sd

michael66

Golf, great! A non-Adobe way to do focus stacking. And then there is GIMP. Completely free and community supported.

ThomasHorton

I use Enfuse which can be used as an add-on to Light Room.

http://www.photographers-toolbox.com/products/lrenfuse.php

You can do Exposure Stacking and Focus Stacking.

proudgeek

I am using the prosumer version of Zerene. Very pleased. I feel like I'm getting pretty good results and haven't even begun to fully tap its capabilities.

tganiats

I use Helicon Focus, which is GREAT (and not).

One thing, after viewing the GIMP video, Helicon Focus offers the advantage of being automated. Since I often stack dozens of images, the GIMP method would be, er, difficult.

In addition, Helicon Focus has another program, Helicon Remote, which takes control of the camera, automating the process of focussing. All very cool.


HOWEVER, artifacts develop...here are two images..

My first ever stacking (17 images, focused by hand) of raindrops in a hibiscus


A later image (12 images, focused with Helicon Remote) of some raspberries



Note both have areas that are blurred. Yes, Helicon Focus allows you to touch up the image, but this would be hard with the raspberry image (note the blurriness at the end of many of the little 'stems.')

Anyone know if it is my technique or a limitation of Helicon Focus...or of stacking in general?

Thanks

NSXTypeR

If anyone had a lot of money and is interested in an automated stacking rig, the people at Gigapixel has you covered.



That bug is crazy cool.

proudgeek

I used to have a lot of money, until I got into photography.

Beso

@NSXTypeR Interesting video! Thanks for posting.

Msmoto

I have used Helicon Focus 6 and made the decision to use this from research which suggested the medium format folks use this. I have limited experience, but have had no problems with it. Easy as pie to use.

The ball in the foreground is about two inches in front of the face which is about one inch high

spraynpray

tganiats: Those stalks looked like they moved in the wind or heat or whatever which gave you some ghosting. Not a lot you can do at all about a subject that moves.

Vipmediastar_JZ

I finally did some macro this weekend and I'm going to give one of these a try.

Helicon has some great examples and if it is automated the better.

TriShooter

I have used Helicon Focus for some time as well, and been pleased with the results.

Fred_B

My guess on the raspberry stems (if they aren't moving around) is focus breathing. One thing to try is stacking the group in the other direction (back to front or front to back). I've seen times when stacking in the other direction has helped with hair on bugs.

I use Zerene to stack and Helicon's app for camera control.

tganiats

@Fred_B: Interesting. I'll try it. Thanks.

louisboule

WestEndBoy said:

OK, I have the AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED, Kenko 10, 20 & 36mm and the TC-201 (The TC-201 will not auto-focus, but who cares, I am shooting macro). RRS focusing rails will be ordered soon. I do have Photoshop.

In your guys' opinions, what is the best focus stacking software? They have to be significantly better than Photoshop to be worth learning a new program.

I like Altami Studio program, it's quite good and easy to use. There are video examples of working with multifocus

paulr

PhaseOne give one years free licence with Helicon Focus. Mind you. you have to spend a few bucks first to buy the camera LOL

spraynpray

Please note that this is a 2014 thread. I think WestEndBoy has found his stacking software by now....

Killerbob

I like Zerene, but I won't spend the money to buy a license. If there was a free alternative, I'd like to know, as I very rarely would use it...