Automated Focus Stacking

[neuroanatomist]

There is focus stacking software, such as Helicon Focus and Zerene Stacker. The former (and probably the latter, but I have Helicon) can control the focus of a tethered camera with an AF lens, and create a stack. The problem is focus breathing - changing focus changes magnification and FoV. A shallow stack is ok, deep ones less so.

Moving the camera is the solution. It can be done manually with a macro rail, but accuracy is low.

The homebuilt contraption is nice...but too much work. My intention is to get a Cognysis StackShot.

[andre_dubu]

There is focus stacking software, such as Helicon Focus and Zerene Stacker...

I've used the first one - Helicon Focus and as for me it's rather handy and functional enough.

[eldarhau]

I use Helicon and the RRS B 150 focusing rail. I also use the Novoflex Balcan-AF below, which has a similar rail function in addition to the below. They are both manual, but for my use I cannot say I have had real accuracy issues. If I increased magnification beyond what I do, I´m sure that would change.

I must admit that I don´t do this very often, but in general I am quite pleased with the results. The only problem is perspective. Moving the camera flattens the perspective, which in some cases ruins the picture. If anyone can provide a way to fix that (my photoshop skills sucks), I would probably do it more often.