1y ago

My first attempt at focus stacking. Vanadinite on matrix

This was mainly a test of the software for me, but the result came out so much better than I expected. Raw editing in darktable and focused stacked using ChimpStackr, two amazing foss pieces of software.

Shot on an Olympus E-M5 Mark II + 12-40 Pro

Here's a bonus fluorite with galena on matrix

20 comments

I read focus snacking and thought this was a coffee cake for far longer than I'm proud to admit.
- I also love focus snacking
Incredible pics! That technique looks like it works very well to capture detail for the whole subject.
- I was very surprised. I searched for a free focus stacking application multiple times with few results and lots of recommendations for paid software. With how little chimpstackr is recommended, I expected poor results, but it did noticeably better than Olympus's own raw editing software.
  
  If Olympus is anything like Nikon, their software isn't that great. It's almost like they expect you to use commercial offerings. IMO, the only nice thing with Nikon's offering is that it will show you focus information (what it was trying to focus on, if it though it had achieved focus, etc). Sony doesn't offer any software at all, but you'll get a free capture one express license.
That is the weirdest taco I've ever seen.
- Infinity taco
Really nice work. Obvious questions:
How many photos were being stacked?
Was it just manually adjusted focus from a fixed (tripod?) position, or were you using something to physically move the camera in increments or other methods?
- Thanks!
  The vanadinite (red) was 26 photos and the fluorite (green) was 50
  I used the focus bracketing mode on my camera. I specify the number of shots to take and how much the focus changes between shots. One shutter press and my camera automatically takes all of the photos and adjusts the focus for me.
  And this setup I only put my camera and the rock on a table next to a window. I still need to buy a tripod, but it's hard to justify spending more soon after buying a camera...
  
  Thank you!
  Not that I've seriously done stacking, but one thing that might help (based on long exposure experiments instead) is a shutter release cable, assuming your camera has a socket for such. It can reduce the vibration from manually pressing the actual shutter button, and may save the first few shots of your sequence. If your camera is wi-fi connected, you may have an app to do the same.
Never heard of ChimpStackr, I'll have to try it for my macros, desperately need more dof there
- It was so much easier than I expected it to be. Essentially automatic. If you try it out, I'd love to see your results.
Dude, this is awesome.
I hunger for the gem taco
Forbidden cake
Looks like cooked chicken served with cubes of jello on top.

20 comments