Macro focus stacker for a beginner

[beyond the blue]

I have recently purchased a Raynox DCR 250 and although amazed at the results I would like to try my hand using some focus stacker software, can anyone suggest a version suitable for a rank beginner? I would rather pay for one than download a free version with the risk of downloading all sorts of "carp" with it.

Thanks
Neil

 

[Boink!]

I haven't used this software, but ControlMyNikon looks to be what you're after. It'll work with your D90, has a 14 day fully functional trial and the full price is only $29.95. This is assuming you want to do macro work tethered to your computer...

A quick Google also brings up Zerene Stacker and , of course, Helicon Focus, both have try-before-you-buy downloads.

Hope this is of some help.

 

[Canon Bob]

Combine ZM or ZP by Alan Hadley is excellent, free from additional tut and used by many macro shooters....it'd be my place to start.

Bob

 

[beyond the blue]

I haven't used this software, but ControlMyNikon looks to be what you're after. It'll work with your D90, has a 14 day fully functional trial and the full price is only $29.95. This is assuming you want to do macro work tethered to your computer...

A quick Google also brings up Zerene Stacker and , of course, Helicon Focus, both have try-before-you-buy downloads.

Hope this is of some help.

Thanks, that "Control My Nikon" looks a nice bit of kit and would'nt mind trying it (toy lover) but having watched the tutorial video it appears you still have to combine it with a separate stacking program and they use Zerene. I will download Zerene 30 day trial version and see how I go on with that.

 

[Ploddles]

If you have Photoshop, focus stacking is built into that as well.

 

[gerbstoke]

What's focus stacking??

 

[Canon Bob]

What's focus stacking??

It's a procedure where you take a series of shots with each one focussed slightly nearer or farther than the previous one.
The resulting shots are then processed with the plane of optimum focus taken from each one to produce and image with a far greater depth of field than would be normally achieved.

Bob

 

[beyond the blue]

What's focus stacking??

As Bob says it turns these (example this is the first & last shot of 19 in total)

Into this merged image