Got to playing with the 'focus shift' feature in my Nikon cams

If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).

ssheipel

ssheipel

Well-known member
Supporting Member
Marketplace
Member's gallery
In advance of shooting some flowers up close, I thought I'd explore the 'focus shift' feature in my Nikon cameras (Z6 and D6). All I can say is, 'good bye macro focus rails!!!' :D This shot could have had me choose a few more 'shifts' to ensure all was sharp, front to back but still... Nikon Z6; 105 2.8 AF-S AV macro; Profoto A1; photoshop did the stacking. Btw, I just upgraded from the Nikon 105 D version macro and am amazed that the AF-S version is an even sharper lens, me thinks. This shot was tripod work, obviously, but I've shot (tried) to shoot so much macro handheld in my life, I can't wait to shoot the new lens with the AV!

smaller version.jpg
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
smaller version.jpg
 
Member's gallery
Honestly, that focus shift shooting feature has really revolutionized macro for me. It works well and it's so fast - allows me to do stacks of things I never would have attempted before. (frogs and such)
 
Member's gallery
Steve said:
Honestly, that focus shift shooting feature has really revolutionized macro for me. It works well and it's so fast - allows me to do stacks of things I never would have attempted before. (frogs and such)
Click to expand...
Steve, do you have a video on Focus Shifting? I’m not familiar with the topic.
BTW, love all your videos, and recently purchased your book on focusing for Nikon cameras. I’m learning a ton!
 
darbyvet said:
Steve, do you have a video on Focus Shifting? I’m not familiar with the topic.
BTW, love all your videos, and recently purchased your book on focusing for Nikon cameras. I’m learning a ton!
Click to expand...

Other terms for it would be focus stacking, depth compositing, every brand has their pet name. Some cameras have it built in, others you shoot focused at different depths each shot manually. There is specialized software like Zerene and Helicon, or the software that came with your camera can do it, or Photoshop.

backcountrygallery.com

Video Workshop - Focus Shift Shooting (Nikon) - Backcountry Gallery

Have you ever wanted to try Nikon’s Focus Shift Shooting and just weren’t sure where to start? Have you ever wondered… What is Focus Shift Shooting? How do I use it? How do I set the menu? How do I set the camera? How do I know what to do in the field? How do I know if I […]
backcountrygallery.com backcountrygallery.com

Helicon Focus - Helicon Soft

www.heliconsoft.com
 
Member's gallery
@ssheipel Did you try just a sing,e shot with a greater dof, like using f22 or so?
I also bought Steve’s course and it’s excellent.
I ask because I‘ve seen pretty impressive images that looked stacked but weren’t.
 
Member's gallery
Patrick M said:
@ssheipel Did you try just a sing,e shot with a greater dof, like using f22 or so?
I also bought Steve’s course and it’s excellent.
I ask because I‘ve seen pretty impressive images that looked stacked but weren’t.
Click to expand...
Hi. I don't remember, but not likely, as I was not concerned with getting a keepable image and was simply practicing focus stacking with the new cam I'm guessing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top