Best Free Focus Stacking Software
I have been using the Helicon Focus software stacking program for about three years now, (Lite Ver 5.1.29). Other popular stacking programs include CombineZP and Zerene. Both are great pieces of software, particularly Helicon software used alongside the Helicon Tube, because they make automated focus stacking easy. Nevertheless, I personally prefer Photoshop. Lights, Camera, Edit! Picolay is a focus stacking software with multiple uses. It can perform image processing, create slide shows, make animated GIF images, and more. Chasys Draw is capable of providing super-resolution image stacking, supports icon editing, can convert multiple files images, and many more. With focus stacking software you can make your usual camera render results that could not be achieved even with a classic tilt-shift lens. Take several shots at different focus distances instead of just one, and Helicon Focus will quickly and smartly combine the stack into a fully focused image. Nowadays micro photography, close-ups, jewelry.
Absolutely!
First, take a good look at the CamRanger camera controller. This little device plugs into your camera and provides wireless connection to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop/desktop computer. It lets you live view and control focus without touching the camera at all. With most cameras, it even provides automatic focus stacking – just set limits and step size, push the Shoot Stack button, and watch the CamRanger and camera do all the work of shooting the stack.
If you're shooting small subjects, then take a look at the StackShot rail, a product of Cognisys Inc. It’s a very slick piece of automation that makes shooting even deep stacks of small subjects quick and painless. Zerene Stacker Professional and Prosumer Editions now include a direct interface to the StackShot rail – see HERE for details.
Photo Stacking Software
For larger subjects, consider using software to automatically control the focus motor inside your lens. There are several good alternatives, depending on what type of camera and computer you have. See our Tutorials for more information about those.
Zerene Stacker
If you're shooting landscapes and you have an iPhone or iPad, then consider getting a copy of the FocusStacker app, by georgedouvos.com. It's an interactive calculator that will give you optimum focus distances depending on your scene and lens settings.