Focus Breathing in Macro Photography

[sanfairyanne]

This is probably a silly question, but I am a beginner, so here goes: I assume that when shooting macro photography, if you use a macro rail to allow you to focus stack I imagine there's no focus breathing issues. It would stand to reason, unless i'm very much mistaken.

Many thanks in advance

[BobShaw]

Not really a macro expert but as no one else has chimed in, what exactly are you trying to do?
In short, if you change the focal length you change the image size and if you change the subject distance you change the image size.
I would not be moving the camera at all if that is what you are doing. Just adjust the focus.
The software will work it out.
Some cameras (like the X1D) will automatically do a focus bracketing.

I find a lot of people are using focus stacking when they don't have to do it.
General product shots are taken at f18-20 with lots of flash.
That may not be possible if the object is very small though.
Good luck.

[Chris_Brown]

This is probably a silly question, but I am a beginner, so here goes: I assume that when shooting macro photography, if you use a macro rail to allow you to focus stack I imagine there's no focus breathing issues. It would stand to reason, unless i'm very much mistaken.

Many thanks in advance

Rik Littlefield created Zerene Stacker focus stacking software. He is very knowledgeable in the realm of macro photography and focus stacking.

Here's a page that might help you:

https://www.zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker/docs/troubleshooting/ringversusrail

And he is active here:

https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/

[PeterAit]

This is probably a silly question, but I am a beginner, so here goes: I assume that when shooting macro photography, if you use a macro rail to allow you to focus stack I imagine there's no focus breathing issues. It would stand to reason, unless i'm very much mistaken.

Many thanks in advance

Whether you change the lens focus or the camera-subject distance, you will have the breathing. Using a rail is not relevent. But stacking programs such as Helicon do a good job of compensating.

[Jonathan Cross]

Whether you change the lens focus or the camera-subject distance, you will have the breathing. Using a rail is not relevent. But stacking programs such as Helicon do a good job of compensating.

I agree with Peter re Helicon Focus. I have Fuji which does focus stacking in camera and generates a series of images which are fed into Helicon. I am very happy with the outcome, though it takes a bit of practice to get the focus limits and number of steps set up. Obviously a tripod is needed.

Jonathan

[BobShaw]

You can also just use Photoshop to combine focus stacked images.
It does it automatically also, like Helicon but different process with similar results.

[PeterAit]

I agree with Peter re Helicon Focus. I have Fuji which does focus stacking in camera and generates a series of images which are fed into Helicon. I am very happy with the outcome, though it takes a bit of practice to get the focus limits and number of steps set up. Obviously a tripod is needed.

Jonathan

I have done some successful hand-held focus stacking. You need a camera with a fast frame rate - I have 10 fps. I always do a few dry runs. Then I focus in front of the subject, depress the shutter as I really slowly lean forward as the camera fires. Works like a charm with a reasonably steady hand. ut only for relatively short stacks.

[BAB]

Either stacking program can be used both will work well However I prefer Zerene for my work.
Ive shot more than 100k images whew!
Even translucent paper moving with reflect light and cause problems.

What will affect the final outcome of very sharp stacked images is not what you think.

Focus Breathing try to use a lens that has micro motors to focus internally.
Use sufficient delay between shots.
Make sure you never move a light during captures
Avoid shaking vibration sensors helps
Your tripod is not sturdy enough
Your floor vibrates (walking on the floor moving in a chair)
Your breathing will effect the shot
Air currents will matter (air conditioning)
You need to focus under high magnifications (Phocus software)
Focus stepping around corners take many images vs flat planes.