Posted by Dennis Alden on June 27, 2009 at 3:10 AM
Hi all,
It is becoming apparent to me that if my Macro photography is to improve I should consider using Photo Stacking in some cases. I would be grateful if anybody who uses this technique could offer any advice they have on the best software or technique to use.
I belive Helicon Focus is a good product (well Peter Bargh of ephotozine recommends it in his youtube video demonstrating the technique), but I would like to have the advice of the experts in this forum before splashing the cash if at all possible.
I've always used CombineZM which is a free piece of software. You'll find a tutorial how to use it here:
http://www.digitalgrin.com/showthread.php?t=61316
Recently, I've heard of a new piece of software called Zerene Stacker, which I believe is also free, and I know some seem to prefer it to CombineZM.
Either way, I certainly wouldn't pay for any software. One of the above would be fine.
I haven't done so much stacking recently but the few times I have done it this year I've simply merged a couple of frames within PS (Elements, actually) using layers etc.
Hope that helps,
Matt
Posted by Andy Astbury on June 27, 2009 at 3:28 AM
Dennis - I can't get on with CombineZM so I bought my way out of trouble with Helicon. It works very well and will handle a sequence of images straight from RAW.
But to be honest, manual stacking using layers in PS is what works best for me, especially when I've shot a deliberate stack sequence and there's been a little bit of movement between frames.
What little I,ve done is in Paint Shop Pro manually with two layers or sometimes three.
All been said above . It can be done hand held too if you're careful.
Cheers
john
Posted by David Taylor on June 27, 2009 at 6:56 AM
Well I use Helicon Focus and find it very good. I don't mind paying for good software I only wish people would pay for good images
Discussion
5 repliesIt is becoming apparent to me that if my Macro photography is to improve I should consider using Photo Stacking in some cases. I would be grateful if anybody who uses this technique could offer any advice they have on the best software or technique to use.
I belive Helicon Focus is a good product (well Peter Bargh of ephotozine recommends it in his youtube video demonstrating the technique), but I would like to have the advice of the experts in this forum before splashing the cash if at all possible.
dennis
I've always used CombineZM which is a free piece of software. You'll find a tutorial how to use it here:
http://www.digitalgrin.com/showthread.php?t=61316
Recently, I've heard of a new piece of software called Zerene Stacker, which I believe is also free, and I know some seem to prefer it to CombineZM.
Either way, I certainly wouldn't pay for any software. One of the above would be fine.
I haven't done so much stacking recently but the few times I have done it this year I've simply merged a couple of frames within PS (Elements, actually) using layers etc.
Hope that helps,
Matt
But to be honest, manual stacking using layers in PS is what works best for me, especially when I've shot a deliberate stack sequence and there's been a little bit of movement between frames.
Manual stacking is not difficult - just tedious
All been said above . It can be done hand held too if you're careful.
Cheers
john
See
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=29105&CGISESSID=bcef57a701cfc0f32b2e5eb9c5670e93&u=670
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=29649&CGISESSID=bcef57a701cfc0f32b2e5eb9c5670e93&u=903
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=33497&CGISESSID=bcef57a701cfc0f32b2e5eb9c5670e93&u=831
for examples of my stacked images.
Warning stacking can be very addictive.
Only problem now is to find a suitable subject who will stay motionless whilst I faff around
dennis