[SFEAR]

Hello i been using Photoshop CS5 to stack my macro pics BUT it does not do a very good job. I tested the Zerene Stacker software and it work much better then CS5 at stacking macro photos But it was a free 30 days only the Personal Edition's go for $ 89 USD

What Other good software is out there that works as good or better then Zerene Stacker. i dont want to pay $ 89 USD for a software.

Thanks For Your Help!!!

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Last edited by SFEAR; 04-26-2011 at 11:03 PM.

[Stone G.]

You could try Combine ZP or Combine ZM:

combinez : CombineZ

They are freeware and I think they are quite good for that.

B.R. / Steen G. B.

[SFEAR]

You could try Combine ZP or Combine ZM:

combinez : CombineZ

They are freeware and I think they are quite good for that.

B.R. / Steen G. B.

thanks is that the software you use? Do you have photos that you have used with that software?

[Stone G.]

thanks is that the software you use? Do you have photos that you have used with that software?

I do use CombineZM for my macro photographs. I do NOT consider myself a very skilled macro photographer, but since you ask, here's a sample:


Pentax K200D + Tamron SP 35-80 mm (Adaptall-2 sytem, Model 01A) + Tamron SP 01F Teleconverter. 8 images stacked in CombineZM

B.R. / Steen G. B.

[yeatzee]

I use combine ZM exclusively

Click my flickr link in my signature..... any macro shot that says there were images stacked used combine ZM.

[.a.t.]

Yeatzee, how do you choose your f stop for stacked shots? Do you go for maximum depth of field? Or is best sharpness more important?

Tim

[Stone G.]

Yeatzee, how do you choose your f stop for stacked shots? Do you go for maximum depth of field? Or is best sharpness more important?

Tim

I am looking forward to some advice from Yeatzee too

- "meanwhile", my own experience is that maximum DOF, which is in principle the smallest aperture (typically f/32 or f/22) isn't the very best. I get my best results in the range f/8 - f/16, which is also typically where a lens like the 01A above will provide optimum sharpness.

B.R. / Steen G. B.

[.a.t.]

That makes sense, Steen. Thanks for the help!
Also, the flower shot is lovely.

Tim

[yeatzee]

Yeatzee, how do you choose your f stop for stacked shots? Do you go for maximum depth of field? Or is best sharpness more important?

Tim

Depends on the subject and how co-operative they are. I always strive for best IQ possible however given the situation.

with a reversed 50mm on tubes I like to keep it between F/5.6 and F/8 for example.

[.a.t.]

Ok. Thanks, Yeatzee. Now if I can just find myself a willing Ladybug..

Tim.