How to Create a Focus Stacked Picture
Macro Photography of a Submininiature Camera Using a Focusing Rail
When using a macro lens with extension tubes, the depth of field can be less than a centimeter. This can make it difficult to see the beauty of a detailed subject when only a fraction is in focus. Focus stacking, using a focusing rail and image stacking software, can be the solution. The photograph to the right is of a 1970 Minox Subminiature Camera Type C after applying focus stacking software to the individual pictures. The Minox camera is 120 mm x 28 mm x 16 mm.
For this Hub, I took a series of nineteen images of the camera controls and used image stacking to create a final photograph. The Nikon was set to manual focus, and an aperture of f/10. Initially, I focused on the left end of the Minox controls and took a picture. Then, with the focusing rail, I moved the camera toward the Minox about 2 mm and took a second picture. The camera was moved forward again 2mm for the next photo. As the camera was moved closer to the Minox, the depth of field moved along the camera so that different segments of the Minox were in sharp focus.
By taking 19 pictures, all points of the Minox were in focus in at least one picture. Zerene Stacker focus stacking software was used to combine the nineteen photographs. For brevity, every other picture taken and the final image is shown below.
Equipment Needed
To do the focus stacking you will need a tripod to ensure that each photograph is exactly aligned. A focusing rail will allow you to set the desired image magnification and then move the camera a few millimeters at a time to shift the depth of field into the subject. I used a Kiwi FC-1 4-Way Macro Focusing Rail. The 4-way rail allows you to make small adjustments to the left or right to adjust your composition.
The focusing rail is mounted on the tripod. The camera is mounted on the focusing rail. I used an Aputure Amaran AHL-N60 LED Halo light ring to provide adequate lighting while minimizing shadows.
The photographs were taken using an AF-S Nikkon Micro 85 mm lens with a 36 mm and a 20 mm extension tube.
Pictures of the Camera Set-up
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Pictures of the Minox Camera - Nine of nineteen images that were stacked and the final image.
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4-Way Focusing Rails From Amazon
These focusing rails will allow you to make small changes to the camera position without having to move the tripod.
