Hi Macro shooters, I finally got around to downloading and trying CombineZP this evening. This is a free focus stacking software developed by Alan Hadley. Lord V, Thomas Shahan, and other prolific insect shooters have been using this software in recent years to increase DOF in their shots without sacrificing image quality.
What I wanted to know specifically, is how practical the process of focus stacking is for hand-held shots. Can you put your camera on continuous frame, snapping off a quick succession of shots to successfully stack in software? And the answer is yes!
So, I set up some test objects in a light tent and shot them 1:1 macro, shutterspeed 1/500, f16.0 with a canon 30D on continuous shooting mode. Focus set to manual, gradually easing forward while shooting continuous. First, a pencil. 5 shots:
COMBINED:
This software is fairly easy to use, I got flawless results with just a couple minutes of fine-tuning. Much more DOF you could ever get with a single shot.
Next up, A wine bottle label, 7 shots on continuous shutter:
COMBINED:
This software looks daunting, but Lord V was nice enough to do a very good tutorial that's quick and easy to follow. Remember to go into advanced menu mode, and do the steps in which you align the frames from the view menu. CombineZP doesn't support RAW or 16 bit mode, so if you shoot RAW, be sure to convert the files to TIFF or JPG first. Just follow the tutorial:
This is a great tool for increasing DOF in your macro shots, or any set of shots, really. Insects that are ambush predators like jumping spiders, robber flies, dragon flies, and praying mantises can hold perfectly still for seconds, even minutes at a time, so this can be successfully used for those. Can't wait to try this on the bug mugs!
I used Combinez for a couple years, and I like it, however I found a stacking program that works better for me............
www.zerenesystems.com/stacker/
Yasko wrote: Hi Macro shooters, I finally got around to downloading and trying CombineZP this evening. This is a free focus stacking software developed by Alan Hadley. Lord V, Thomas Shahan, and other prolific insect shooters have been using this software in recent years to increase DOF in their shots without sacrificing image quality.
What I wanted to know specifically, is how practical the process of focus stacking is for hand-held shots. Can you put your camera on continuous frame, snapping off a quick succession of shots to successfully stack in software? And the answer is yes!
So, I set up some test objects in a light tent and shot them 1:1 macro, shutterspeed 1/500, f16.0 with a canon 30D on continuous shooting mode. Focus set to manual, gradually easing forward while shooting continuous. First, a pencil. 5 shots:
COMBINED:
This software is fairly easy to use, I got flawless results with just a couple minutes of fine-tuning. Much more DOF you could ever get with a single shot.
Next up, A wine bottle label, 7 shots on continuous shutter:
COMBINED:
This software looks daunting, but Lord V was nice enough to do a very good tutorial that's quick and easy to follow. Remember to go into advanced menu mode, and do the steps in which you align the frames from the view menu. CombineZP doesn't support RAW or 16 bit mode, so if you shoot RAW, be sure to convert the files to TIFF or JPG first. Just follow the tutorial:
This is a great tool for increasing DOF in your macro shots, or any set of shots, really. Insects that are ambush predators like jumping spiders, robber flies, dragon flies, and praying mantises can hold perfectly still for seconds, even minutes at a time, so this can be successfully used for those. Can't wait to try this on the bug mugs!
Have fun!
-Nick
Lord V is my favorite macro photography, definately going to take a loom.
When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.
The Sigma DP2 Quattro is a rare breed. It’s a large-sensor point-and-shoot camera with a 29MP sensor and a 30mm f/2.8 fixed lens. The question is, who is this camera for? Let’s find out!
I’ve been testing the Vanguard VEO 5 264CB-160S for several weeks now, and I have to say that my first impressions are nothing but good. Vanguard has knocked it out of the park yet again!
The Fujifilm X-H2s is Fuji’s flagship hybrid APS-C mirrorless camera. It launched in the summer of 2022 and has been impressing photographers and videographers alike ever since!
The Sony a9 III is a powerhouse professional-grade camera. The question is, should it be the next item in your camera bag? Find out if it’s worth the money in this comprehensive review!
The Canon EOS R1 was finally released last week, and the question is - does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and explore firsthand what this camera does and doesn’t offer.
Improving your photography skills takes time, effort, and dedication. But with these unique exercises, you can make the process of becoming a better photographer more fun, too!
Night street photography is a fun pursuit with opportunities to develop your skills with portraiture, light trails, and architectural photography skills - and your nighttime photography skills, too!
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II has been unveiled, but it has a hefty price tag. If it’s out of your budget, the original Canon EOS R5 is a fantastic option. Learn more about it in this guide!
The Sigma DP2 Quattro is a rare breed. It’s a large-sensor point-and-shoot camera with a 29MP sensor and a 30mm f/2.8 fixed lens. The question is, who is this camera for? Let’s find out!
You need to try unique newborn photography ideas from time to time to keep your inspiration levels up. With the ideas in this guide, you can do just that!
What is the best landscape lens for photography - a prime or a zoom? The answer is a little murky, as it depends on the specific situation. Learn more about these lenses in this detailed guide!
Lightning photography is a tricky beast, but with the right tips, tricks, and tools, you can make the most of the next storm that rolls through. Learn some essential techniques in this guide!
Thanks Nick for posting such a carefully composed posting. Good shots too for the illustrations. 
Beth Anderson 2 posts
MYoung 1 post
Finn 1 post
Street Shark 1 post
kikebetico 1 post
Amy Porter 1 post
Brightedit... 1 post
arif_41 1 post
