Hand Held Focus Stacking

August 17, 2015 ·

Michael Tapes

A Hand Held Focus Stacked Image — Dagon Fly – Central FL – 9 image handheld focus stack – Canon 5DsR w/100-400 IS II (400mm)

A few weeks ago Kevin Raber, Luminous-Landscape’s publisher posted an article about focus stacking. It was a great article and demonstrated Focus stacking in a studio environment with a tripod and everything locked down in a controlled setting.

Did you know that all of this could be done handheld too? Well it can and recently I was out doing some wildlife photography and an opportunity presented itself as you will see in the video below.

Focus stacking can be done anywhere and with any lens. Obviously there are some things you need to keep in mind such as getting enough exposures to cover the range of focus you want in focus, consistent exposure and trying not to move too much. In the end though Photoshop can do a pretty good job at putting it all together.

MT-150719_2326_Tapes_SnailKite_1DX — Swallow Tailed Kite – Central FL – Canon 1Dx w/400mmDO II + TC2x (800mm)

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Michael Tapes

See all articles by Michael Tapes

Michael is a life-long photographer, inventor, and designer of professional audio and photographic products. He owns and operates Michael Tapes Design, well known for their innovative products LensAlign, FocusTune, WhiBal and Instant JPEG from RAW. As both a teacher and student, Michael continues to explore the boundaries where art and technology meet.