Focus-stacking easier than you may think!

Controlling depth of field is a key consideration in photography. It allows you to creatively influence the intended approach to the subject, makes it pop-up from the background. What makes it a bit complex is the optics which has its own strict rules. The lens that will always guarantee any control over the sharpness of a photo in any part of it, or the photo as a whole, doesn’t exist. Of course, you can always use a wide-angle lens with a high f-number to keep everything sharp, but it can hardly be called control. The greatest difficulties we can encounter during macro shots or close-ups of small objects. Then the depth of field drops to a few millimeters at best. This is where focus-stacking comes in handy.

In addition to the obvious camera, the kit should contain:
1. Manual focus lens (or with focus set to manual mode)
2. Stable tripod
3. Remote control, trigger cable or smartphone application to operate the camera (elimination of shaking when releasing the shutter)
4. A light source that ensures stable lighting conditions throughout the session (both in the case of natural and artificial light)
5. Focus-stacking software

What is focus-stacking?
Focus-stacking is nothing more than superimposing a series of photos of the same object, each of which is characterized by a different depth of field, so that, in the end, you get one sharp photo of the entire subject.

How many photos do you need to take?
There is no one, universal answer to this question, as it depends on the lens you have and the dimensions of the photographed object. Sometimes, contrary to appearances, an object that is actually several centimeters deep will not require as many frames as a small insect. In order to achieve perfection insect macro professionals can even make hundreds of frames of a single little spider. However, this requires additional lens equipment that is able to provide the required precision of focus settings.

Is it worth a try?
It's definitely worth it! Perhaps it will become the beginning of a great adventure in the world of nature photography or macro photography? Good luck!
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