Aperture bracketing example

[trase]

Trying out the new aperture/DOF bracketing feature that can be found in the latest Magic Lantern nightly.

I use it to shoot two consecutive pictures at different aperture - in this case f1.8 and f7.1 - and later combine them in order to get a picture with shallow DOF and yet with the subject at optimum sharpness.



(view at 100% to be able to appreciate the effect)

forum thread: http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=3045.0

[ilguercio]

Amazing, you're making a good use of this feature.
Also, is there a particular workflow to ensure a perfect blending of the images?
If so, i guess a tutorial would be really appreciated.

[a1ex]

Looks fantastic!

Can you show the two original shots, before blending?

[trase]

Thanks, good to hear!

Here you can see the two original pictures, as well as the layer mask:


The method I use for combining the pictures is fairly quick and straightforward, and gives a lot of control:
I open the two pictures in photoshop, copy and paste the sharp one as a layer on top of the blurry one. (If you were shooting on a tripod the pictures will align perfectly, otherwise you may have to move the layer around a bit until they match).
Create a layer mask. Paint it black (zero opacity).
Using the ordinary airbrush tool I paint in the parts that I want sharp.

A special thanks to you again a1ex for implementing this feature!

[discocalculi]

Looks good. The clarity is really remarkable in your example.

I've found the exposure values a bit confusing (I assume 1 exposure step is 1 aperture step)

[trase]

Thank you.
I agree, the exposure values aren't totally intuitive when you're used to just choosing the aperture value. But as you say, 1 exposure step is 1 aperture step - I usually use an increment of either 3 or 4 EV.

[bart]

Great idea. I think this is a better alternative for subtle focus stacking. At least the procedure is much faster and works even on insects in the field when the wind lays low for a tiny moment. I hope I can still find some insects to try it out.

[jbuy41]

Could you provide me the steps used in Aperture brackting?

I download the latest nightly and still have problems using stack and cannot find Aperture bracking in the menu.

Cannot find a way to control the number of pictures that are snapped.  Get one or two.  Changed step to 1,2, and 3, with no change.  Even if it says + or - steps from end point.

I cannot find documentation that gives you step by step procedures that work.  Am I the only one that is having problems?

[nanomad]

Don't use nightly builds, stick to the stable release

[JohnC]

Sorry to reply to an old topic, can someone point me to the instructions for how to do this, I can't find it in the manual.

Thanks

[Walter Schulz]

There is not much to tell. It is bracketing with variable aperture settings.
What is the actual question?
And what manual you are talking about? Link?