Stack Focus

[jbuy41]

I need help with stack focus.  How can I control the number of pics produced.  I hafter end pointave experimented with steps 1-3 and + and before with the results of 1 or 2 frames.  I have tried HDR with stack and this produces too many snaps.

I am using a 550D with SIGMA 50-200 and DC OS HSM, CANON 35-70 EF.

I have been trying to find this information in forums and manual.  Maybe I am looking in the wrong places,  or just blind.

This is my 2nd post.  No replys to the 1st posted on 10/27.

I call it "the big secret".

   

[nanomad]

With the latest nightly builds you set the focus end point then you can configure the number of steps for each pic from the Stack focus submenu (where it also allows you to do simpler bracketing where you set the number of frames directly)

[jbuy41]

Thanks for your prompt reply.  I put the dial on M.  and set the end focus at the nearest pt from the camera, then L/R to the farthest pt  in focus.  Go back to the menu and place marker on Stack focus.  Go back to Live view and wave 3xs over  viewfinder.  I got 5 pics and it seems to work.

The settings are 1. Follow focus is LCD sensor

                           2. Focus step size is 1
       
                           3.Focus end pt is -44 steps

                           4. Stack focus is Snap, stepsize +10.

I got 5 pics.  Why 5?

I believe I had the meaning of end point wrong.  It is the nearest focal point to the camera,  Right?

[bart]

Hi,

Yes that works. I normally use play instead of snap with a start delay of 5 seconds to wait until the camera is back in rest.

To cover a range of 44 steps divided by 10 means 5 photos

1,11,21,31,41,44

[jbuy41]

Thanks br4t for the explanation of the stack focus equation.

[bart]

Hi,

Yes that works. I normally use play instead of snap with a start delay of 5 seconds to wait until the camera is back in rest.

To cover a range of 44 steps divided by 10 means 5 photos

1,11,21,31,41,44

I thought about it and maybe it's better to set number of photos instead of stepsize 10+ for better spreading.

So 44steps and 5 photos would calculate stepsize 9
1,10,19,28,37,44