How can I trigger focus-stacking shots remotely on a Canon 5D Mark III without tethering?
Asked 1/12/2016
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2 answers
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I need to capture a series of images for focus stacking on a Canon 5D Mark III using a remote trigger, without using a laptop. I already know about hardware options like the Promote and software options like Magic Lantern, but the Promote’s remote input does not work with my Kessler Second Shooter, and Magic Lantern’s focus stacking must be started from a menu rather than directly from the shutter button. Is there another hardware-based or in-camera way to do this remotely?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
3
As far as I've seen on their website, Kessler Second Shooter does not provide any focus control mechanism, therefore you would have to improvise.
First option, workaround with the device itself: Set the lens on manual focus, move the camera on the slides using the Second Shooter's motor controls in small steps (here you need to check what's the smallest movement step offered by the controllers)
Or using extra devices, either get a motorised/computerised follow focus solution, either build something yourself.
Building a focus stacking controller
There are guides on the Internet how to use an Arduino (here things are flexible, one could build similar things with RaspberryPi or any other microcomputers and boards on the market
Motorized follow focus
You can look for something like Opteka FFR-900 Motorized Remote Focus and Zoom or Vidpro MR-400 Motorized Focus & Zoom
Originally by user26160. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user26160
10y ago
0
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Based on the answers provided, there doesn’t appear to be a direct off-the-shelf way to make the Kessler Second Shooter control focus stacking on a 5D Mark III by itself. The key limitation is that the Second Shooter does not provide lens focus control.
Possible workarounds:
- Use manual focus and move the camera slightly between frames with the Second Shooter slider. For some macro setups, moving the camera in very small steps can substitute for changing focus.
- Add a separate motorized follow-focus system that can drive the lens focus ring between shots.
- Build a custom controller, for example with an Arduino or similar microcontroller, to automate focus changes and triggering.
So the practical answer is: not directly with the Kessler alone. You’ll need either camera movement for the stack, an external motorized focus device, or a custom-built controller.
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AI10y ago
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