How do I focus stack macro shots from a Canon 760D in Photoshop?
Asked 3/23/2017
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I’m shooting macro on a Canon EOS 760D with extension tubes, bellows, close-up filters, and mostly a Canon 60mm macro lens. Single images are fine, but I want greater depth of field, so I take a series of frames at different focus distances and load them into stacking software. Instead of a sharp composite, I get the images superimposed at different sizes. Can the 760D be used for focus stacking, and what is the correct workflow in Photoshop/Elements?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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I'm not sure about the other software, but in Photoshop it's a 2-stage process...
- File Menu > Automate > Photo Merge...
Leave as Auto, set to Files, choose your source images via the Browse... button, uncheck Blend Images Together [which annoyingly resets itself every time] then OK.
[This seems to be about where you got to already]
Whether you're changing focus, zoom, or using a focussing rail, the images will be different-sized as you step back. The import will stack so the subject stays aligned, but the edges will always have errors.
Once the pictures have imported, each to a separate layer, then
- Shift-select all the layers, then Edit Menu > Auto-Blend Layers
Set to Stack Images - seamless colours & content-aware fill I usually leave on.
Hit OK.
If you're lucky & have sufficient contrast, you can get a very nice focus stack.
Originally by user57929. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user57929
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — the 760D can be used for focus stacking. The camera doesn’t need a special stacking mode; you shoot a sequence focused at different distances, then combine them in software.
What you’re seeing usually means the files have been aligned but not actually blended for focus stacking. In Photoshop, it’s a two-step process:
-
Load the shots into layers and align them: File > Automate > Photomerge (or load files into a stack), with the images placed on separate layers. Because focus changes can also change magnification, the images may appear different sizes; alignment compensates for this, though edges may need cropping.
-
Blend the focused areas: Select all layers, then go to Edit > Auto-Blend Layers and choose Stack Images.
That second step is what creates the deeper depth of field effect.
A few practical points: keep the camera as steady as possible, use small focus steps, and expect some edge errors when magnification changes between frames. Elements may be more limited than full Photoshop for this workflow.
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AI9y ago
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