New D5300 - Questions

[lpsouth1978]

Also, if you haven't already, get a stacking rail and shoot all your photos using it on a tripod. This will allow you to get really great results. instead of changing the focal point by adjusting the lens, you will use the focus stacking rail to move the camera slightly farther from your subject. When shooting macro, it is a life saver and will help eliminate those small areas that are still out of focus in your shots.

 

[Member No. 1]

Also, if you haven't already, get a stacking rail and shoot all your photos using it on a tripod. This will allow you to get really great results. instead of changing the focal point by adjusting the lens, you will use the focus stacking rail to move the camera slightly farther from your subject. When shooting macro, it is a life saver and will help eliminate those small areas that are still out of focus in your shots.

Yes, I have a tripod, will look into a stacking rail, thanks for the advise.

Did you end up getting a Macro lens yet? I recently got the Nikkor 105mm f2.8 Macro and LOVE it. You will not be disappointed with it. It has allowed me to get some AMAZING macro's of corals. Photo stacking macro shots can give you some PHENOMENAL results.

Yes I did, see post #16. The last three I posted were my first attempts at focus stacking. Pictures were processed in LR & PS.

 

[lpsouth1978]

here are a couple of shots that I took with my Nikon D5500 using the same macro lens on a focusing rail. Notice in your shots there are a couple of spots that did not get proper focus because there was simply not a picture taken with that are focused.

When I use the focusing rail, I will set up the camera so that the rail is in the forward position and the photo is just barely out of focus. then, using a remote shutter, I will take a number of shots, moving the camera back between each shot until the whole subject is just barely back out of focus. I also wait a few seconds after moving the camera to ensure that there is no movement before snapping the next shot. This process ensures that the entire subject is in focus after stacking.

I just want to say that I am not an expert by any means. This is simply what has worked for me. You may find things that work better for you. You are off to a great start!

 

[Member No. 1]

Fantastic pictures! Thanks for sharing them and your helpful comments.
I just need some more practice.
I looked into a focusing rail... those ain't cheap! And of course I would need to get the auto one!

 

[lpsouth1978]

Fantastic pictures! Thanks for sharing them and your helpful comments.
I just need some more practice.
I looked into a focusing rail... those ain't cheap! And of course I would need to get the auto one!

They don't have to be expensive. I got the one in the link below and it get's the job done. It is all metal and very simple to use for less than $15. The Auto one would be nice, but I couldn't warrant the purchase for what I would be using it for.

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Focusi...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

 

[Member No. 1]

They don't have to be expensive. I got the one in the link below and it get's the job done. It is all metal and very simple to use for less than $15. The Auto one would be nice, but I couldn't warrant the purchase for what I would be using it for.

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Focusi...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

Great! Thanks for the link!