Photostacking software and spore photos

[RobSutton]

Identifying a Lactarius recently I took a photomicrograph of the spores for my records but was disappointed by the inevitable lack of depth of field at high magnifications (x1000):


The shot certainly shows the surface ornamentation but not the full extent of it so I tried using a piece of free software (Zerene Stacker) that has recently featured in the photography techniques section of this site to compile a composite of 11 shots all focussed at slightly different points:


Must admit I was quite pleased with the simplicity of the process and with the results it produced.

[Bruce Williams]

Interesting application Rob - with markedly improved results.

I've used another free package (CombineZP) to stack images through a Meiji stereo microscope but not yet tried stacking with the higher powers of a compound scope. I frequently use Zerene to stack hand-held macro shots and generally I find it quicker and easier to use than CombineZP. IMO results are very comparable.

I understand that the period of free beta testing will soon be coming to an end with Zerene. I haven't made my mind up about buying yet but probably will grit my teeth and go for it.

Bruce

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

. . . I frequently use Zerene to stack hand-held macro shots and generally I find it quicker and easier to use than CombineZP. IMO results are very comparable. . . .

[my emphasis above]

I'm impressed if it can work with hand-held, Bruce - could you please point us to some of your examples?

cheers

Chris

[Bruce Williams]

Chris

Please check out this thread: New, easy to use stacking software. It contains 2 of my hand-held stacks - see the original post (4 frame stack) and then scroll down a bit to see a 4 frame ladybird larva stack.

I don't want to risk going off at a tangent from Robs original thread however I'd be happy to pm you with list of some of the hand-held 3-6 frame stacks that I've posted on WAB.

Bruce

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

Chris
...

I don't want to risk going off at a tangent from Robs original thread however I'd be happy to pm you with list of some of the hand-held 3-6 frame stacks that I've posted on WAB.

Bruce

I like tangents you often end somewhere much more interesting. It was Bruce's original posting that got me started with the software in the first place though I don't think I've achieved anything in my experimentations quite up to the same standard as Bruce has.

[SheffieldLass]

Of the free (and non-time limited) stacking software, which have people used and likeor dislike? Although tempted to try Zerene, it makes more sense for me to learn one that I'll be able to use for an unlimited time, free, as I doubt if I could afford to buy Zerene.

Combine ZS or earlier versions seem to have been used by some. Anyone tried Registax5?

By the way, Rob, nice spore picture.

Melanie

[Bruce Williams]

Melanie

I believe that Registax5 is used primarily to stack astronomical images rather than macro or photomacrographic images. Because relatively long exposures (coupled with high magnification) are often required in astrophotography, astrophotographers can experience problems in getting sharp astro images due to atmospheric disturbance (bit like looking through heat haze on a hot afternoon).

One way they can get round this problem is to take lots (hundreds) of short duration images and stack (align and add together) the best (clearest) images.

One method is to take a short video of the chosen subject (through the telescope) and then process the individual frames through Registax5 - selecting and stacking the best x% of the frames.

I don't know how effective Registax would be processing a macro stack - interesting - anyone tried it?

EDIT: Hmmm......just had a thought: If Registax uses an additive rather than a selective process it very probably will not give good results from a macro stack.

Bruce

[SheffieldLass]

Hi Bruce

I noticed RegiStax on a geology (minerals) forum, where they were talking about stacking software and crystals and macro stuff, and discussing CombineZP, and someone mentioned RegiStax as another good one ..... I've downloaded it so I can always try to see what it does.

It does seem to feature most on the Astro pages though, so you could be right ...

Melanie

[Ditiola]

I have been thinking about getting focus staking software. After searching the internet for information it appears that Helicon is one of the best but costs about £75 and apparently CombineZM is nearly as good but has the big advantage of being downloadable free.

Peter

[SheffieldLass]

Originally Posted by Ditiola

I have been thinking about getting focus staking software. After searching the internet for information it appears that Helicon is one of the best but costs about £75 and apparently CombineZM is nearly as good but has the big advantage of being downloadable free.

Peter

Free is definitely a big advantage for me! I think the newest version is now CombineZS.

Melanie