D850 Focus Shift

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xeonphon
Posts: 7
Joined: 16.04.2021 13:58

D850 Focus Shift

Post by xeonphon »

For those who use a D850 with the built-in Focus Shift (as Nikon calls it), is there any disadvantage to using a very low focus step (1 or 2) and taking more photos before stacking in Helcon?
BobStone
Posts: 65
Joined: 03.06.2017 10:13

Re: D850 Focus Shift

Post by BobStone »

I did a lot of testing with the D850 and the 105mm Micro-Nikkor AF-S. Even at f/2.8, 1:1, the step value of 4 worked perfectly. So will work for any lens with a shorter focal length @ f/2.8. Of course, wider lenses and smaller f/stops will require fewer frames. I shoot at the f/stop that gives the best sharpness and edge performance, typically f/7.1 or f/8. At 24mm or wider, often only 4 frames are needed for landscapes, but this best determined as you shoot. If your near in-focus point is not particularly close, perhaps only 2 frames. I have not done any field work at 1:1 but at 1:2,you will need about 30 frames for 1" of DOF.

On the D850, it's best to review your stack on the LCD. Work backward as in some cases the last few frames may be out of focus due to the lens focusing beyond infinity. If you need to continue the stack, do not re-focus the lens, just repeat the stack with the same settings, then check again.

Hope this helps!
gmbseoxx
Posts: 2
Joined: 23.07.2020 18:32

Re: D850 Focus Shift

Post by gmbseoxx »

I have just replaced my D800 with the D850. am setting the menus up etc, and for the life of me I cannot get the focus shift to select.
BobStone
Posts: 65
Joined: 03.06.2017 10:13

Re: D850 Focus Shift

Post by BobStone »

There are some settings that cause this option to be disabled, HDR and Multiple Exposure. There may be others.
xeonphon
Posts: 7
Joined: 16.04.2021 13:58

Re: D850 Focus Shift

Post by xeonphon »

Thanks very much for the reply, Bob. I too am using the 105mm Micro 2.8. I am trying it on leaves, with f/5.6 and a focus shift setting on 2. Typically around 150 shots to get full DOF. I have noticed some blurring around the edges of the blended images. Perhaps I will boost the apeture to f/7.1 and drop the focus shift step value to 3 and 1 to see if there is a difference. What smoothing setting do you use on Helicon Focus. I have been using 3 with method C.
BobStone
Posts: 65
Joined: 03.06.2017 10:13

Re: D850 Focus Shift

Post by BobStone »

Blurring is unavoidable in some cases. Requires extensive use of the retouching panel in complicated subjects. But then, the retouching panel is HF's most important tool.
BobStone
Posts: 65
Joined: 03.06.2017 10:13

Re: D850 Focus Shift

Post by BobStone »

Blurring is unavoidable in some cases. Requires extensive use of the retouching panel in complicated subjects. But then, the retouching panel is HF's most important tool.
xeonphon
Posts: 7
Joined: 16.04.2021 13:58

Re: D850 Focus Shift

Post by xeonphon »

Thanks Bob. I am practicing with the retouching tool.
talkingcats
Posts: 3
Joined: 30.05.2021 15:57

Re: D850 Focus Shift

Post by talkingcats »

gmbseoxx wrote: 24.04.2021 06:39 I have just replaced my D800 with the D850. am setting the menus up etc, and for the life of me I cannot get the focus shift to select.
You need to use a lens with an internal focus motor. I found this out the hard way when trying to use focus shift with a Nikkor 50mm 1.8 AF-D. It works a treat with my Nikkor 105mm 2.8 AF-S. But turn VR off when using on a tripod. It seriously degrades the sharpness, which again I found out the hard way!
H_Gwin
Posts: 5
Joined: 19.12.2018 17:38

Re: D850 Focus Shift

Post by H_Gwin »

Used a Sigma 180 macro lens on my 850 and it would not stack images. Does anyone have any experience with that combo?
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