Focus stacking device / remote?

[FlyingSquirrel]

Someone told me of a remote control device that you plug into your camera via USB, which can control the camera AF to automatically shoot focus stack sequences. He could not remember what it was called or any other details about it. I'm hoping someone can point me to it, as some google searching has not led me to anything that seems to be what he talked about.

The important point is that it was a portable remote control that plugs into the camera and does NOT require a computer or phone, etc. I need this for working in the field on nature photos, and do not have a laptop to run any software for focus stacking (e.g. Helicon Remote, which I use at home on my PC and is awesome). Thanks for any help

[Shadowman]

I've heard of a similar device that was used for astrophotography. That might be a good source for the application.

[John 2]

I have never come across such a device. Some of the Canon G series cameras used to have it built in but I have heard of nothing else. I do wonder why you are excluding using a mobile. From memory, there are a number of apps that allow you to use your mobile as a tethered device via USB and I seem to remember that the control function you want was included - or at least the ability to focus the camera remotely which would go some way to what you want. Not absolutely certain but it might be worth some investigation. Something like "DSLR Dashboard" I think was one of them.

[chauncey]

You might be referring to this gizmo...http://www.breezesys.com/index.htm

[Shadowman]

Or this.

http://deepskystacker.free.fr/english/index.html

[John 2]

Just out of interest, I looked up DSLR Dashboard and the app description confirms that Focus Stacking is included. Looks so good that I might get a copy for myself - and it's free.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...dslr.dashboard

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your help. I should have explained the phone aspect..I have an iphone, and to my knowledge there is nothing available which will do what I want (none of the apps I found do precisely the needed function, nor can I find a way that the iphone will allow you to connect the phone to the usb of the camera and actually work). I have seen the android app(s), but that is of no help to my iphone.

I also found this http://www.cognisys-inc.com/stackshot/stackshot.php but that is an entire kit which requires a bunch of expensive equipment. Out of my budget and too complex at this time. Keeping it in my wishlist for someday, possibly.

Thanks, I'll keep looking

[FlyingSquirrel]

On another forum I received a reply pointing me to:

camranger.com provides wireless touch focus control of camera for apple ios. a quick read indicates focus stacking is possible.

The device is about $300 which is pricey, but the portability, flexibility of the app, and how everything works, is ideal. I'll keep looking but this option is enticing.

[travelfinn]

Have the camranger. Shooting mainly lowlight with 14-24mm fx with tripod. A really fantastic solution can have my camera at ground level upside down and still frame the picture or shooting the full moon so it is just on top of a church tower. Can check my focus and exposure immediatly after the shot and change the values without having to touch the camera. Done about 95% of my shots this year with it. 300 is to me a bargain price now after finding out how much I save in time and how easily I get good photos.

[Manfred M]

I'm another CamRanger user, but not for focus stacking (no interest in macro work).

As a camera remote, it works really well, and yes, you can use an iPhone, iPad, Android devce or Windows device to control it.

http://camranger.com/macro-focusstacking/

[FlyingSquirrel]

Hey thanks guys. I also just got pointed to yet another device, and this one is even closer to what I was originally looking for. However the camranger seems to have more versatility, ease of use, and the benefit of seeing the images on your mobile device...

Promote Control
http://www.promotesystems.com/produc...e-Control.html

[proseak]

Have you tried Magic Lantern?

[FlyingSquirrel]

I have not tried Magic Lantern. I'm not sure I trust it to not break my camera, and I heard it may invalidate the camera warranty. Either way, I am liking the looks of CamRanger's functions and benefits.

Thanks everybody!