Focus Stacking Software - Out of interest.

[John 2]

So, on one occasion, I said to my brother "you know, I've never owned a sports car". Guess what he gave me for Christmas. It's as near as I'll ever get.

Fanzis is a German software company that have been trying to break into a broader market. From time to time, they advertise some heavily discounted offers. I have already tried their noise reduction software and liked it so when they recently offered their FOCUS projects 3 professional focus stacking package for $25, reduced from $129, I ordered a copy. I wouldn't have paid the full price for it given that PSCC will stack images but for $25.......... The two images below are by way of a trial. The top image is a 12 shot stack (to cover the width but probably over kill). I was quite impressed both by the result, by the ease of use and by the fact that the software includes some final adjustment options including a large number of pre sets. The top image has had some finishing PP but nothing that would affect the performance of the software. Thought it might of interest to one or two on the forum. See what you think.

Fuji X plus 55-200mm lens and an 11mm extension tube.


Original focussed on the Driver's view RH headlamp.

[DanK]

It looks good, but that is a forgiving test. You won't get parallax halos--in my experience, the most common and most difficult problem in stacking--because this is one continuous object. To give it a real test, I would use an image with edges, where there is a substantial distance between some edges and the surface behind them. The problem with then arise because there are no intermediate images for the software to place there. Also, the surfaces should be textured; smooth surfaces make halos less apparent. Deep flowers are often a good test, if there is a big distance between petals and whatever is behind them. Also, it helps to have fine detail, like hairs or bristles, or a bug's compound eye, to see how well the stacking preserves detail.

[John 2]

Dan, if I can find a subject that meets the criteria, I might give it another whirl tomorrow.

[madcrow]

Don't know anything about photo stacking but I am most impressed with your work here. You can only get better, keep at it

[Shadowman]

Nice one.

[JohnRostron]

I have just looked at their website and the current price is $99.

John

[John 2]

Interesting. Obviously inflated the higher price to make the offer look more attractive. Tried to copy the original e-mail offer but only the text has transferred. However for what it's worth:



FOCUS projects 3 professional
perfect for image-stacking: sharp from front till back
Special partner-offer - limited time only

$ 25.00
save $ 104.00 Reg. $ 129.-

order today and get a 70% discount. This special offer is only valid until the 06th of January 2017



Important Notice:
Origin Price: USD 129 including german Tax. Prices may vary according to daily currency exchange rate.
This special offer is valid until the 06th of January 2017

[joebranko]

I have no experience with focus stacking, but to my eye the result is very impressive!

[John 2]

Thanks Joe. I was quite impressed for what paid but Dan's analysis is right and if I can think of an appropriate subject, I might see how it copes.