summarized as:
AF vs MF
Focusing Rail is for Macros
Tech Camera
I have been a bit wary of touching the lens once I have made a composition, given the way my Nikon already slaps its tongue after and before every shot, even in LiveView mode. However, the ability to micro-move the AF spot in LV mode using a remote has encouraged me to stay with this way of focus stacking (using AF, I mean), at least so far. I will try by manually focusing at different distances, now!
It was pretty dumb of me to even mention focusing rails, particularly when I knew very well that (1) it is for macros; and more importantly (2) the scene itself changes every time the camera rolls (*cough*) down on the rail, even with the micro-movements with something like stackshot.
I have been tempted to try view camera systems myself. Bought a 24mm PC-E to boot with, but have missed it so badly after I sold it off, that too by losing some good money! But maybe it is a good thing because I have developed a soft corner for something like the Horseman LD {
HORSEMAN LD FOR DSLRs } or VCC Pro {
HORSEMAN VCC PRO } which bring tech camera movements to the DSLR range. More so, because they have adapters to use higher end DBs at a later stage. But are there solutions like this where I need not be tied-in to one type/make of lenses, but using the more generic standard lens board (from any manufacturer) ?
You can also move the focus in small, medium or large steps via the software. Check out the relevant pages in the Phocus software manual (pages 34-35).
Interesting! Is this also possible from Phocus Mobile/iPad ?
there is an MF camera that has an automatic focus bracketing function that works pretty well with AF lenses: Hy6/ AFi.
Thanx for the note about the Hy6/AFi capabilities - I had not known much about this system at all!
Actually, with the right tech camera system focus-stacking for landscapes is MUCH easier with a D3s with a typical Nikon lens.
{Your +1 for IQ series}
Can you suggest/point me to some good tech camera systems that can be used with a nikon lens ? I could find the Horseman LD and the Arca M-Line II that can be used with SLRs, but with nikon lenses ?
PS: Thanx to all others also for your notes, too !