Focus stacking Buttons with the NiSi Macro Focusing Rail NM-180s

We got a new focus rail and we want to try it out with an interesting subject that anyone can try at home. This macro photography tutorial is all about focus stacking images of buttons, using the NiSi Macro Focusing Rail NM-180s and Adaptalux Lighting, with a few tips and tricks thrown in!

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:32 Focus Stacking
02:39 Focus Rails
07:48 Lighting
11:46 Results

#Adaptalux #Photography #nisi

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Watch our latest video all about Iris Photography!
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[jonkers]

Hi Ben. I have 2 Nisi rails I use together to give the front to back and side to side adjustability and they work very well. They are excellent rails, and far better (though much more expensive) than the amazon/ebay inexpnsive rails. I’ve seen a video where someone checked the movement per rotation of the wheel against a digital micrometer and he found they were very accurate, which is essential when focus stacking highly detailed/magnified subjects.

[stephenrobinson]

I purchased the NISI focusing rail in May 2021. It has been an excellent piece of kit which after hundreds of stacks functions like brand new. Most of the time I use my Adaptalux setup with the rail and it is an excellent combination. The rail you purchased has some nice improvements since 2021

[IonutNedelcu]

The direction you start a stack is dependent on how much backlash your slider has. In your case, NiSi makes very good sliders (albeit a tad expensive) so it works either way.
I have a Newer one which has lots of backlash, so to compensate for that, I always start my focus stacks with the slider at the bottom and move it up throughout the stack. This way, it's a smoother transition between the individual frames.

[stephenstevenson]

Very interesting video Ben. Great subject choice. I too just picked up a NiSi focusing rail and this video has made me want to get on with more focus stacking. Thanks for sharing!

[sandisimos]

I had one of the Neewer cheaper focus rails and replaced it as my birthday gift in late 2023. I found that I rarely used the old one simply because I struggled to get the camera mounted to it. I'm already enjoying the Nisi version so much more. Next gift giving occasion I'll be asking for the Adaptalux system to take my setup to the next level.

[Bautaen]

When or how do you know when you have enough images for your stack? How do you work around that? Thanks for a helpful and learning video. :)

[danielboomers]

af or manual on lense? what does ur display means M/MF AFon.. confusing.. do I need AF lens working on cam?

[photochop]

Don't bin the old two-way, they make great specimen holders 👍

[Narsuitus]

Have you tried focus stacking with tilt/shift lenses and/or tilt/shift camera backs?

[bernym]

Why, oh why the annoying background music?
If I want music I will turn on the radio.