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StackShot Macro Rail Package
As low as $639.00
This package includes everything you will need to automate the image collection process for focus stacking just add the camera specific shutter cable. The shutter cable is the communication link between the camera and StackShot. It allows the StackShot controller to control your camera to make the image capturing process completely automated. The shutter cable is required if using StackShot stand alone (with no computer) or with Zerene Stacker. No shutter cable is required if used with Helicon Remote.
The StackShot macro rail package includes:
1 x StackShot Controller
1 x StackShot Macro Rail
1 x 2m 4-pin Locking Motor Cable
1 x AC Adapter - choose plug style below
The StackShot is a completely configurable automated system for capturing images for focus stacking. StackShot makes focus stacking repeatable, fast and easy.
Features
StackShot - Automated Macro Rail for Focus Stacking
Macro-photography is a fascinating sub-set of the photographic world. It brings to life detail that the human eye all too often misses. Unfortunately macro photographs often suffer from a narrow depth of field. How do photographers capture that stunning shot at high magnification and still have great depth of field? Enter focus stacking. Focus stacking is the art of digitally combining a series of images with a narrow depth of field into a single image with an extended depth. The images are usually collected with a macro rail and combined using a software program such as Zerene Stacker or Helicon Focus. Ideally each of these images is taken at a fixed distance interval.
Most macro photographers are familiar with using a macro rail to adjust the camera’s position relative to the subject of interest. These macro rails allow the distance to be adjusted and provide a crude manual method for taking the series of shots required for focus stacking. Unfortunately there are several drawbacks. There is a lack of accuracy, reproducibility, speed, and precision. Additionally, sub-millimeter steps are difficult at best. This is where StackShot comes in, it is an automated focusing rail for repeatably collecting images for focus stacking.
If you want to take your focus stacking to the next level by adding a touch screen interface or two additional axis' of automated motion (subject rotation for example) check out the latest version of StackShot - the StackShot 3X, we also have a comparison of the two controllers.
Repeatable Collection of Images for Focus Stacking - StackShot
StackShot is an electronically controlled macro rail system that coordinates the movement of the macro rail and the triggering of the camera. StackShot’s simple user-interface makes the automation of the entire image collecting process for focus stacking very easy.
What are the advantages of StackShot?
Accuracy: Step size adjustment from full length of the rail 100 mm down to 2 um.
Repeatability: The “automatic return” feature allows adjustments to the exposure settings between stacks captured with the same position and step size as the previous run with a single button press.
Speed: No more manually adjusting the rail position, pressing the shutter button, and hoping you didn’t bump the camera. Everything is automated and fast. This enables focus-stacking for critters that may not be willing to stay in the same position for very long. See Scott Linstead's guest post on the stacking of live spiders for an example.
Completely Configurable: The StackShot is completely user configurable. Timing (both on, off and settle), number of pictures per step (useful for HDR –, maximum speed, ramp time, camera settle time, etc. All the flexibility you will ever need for focus stacking.
Can be battery powered for use in the field. Check out our Li-Ion Battery Kit.
Focus Stacking Modes:
Click or tap a mode to see StackShot's behavior.Automatic: (Auto-Dist)
Use the FWD and BACK buttons to adjust the rail's start/stop position. Enter the distance of each step. Then go!
Use the FWD and BACK buttons to adjust the rail's start/stop position. Enter the distance of each step. Then go!
Total Distance:
Select the total distance you want the rail to travel along with the number of steps desired in that distance.
Select the total distance you want the rail to travel along with the number of steps desired in that distance.
Manual Step:
A button press is required to move the rail the specified distance. Only one step occurs for each button press. Useful for cameras with no electronic shutter release.
A button press is required to move the rail the specified distance. Only one step occurs for each button press. Useful for cameras with no electronic shutter release.
Distance Per Step:
Similar to Total Distance, except that you enter the distance desired for each step, and then the number of steps.
Similar to Total Distance, except that you enter the distance desired for each step, and then the number of steps.
Continuous:
Move the camera the specified distance without stopping in steps.
Move the camera the specified distance without stopping in steps.
Macro Rail Highlights
- Fully automated - Controller handles the coordination of the rail and the camera
- Standard macro rail has 100 mm of travel from end to end, the Extended Rail has 200mm of travel.
- Very precise control - to 2um in high precsion mode.
- Guide rails and ACME threaded rod made from stainless steel
- Constructed from lightweight 6061 aluminum
- Durable matte black anodized finish
- Stainless steel fasteners throughout
- No lubrication required - helps keep dust and dirt off guides and shafts
- Capable of moving virtually any camera and flash setup - the rail will lift a 10lb (4.5kg) load vertically
- Light weight 2.4lb (1.1kg)
- Base includes 3 different tripod mounting options. 1/4-20 threads, 3/8-16 threads, or ARCA style dovetail mount
Controller Highlights
- USB equipped for computer control or updating firmware
- Durable extruded aluminum housing
- 4 line LCD display with adjustable back-lighting
- Adjustable motor torque - turn down the torque to save on battery life
- Adjustable macro rail speed
- Configurable auto return - the rail will return to the start after the captures are complete
- Configurable settle time in between captures
- Capture multiple photos at each step (exposure bracketing or mirror lockup)
- Includes a time lapse mode for capturing time lapse stacks
- Shutter output disable to facilitate easier camera setup
- Optional battery power for field shooting, operates at 12VDC
- Ten presets - Save up to ten different setups and recall them as needed
- Shutter disable feature allows a preview of Stack without actually taking pictures
- Includes 6ft cable from motor to controller - can be extended if required
- Controller is easily held and operated with one hand
- Change the lighting or exposure and run your last stack with a single button press
- Compatible with StopShot shutter cables
Focus stacking of live subjects is possible if you have a cooperative subject. This focus stacked image of the Green Darner is a great example and was captured by Steve Gettle.
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