Nikon D850: Validating 'Focus shift shooting' in the Field: Does it really work well?

2017-11-08 • SEND FEEDBACK |
Related: Eastern Sierra, focus stacking, Mt Dana area, Nikon, Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8G Macro, Nikon D850, Nikon DSLR, optical focus shift, peak bagging, Sigma, Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art, Sigma DG HSM Art

See my Nikon wish list.

45-megapixel Nikon D850

Wanted to verify that the Nikon Focus shift shooting feature would produce optimal focus positions for autofocus lenses; some skepticism remains that the gradation is fine enough. So I put two autofocus lenses to the test: the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art, and the Nikon 60mm f/2.8 macro.

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Examples: Eastern Sierra

Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8G Macro: Focus Stacking

The Nikon D850 Focus shift shooting feature did a very fine job with the Sigma 14/1.8. The 60/2.8—not bad but not exciting either; see my comments.

If these and other recent focus stacking images don’t persuade you that landscape photography requires it as a skill, then I’m from another planet, or you need to see an ophthalmologist.

See Nikon D850: 'Focus shift shooting' Feature Most Important Feature since Live View.

Orange Bedrock, view to Mt Dana

f9 @ 0.5 sec focus stack 3 frames, ISO 31; 2017-11-08 17:52:11
NIKON D850 + Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

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Grayish dead tree view to Mt Conness

f2.5 @ 1/10 sec focus stack 15 frames, ISO 31; 2017-11-08 17:21:17
NIKON D850 + Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

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f9 @ 0.8 sec focus stack 3 frames, ISO 31; 2017-11-08 17:32:05
NIKON D850 + Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

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