Focus Stacking with the Nikon Z7 Using the “Focus shift shooting” Feature: How To Configure, Plus Examples

2018-10-28 • SEND FEEDBACK |
Related: focus stacking, How-To, Nikon, Nikon mirrorless, Nikon Z7, optical focus shift

See my Nikon mirrorless wish list.

This page covers the recommended way to do focus stacking with the Nikon Z7 (using an autofocus lens) using the ill-named Focus shift shooting feature. It also discusses things that Nikon could improve upon:

Configuring the Focus Stacking aka “Focus Shift” Feature on Nikon Z7

The Nikon D850 has performed brilliantly with its “Focus shift shooting” feature. What I wanted to know was whether the Nikon Z7 works equally well. This page shows three focus stacking examples using the Nikon Z7 “focus shift” feature.

Evaluated: Nikon Z7 Automated Focus Stacking aka Nikon “Focus Shift” Feature

Includes images at up to full camera resolution.

For how-to tutorials on focus stacking see the focus stacking section in Making Sharp Images.

On a Retina display like the iMac 5K at full camera resolution, the veining in the leaves and the fine lichen detail and rich grays and blacks are just gorgeous.

Aspen Leaves on Lichen-Covered Boulder

f11 @ 1/6 sec IS=off focus stack 7 frames, ISO 64; 2018-10-25 08:30:49
NIKON Z7 + Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S
ENV: Bishop Creek, altitude 8780 ft / 2676 m, 38°F / 3°C
RAW: LACA corrected

[low-res image for bot]

Dark Boulder Among Aspen

f11 @ 0.3 sec IS=off focus stack 4 frames, ISO 100; 2018-10-25 07:49:34
NIKON Z7 + Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S
ENV: Bishop Creek, altitude 8780 ft / 2676 m, 40°F / 4°C
RAW: LACA corrected, diffraction mitigating sharpening

[low-res image for bot]