Best way to stack images in Photoshop?

[phnoob]

I'm doing macro photography and need to do focus stacking. I'm trying to determine the best way to stack images in PS, but there seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there. I've been reading tutorials on focus stacking in Photoshop and have successfully stacked images two different ways:

Way # 1

file -> scripts -> load files into stack
edit->auto-align layers
edit->auto-blend layers (stack images, seamless tones and colors)

Way # 2

file -> automate -> photomerge (uncheck blend images together)
edit->auto-blend layers (stack images, seamless tones and colors)

The second way produces a better result, IMHO. Is that the best way to stack images in PS?


Thanks for your advice

 

[KmH]

Which Photoshop? The current pro grade is Photoshop 13 (CS 6)

 

[phnoob]

CS5, but I've been considering purchasing CS6 (I'm a student so it's not too expensive..). I'm guessing in this regard there isn't much difference between CS5 & CS6, however.