Focus bracketing on the Nikon D810

[NikonianRich]

Hi, as part of my aim to get into macro photography I have discovered Focus bracketing. I have searched if this feature is available on the Nikon D810 and the answer came back a resounding yes.
However, despite the answers giving me directions how to enable it, my D810 menu's do not match up to the instructions given.

Am I missing something?

Thanks.

 

[greybeard53 25]

According to Google Search, the d810 does not have Focus Bracketing. Doing it manually isn't all that hard.

Google Search

 

[NikonianRich]

Thanks greybeard, I think it's Windows 11 Copilot AI thingy having a bad day.

I'll give the manual method a try. I do have a focus rail but still not sure about the fact the object will get bigger in the frame the more the camera advances. I have been told though that the stacking software will take care of this.

Thanks.

 

[wfooshee]

Don't move the camera, just adjust the focus. That obviously means not using auto-focus. Moving the camera changes the perspective and stacking software will NOT match it well.

 

[phkc070408]

Agreed with not moving the camera. If it were me:

1. Use a tripod and a shutter release of some sort of remote.
2. Focus onto the subject. If you use AF, carefully turn the lens into Manual focus mode after focusing. Notice the position of the focus ring on the lens. Maybe put a small piece of post-it-note on the focus ring. Take picture 1.
3. CAREFULLY Turn the focus ring one direction to get your first un-focused shot. Shoot
4. Turn the focus ring in the other direction, past the spot you used in step 2. Shoot again.

Normally when I do any bracketing, I do do them in the -0+ order, however in your case, I'd do either 0+- or 0-+, so yo can get your exact focus before you go hands-off on the camera.

 

[kavinreed]

I think the manual-focus workaround is probably the best option if the D810 doesn’t actually support focus bracketing natively. Keeping the camera locked down and marking the focus positions should make the sequence much more consistent for stacking, even if it takes a little extra setup.

 

[Kutavenn11]

The D810 does have focus shift shooting, but it’s under the Photo Shooting Menu. Make sure the camera firmware is up to date too, as the menu layout can differ from some guides.