How to Fix Focus Breathing For Landscape Photography

[@jefferycampbell2243]

I use extension tubes for macro and my experience is that extension tubes don't just shift infinity focus, but actually make lenses incapable of focusing at infinity.

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

This is true. The technique I’m talking about is just for focus stacking so you’d still be able to shoot multiple photos at different focal distances and stack them into one image

[@mrs.danforth6690]

Here's a reply from Rocklakemama. Even though it's incredibly helpful, David blocked it because it gives you the information her couldn't: Here's an AWESOME video that provides a visual example of focus breathing AND how to deal with it in post: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2bcmp-jrpt9q5o

[@ChillinDylanX]

Good recommendation. I would also recommend using Affinity Photo for automated focus stacking, or focus merging as they call it. I believe it automatically accounts for focus breathing when aligning the photos.

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

Interesting. I’ll have to look into that!

[@mtbboy1993]

do you know of a tool that fixes photos, cus I want to do focus stacking, but the issue is the different zoom. I think photoshop has something like it does it all for you, but I've not found any free software or plugins that do it, but not looked into it yet.

[@MarianMoisii]

Does your method work in any situation, or is it only valid for the landscape, if I have a 35mm sony GM lens and use your method does it help me solve the problem of focus breathing? Is it possible to lose wide angle ?

[@seann-yves3319]

I got sigma 18-35mm f1.8 and its a nightmare with focus breathing as I try to take a photo. Any recommendations pls

[@garybrown9719]

Olympus lenses suffer from focus breathing My olympus EM1 stacks the photos in the camera it would be nice if fuji and sony would do that

[@anitahicks1337]

Very helpful video.....do you have any tips on beach photography?

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

I should be getting to the beach later this year and will film out there!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I do not understand this tip for landscape shooting. Extension tubes reduce a lens' minimum focus distance, but also its maximum focal distance. As a result, extension tubes are great for macros but useless for landscapes, as I cannot (in my experience) focus on distant objects or the horizon with a tube mounted. However, focus breathing is quickly correctible in one PhotoShop click via the Auto-align Layers command. One just has to account for slight cropping of the final image when composing the shots. I presume other editing software usable for focus stacking have a similar function.. Please clarify your technique. Thanks.

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

Exactly! This video was specifically made for those who wanted to correct their shots in camera. This is a solution that has its limitations for sure but does work for smaller scenes. That PS trick will definitely work in post

[@mrs.danforth6690]

David was asked for info on how to fix focus breathing when layering in post but he didn't know how. Instead of just admitting it, he posted the above. For a great video (with clear examples) see the following video from someone who actually knows what he's doing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2bcmp-jrpt9q5o

[@goateyephotography808]

Even more visible is the effect of the changing distance between lenses and sensor when you have a lens that extends its length while focusing. I had a question but... I forgot it. 😅

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

🤣 no worries you know where to find me

[@paulm8157]

Interesting post, David. Questions. Is focus breathing the same as, or related to, focus hunting? Is focus breathing something that only happens after a lens has acquired focus? Will use of focus range limit switches on some lenses (like tele and macro) prevent the problem? Finally, does focus breathing turn “heavy” or “panting” for certain “adult” subjects (just kidding)?😀

[@DavidJohnstonPhoto]

Hey Paul! Good questions. Focus breathing is different than focus hunting because focus breathing occurs during manual focus while focus hunting occurs during auto focus while the camera is searching for a focal point. The switches will also not limit breathing because it has to do with the internal mechanics of the lens and how they interact. Also, the focus breathing is more of a wheezing sound lol 🤣

[@mrs.danforth6690]

Here's a reply from Rocklakemama (David has blocked others from seeing it, for some reason, even though he claims to want to help people learn): Here's an AWESOME video that provides a visual example of focus breathing AND how to deal with it in post: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2bcmp-jrpt9q5o