Stacking Software

[Fallingup]

Any recommendations for a free stacking software download for Windows? Would be mainly used for macro and sky stuff. Don't really want to pay for it unless I have to!
Sorry. I should say that I'm looking for focus stacking for the macro and exposure stacking for the sky stuff. Hope that makes sense.

Cheers
Phil

Edited by Fallingup on Monday 1st October 22:00

[Crasher242]

Hi
I had started out the same as you, i.e. not wanting to pay unless i absolutely had to.
I had a look at what free windows-based stacking software was available, and after a few goes of several, i came to the conclusion that none really came up to scratch with regards to features and usability etc.

In the end, i went with Zerene systems Zerene Stacker, and bit the bullet and paid $89 for the personal edition licence.

I like it a lot, and its way better to use that than the stacking options available in Photoshop CC (i have that on subscription too).

I'm sure there are probably free tools lurking somewhere, bu i needed something to use at fairly short notice, and didnt want to spend ages researching it.

Cheers

[Whitefly Swatter]

try combinezm, I have used it in the past, it is free and quite good

[Fallingup]

Thanks. I'm embarrassed to admit that I already have Photoshop but didn't realise it had stacking ability. Will look into the others as well.

[RobDickinson]

Try starstax or startrails.de
Or sequator.

[RobDickinson]

Fallingup said:

Thanks. I'm embarrassed to admit that I already have Photoshop but didn't realise it had stacking ability. Will look into the others as well.

Focus stacking it can do OK almost automatically.

Auto align layers with then auto stack etc.

[Heres Johnny]

There also deep sky stacker for Astro stuff

Edited by Heres Johnny on Thursday 4th October 09:37

[Fallingup]

That's good to be going with. Thanks all.

[Smollet]

Crasher242 said:

Hi
I had started out the same as you, i.e. not wanting to pay unless i absolutely had to.
I had a look at what free windows-based stacking software was available, and after a few goes of several, i came to the conclusion that none really came up to scratch with regards to features and usability etc.

In the end, i went with Zerene systems Zerene Stacker, and bit the bullet and paid $89 for the personal edition licence.

I like it a lot, and its way better to use that than the stacking options available in Photoshop CC (i have that on subscription too).

I'm sure there are probably free tools lurking somewhere, bu i needed something to use at fairly short notice, and didnt want to spend ages researching it.

Cheers

I’ve come to much the same conclusion re Photoshop CC and will either go for Zerene or Helicon