StackShot - Fully Automated Focus Stacking Rail

Pictured above is a prototype of our new patent pending automated macro rail that will be available very soon. This rail, a first of its kind, will make the normally laborious task of collecting images for focus stacks much easier and more precise. This will result in less missed opportunities and better photographs.

If you have specific questions please feel free to email us at sales@cognisys-inc.com

Macro Rail Highlights

• Fully automated - Controller handles the control of both the camera and the rail
• Macro rail has a 100mm travel from end to end
• Very precise control - to 0.01mm
• Guide rails and ACME threaded rod made from stainless steel
• Constructed from lightweight 6061 aluminum
• Durable matte black anodized finish
• Stainless steel fasteners throughout
• No lubrication required - helps keep dust and dirt off guides and shafts
• Capable of moving almost any camera and flash setup - the rail will lift a 10lb (4.5kg) load vertically
• Light weight 2.4lb (1.1kg)
• Base includes 3 different tripod mounting options. 1/4-20 threads, 3/8-16 threads, or ACRA style dovetail mount

Controller Highlights

• Durable extruded aluminum housing
• 4 line LCD display with adjustable backlighting
• Adjustable motor torque - turn down the torque to save on battery life
• Adjustable macro rail speed
• Configurable auto return - the rail will return to the start after the captures are complete
• Configurable settle time in between captures
• Capture multiple photos at each step (exposure bracketing or mirror lockup)
• Shutter output disable to facilitate easier camera setup
• Many different operating modes including manual - see below
• Can be powered by battery, operates at 12VDC - for field shooting
• Includes 6ft cable from motor to controller - can be extended if required
• Controller is easily held and operated in one hand
• Run you last stack with 1 button press
• Configurable auto return
• Compatible with StopShot shutter cables

Operating Modes

Auto-Step - Choose the start point, the end point and the number of steps

Auto-Dist - Choose the start point, the end point and the distance for each step

Total Distance - Choose the total distance and the number of steps

Distance per Step - Choose the distance per step and the number of steps

Manual Step - Choose the distance per step - button press required to take picture (operates in both directions)

Continuous - Choose the total distance, the rail will move through that distance while the camera will take continuous photos based on configurable timing settings. In this mode the rail does not stop from start to finish (unless aborted by the user).

The Operators Manual

If you are looking for more specific information you can download the operators Manual for StackShot here.

Other Important Stuff

StackShot will be available in a few different configurations. You will be able to purchase the controller and motor separate from the rail if you want to attach it to your existing rail. Or you can purchase the complete package including the rail, the controller, the power supply and the motor cable. The complete kit will have a MSRP of $475.00 and it will include the controller, the rail, an AC adapter, and a 6ft motor cable.

If everything goes according to plan StackShot will be available in limited quantities in the first or second week of March. Due to the number of requests we have started a waiting list. To be added to the list just drop us an email at sales@cognisys-inc.com There is no obligation if you are added to the list, it will be used on a first come first served basis. We will email you as parts become available.

Patent Pending

The Results

The picture below of the Cithaerias Aurorina butterfly wing was taken with a 10X microscope objective. The image is the compilation of 39 individual pictures collected with the help of StackShot and then merged together. Each image was taken at a step size of 0.01mm.

The picture of the moth below was taken using a 100mm f/2.8 Canon Macro Lens and StackShot. This moth was hanging on our glass siding door. The smaller pictures below are the first and last images from the stack. This gives you an idea of the depth of field you would be restricted to without focus stacking.