No, the Canon R6 Mark II does not have a built-in focus stacking feature. However, it does offer focus bracketing, which allows you to take multiple shots at different focus distances. These can then be combined using software to achieve a focus-stacked image.
What is Focus Stacking?
Imagine trying to photograph a tiny insect on a leaf. You want every part of the insect, from its antennae to its wings, to be in sharp focus.
This is where focus stacking comes in handy. It’s a technique that combines multiple shots taken at different focus distances to create a single image with a much greater depth of field.
This ensures that all parts of the subject are in sharp focus, resulting in a detailed and crisp final image.
I’ve found this particularly useful in macro photography, where the depth of field is naturally very shallow, but it’s also beneficial in landscape and product photography.

Benefits of Focus Stacking
Focus stacking isn’t just a technical trick—it’s a game-changer. Here are some of the benefits:
- Increased Depth of Field: By merging several images focused at different points, you get a final photo where everything from the foreground to the background is in focus. This is a lifesaver in macro photography.
- Sharpness and Detail: Every part of the subject is sharp, enhancing the overall quality of the image. I remember a time when I was photographing a spider’s web in the morning dew. Without focus stacking, capturing the entire web in sharp detail would have been nearly impossible.
- Creative Control: You can decide which parts of the image you want in focus, offering more creative possibilities in your compositions. This flexibility can turn a good photo into a great one.
Canon R6 Mark II Focus Features
The Canon R6 Mark II is packed with advanced autofocus capabilities, thanks to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system with 1,053 AF points.
This system provides precise and fast autofocus, making it easier to capture sharp images. It also includes enhanced eye detection for both humans and animals, ensuring the eyes are always in sharp focus.
Additionally, its AI-based subject tracking keeps moving subjects in focus, which is crucial for dynamic scenes.
Focus Bracketing vs. Focus Stacking
Now, while the Canon R6 Mark II doesn’t explicitly have built-in focus stacking, it supports focus bracketing.
Focus bracketing involves taking multiple shots at different focus distances, which can then be combined using software to create a focus-stacked image.
Think of it as the manual route to the same destination.
Using Focus Bracketing for Focus Stacking
Even without built-in focus stacking, you can still achieve the effect using focus bracketing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Set Up Your Camera: Place your Canon R6 Mark II on a tripod to ensure stability. I’ve learned from experience that even the slightest movement can ruin a focus stack.
- Manual Focus Adjustments: Manually adjust the focus for each shot, covering the entire depth of the subject.
- Capture Multiple Shots: Take a series of images, each with slight focus adjustments. I once photographed a row of coins with varying designs. By focusing on each coin individually, I managed to get a perfectly sharp image of the entire row.
- Use Software for Stacking: Import the images into software like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop or Helicon Focus.
- Merge and Edit: Combine the images to create a final photo with an extended depth of field, then fine-tune with additional edits.
Workflow for Focus Stacking with Canon R6 Mark II
- Tripod Setup: Ensure the camera remains steady throughout the shoot.
- Focus Adjustments: Slightly adjust the focus for each shot to cover different depths.
- Capture Series: Take multiple photos, each with a different focus point.
- Software Stacking: Use software like Photoshop or Helicon Focus to merge the images.
- Final Touches: Edit the merged image for the best results.
Alternatives and Workarounds
If you find focus stacking essential but the Canon R6 Mark II doesn’t fully meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Macro Rails: For precise adjustments, use macro rails to shift the camera incrementally. I once used a macro rail to photograph a miniature model. The precision was incredible, and it made the stacking process much smoother.
- Powerful Software: Utilize advanced post-processing software that supports focus stacking. Software like Zerene Stacker or Helicon Focus can make a huge difference.
- Lens Choice: Opt for lenses with minimal focus breathing to maintain consistency across shots.
Conclusion
Does Canon R6 Mark II have focus stacking? While it does not feature built-in focus stacking, its advanced autofocus and focus bracketing capabilities allow photographers to manually create focus-stacked images.
By leveraging the camera’s powerful features and utilizing post-processing software, you can achieve impressive depth of field and sharpness in your macro, landscape, and product photography.
In the world of photography, having the ability to control focus across multiple planes can significantly enhance the quality of your images.
The Canon R6 Mark II, with its powerful features, is more than capable of meeting these demands, even if it requires a bit of manual effort.
So, whether you’re capturing the intricate details of a flower or the expansive beauty of a landscape, the R6 Mark II has you covered.
Remember, photography is as much about the journey as the destination. Exploring new techniques like focus stacking not only improves your skills but also opens up new creative possibilities.

Brad is a seasoned photographer whose journey began in 2006 with a 3.1-megapixel digital camera. Over the years, he has specialized in various photography genres—from weddings and portraiture to product and studio photography. Based on the Sunshine Coast of QLD, Brad combines his love for education and photography, sharing his expertise on DSLRAD.com, a platform committed to capturing life’s treasured moments and empowering photography enthusiasts.