Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
Moderators: Chris S., Pau, Beatsy, rjlittlefield, ChrisR
Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
A forum member already asked about tethered focus shift some time ago - but he never got an answer and his question was specific to a previous model.
Does anyone know whether the current lineup (Z7II, Z8, Z9) supports focus shift during tethered operation?
The Z7 does not and I was wondering whether an upgrade to a more recent model would help.
Does anyone know whether the current lineup (Z7II, Z8, Z9) supports focus shift during tethered operation?
The Z7 does not and I was wondering whether an upgrade to a more recent model would help.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
CrispyBee,
I don't know the answer to your question, and shudder at how long it might take to empirically derive a correct one. This is because I have some experience tethering Nikon gear, which has many permutations.
The matter tends to be specific to the hardware, software, settings, and connectivity method one uses. Working out a recipe can leave large flat spots on one's head, from banging said head against wall. Of course, once a good recipe is obtained, tethering Nikon works wonderfully so long as one sticks to established recipe.
At the risk of being seen as offering to help, can I ask a few questions? What tethering software are you using? Are you using a Z-series lens, or something older? What manner of connectivity (USB, wireless?) And with older Nikon bodies, what exactly fails if you attempt to use the focus shift function while tethered?
You've likely seen that Nikon offers free tethering software, Nikon NX Tether. From an image at that Website, focus shift appears to be supported. Of course, Nikon software is oftenghastly problematic. But I think this goes for most camera/lens makers: They should stick to their knitting and cooperate with real software developers, rather than develop their own software.
ControlMyNikon, which I use with an older Nikon D7100 DSLR, is much better.* So is CamRanger, which I've used with a Nikon Z7II. I have a vague memory that both products may also support focus shift. I haven't tried this built-in function of Nikon's, even though I focus stack for macro and landscape. As with most automated camera settings, I prefer to do things manually.
I do have a Nikon Z8. In the unlikely event that I have your software, your connectivity, a similar lens, and understand exactly what you are doing, perhaps I can give it a try? (Shudder
.) Let's hope someone comes along first with a better answer!
Best,
--Chris S.
*Edit to add: As of 1/15/2025, ControlMyNikon's current release version, 5.6.89.89, does not seem to support the Nikon Z8, though it does list the Z7II. There is a very different (completely rewritten?) version 6.0.0.0 that does support the Z8, but it is a very early trial release, intended only for user feedback to the developer, not serious use. Focus shift is one of the functions not yet active.
I don't know the answer to your question, and shudder at how long it might take to empirically derive a correct one. This is because I have some experience tethering Nikon gear, which has many permutations.
The matter tends to be specific to the hardware, software, settings, and connectivity method one uses. Working out a recipe can leave large flat spots on one's head, from banging said head against wall. Of course, once a good recipe is obtained, tethering Nikon works wonderfully so long as one sticks to established recipe.
At the risk of being seen as offering to help, can I ask a few questions? What tethering software are you using? Are you using a Z-series lens, or something older? What manner of connectivity (USB, wireless?) And with older Nikon bodies, what exactly fails if you attempt to use the focus shift function while tethered?
You've likely seen that Nikon offers free tethering software, Nikon NX Tether. From an image at that Website, focus shift appears to be supported. Of course, Nikon software is often
ControlMyNikon, which I use with an older Nikon D7100 DSLR, is much better.* So is CamRanger, which I've used with a Nikon Z7II. I have a vague memory that both products may also support focus shift. I haven't tried this built-in function of Nikon's, even though I focus stack for macro and landscape. As with most automated camera settings, I prefer to do things manually.
I do have a Nikon Z8. In the unlikely event that I have your software, your connectivity, a similar lens, and understand exactly what you are doing, perhaps I can give it a try? (Shudder

Best,
--Chris S.
*Edit to add: As of 1/15/2025, ControlMyNikon's current release version, 5.6.89.89, does not seem to support the Nikon Z8, though it does list the Z7II. There is a very different (completely rewritten?) version 6.0.0.0 that does support the Z8, but it is a very early trial release, intended only for user feedback to the developer, not serious use. Focus shift is one of the functions not yet active.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
Hey Chris,
Thank you so much, you're right - I should have been more precise with my question:
I'm currently using the buit-in focus shift feature on the Nikon Z7 with the Nikkor 105mm Z macro, which does not work when the camera is tethered with CaptureOne or Lightroom.
As soon as I connect the camera with the computer the Focus Shift feature is greyed out and stops working - though I haven't tried Nikon NX Tether yet as there was no need for that software until now. I'm going to try to see whether that makes a difference, that's for the tip!
With both Sony and Fuji cameras the Focus bracketing/shift feature works when they're tethered, which is why it's a bit annoying that it's not working with Nikon as that's the camera I use at work.
I was hoping that they corrected that with the newer Nikon Z8 (though I have to get that camera anyway for various reasons).
Thank you so much, you're right - I should have been more precise with my question:
I'm currently using the buit-in focus shift feature on the Nikon Z7 with the Nikkor 105mm Z macro, which does not work when the camera is tethered with CaptureOne or Lightroom.
As soon as I connect the camera with the computer the Focus Shift feature is greyed out and stops working - though I haven't tried Nikon NX Tether yet as there was no need for that software until now. I'm going to try to see whether that makes a difference, that's for the tip!
With both Sony and Fuji cameras the Focus bracketing/shift feature works when they're tethered, which is why it's a bit annoying that it's not working with Nikon as that's the camera I use at work.
I was hoping that they corrected that with the newer Nikon Z8 (though I have to get that camera anyway for various reasons).
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
Chris,
I’ll be interested to hear what you find out with Nikon NX Tether, and if tethering/focus shifting improves with the later bodies. If CaptureOne and Lightroom gray out focus shift for at least the earlier bodies, they must have a reason.
When tethering Nikon DSLRs, one cannot use mirror-up mode (aka “mirror lockup”), or the system hangs. That’s long bothered me, as tethering is exactly the sort of situation in which one might use mirror lockup. This behavior was consistent across three makers of tethering software, including Nikon, and I was told it was a firmware issue.
But a mirrorless camera should not have such issues. (Unless maybe Nikon wrote the portion of its firmware that handles focus shift in the DSLR days, and has brought that code over to mirrorless? Surely even a company that writes execrable software would do clean firmware?)
I’m curious as to why you need to buy a Z8. My need was that I like shooting Milky Way nightscapes, and the viewfinder of my Z7II was too dark to frame or focus at night. With the Z9, Nikon introduced “Starlight mode” that brightens the viewfinder at the cost of slower refresh—fine for me—plus several other features to help night photographers. These have been rolled down to the Z8, Z6III, and I think the Z f and Z fc.
--Chris S.
I’ll be interested to hear what you find out with Nikon NX Tether, and if tethering/focus shifting improves with the later bodies. If CaptureOne and Lightroom gray out focus shift for at least the earlier bodies, they must have a reason.
When tethering Nikon DSLRs, one cannot use mirror-up mode (aka “mirror lockup”), or the system hangs. That’s long bothered me, as tethering is exactly the sort of situation in which one might use mirror lockup. This behavior was consistent across three makers of tethering software, including Nikon, and I was told it was a firmware issue.
But a mirrorless camera should not have such issues. (Unless maybe Nikon wrote the portion of its firmware that handles focus shift in the DSLR days, and has brought that code over to mirrorless? Surely even a company that writes execrable software would do clean firmware?)
I’m curious as to why you need to buy a Z8. My need was that I like shooting Milky Way nightscapes, and the viewfinder of my Z7II was too dark to frame or focus at night. With the Z9, Nikon introduced “Starlight mode” that brightens the viewfinder at the cost of slower refresh—fine for me—plus several other features to help night photographers. These have been rolled down to the Z8, Z6III, and I think the Z f and Z fc.
--Chris S.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
It doesn't work. When connecting the camera to a computer it's unavailable in both the camera menu and the Nikon NX Tether application.
That's really absurd.
Overall not a very well thought out process with the Z7 at least and some menu items are either confusing or completely wrong/mislabled and you can't even use it when setting the camera (!) to MF mode.... which is just a software setting and should not affect focus bracketing operations - as is evident with other camera brands.
Nikon has to do better, this is pretty horrible.
Well first of all we / I need a backup camera, having only the Z7 while working somewhere far away is super risky and having to carry an older DSLR body as a backup (which requires its own battery system and lenses) is not an option. And if the Z7 is being serviced I'd have to use of one the older DSLR bodies, hoping they still work, don't require servicing themselves or their batteries are still OK and hold a proper charge..Chris S. wrote: ↑Thu Jan 09, 2025 10:06 pm
I’m curious as to why you need to buy a Z8. My need was that I like shooting Milky Way nightscapes, and the viewfinder of my Z7II was too dark to frame or focus at night. With the Z9, Nikon introduced “Starlight mode” that brightens the viewfinder at the cost of slower refresh—fine for me—plus several other features to help night photographers. These have been rolled down to the Z8, Z6III, and I think the Z f and Z fc.
--Chris S.
I would have gone with a Z7II but I've found the lack of a properly articulated rear display to be an issue in some cases, mostly when shooting in vertical orientation in confined spaces. The Z7 and Z7II both only have a flip up and flip down screen.
Personally I would have gone for a differnt camera system altogether but it's not up to me.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
Chris,
Tethered focus shift does indeed work with the Nikon Z8, at least in the NX tether program. I’ve just now ran a quick test with the Nikon Z 14-24 f/2.8 lens, in aperture priority, tethered with a USB cable.
Of course, the learning curve was not without a frustration. On my first try, the camera made a click and stopped. A small dialogue box came on the computer screen that said something like, “First shot failed. Check focus or other settings.” I didn’t see anything amiss. A couple more tries, with a couple of settings changed, produced the same error.
I disconnected the USB cable and tried shooting an untethered focus shift series. This also produced an error message (naturally on the back of the camera) that was thankfully more specific: Something to the effect of “Time/date not set on camera.” Fair enough—this is a new camera to me, and I hadn’t yet had a chance to use it. I set the time and date, reconnected it to the computer, and tethered focus shift worked without fuss.
Despite my complaints about Nikon, I do like the brand, and suspect I’d have just as many complaints if I used one of the others. One thing I appreciate is that the company seems to try to keep the user interface as consistent as possible as models evolve—which I appreciate, having used Nikons for more than four decades, and preferring a minim of cheese moving. Also, most of even very old lenses work on the new bodies. And the Nikon Z mount is wide and has a comparatively short register, which has advantages if one likes to adapt other brands of lens to it.
I sold my Z7II to a friend, who has offered to lend it back to me anytime needed. If anyone needs me to test that body with tethered pixel shift, it can be arranged.
Cheers,
--Chris S.
Tethered focus shift does indeed work with the Nikon Z8, at least in the NX tether program. I’ve just now ran a quick test with the Nikon Z 14-24 f/2.8 lens, in aperture priority, tethered with a USB cable.
Of course, the learning curve was not without a frustration. On my first try, the camera made a click and stopped. A small dialogue box came on the computer screen that said something like, “First shot failed. Check focus or other settings.” I didn’t see anything amiss. A couple more tries, with a couple of settings changed, produced the same error.
I disconnected the USB cable and tried shooting an untethered focus shift series. This also produced an error message (naturally on the back of the camera) that was thankfully more specific: Something to the effect of “Time/date not set on camera.” Fair enough—this is a new camera to me, and I hadn’t yet had a chance to use it. I set the time and date, reconnected it to the computer, and tethered focus shift worked without fuss.
Despite my complaints about Nikon, I do like the brand, and suspect I’d have just as many complaints if I used one of the others. One thing I appreciate is that the company seems to try to keep the user interface as consistent as possible as models evolve—which I appreciate, having used Nikons for more than four decades, and preferring a minim of cheese moving. Also, most of even very old lenses work on the new bodies. And the Nikon Z mount is wide and has a comparatively short register, which has advantages if one likes to adapt other brands of lens to it.
I sold my Z7II to a friend, who has offered to lend it back to me anytime needed. If anyone needs me to test that body with tethered pixel shift, it can be arranged.
Cheers,
--Chris S.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
That's good news regarding the Z8 and hopefully it also works with other applications!
As I mentioned before, with the Z7 that option isn't available so I assume Nikon improved that in the Z8.
However the fact that it's still a menu item and not a drive mode is still annoying. That means every time you want to use focus shift you have to go into the menu and start it from within the menu.
Compared to Sony or Fuji that's a huge annoyance when you have to use focus shift/bracketing for multiple objects. Currently I'm working on approx. 100 small objects (front and back) so that's 200x setting the focus point (but not by manual focussing because it requires AF-S or AF-C) and then having to open the menu and having to start the focus shift.
On Sony you can simply set the focus starting point (even in MF) and trigger the camera - whether you trigger it in CaptureOne, Lightroom, on the Camera or via a remote. Next object - refocus and trigger. Done.
I like some things about Nikon, the build quality and consistency between lenses (both in terms of sharpness and colour) but their focus shift implementation feels like they've only just discovered the while process last week.
As I mentioned before, with the Z7 that option isn't available so I assume Nikon improved that in the Z8.
However the fact that it's still a menu item and not a drive mode is still annoying. That means every time you want to use focus shift you have to go into the menu and start it from within the menu.
Compared to Sony or Fuji that's a huge annoyance when you have to use focus shift/bracketing for multiple objects. Currently I'm working on approx. 100 small objects (front and back) so that's 200x setting the focus point (but not by manual focussing because it requires AF-S or AF-C) and then having to open the menu and having to start the focus shift.
On Sony you can simply set the focus starting point (even in MF) and trigger the camera - whether you trigger it in CaptureOne, Lightroom, on the Camera or via a remote. Next object - refocus and trigger. Done.
I like some things about Nikon, the build quality and consistency between lenses (both in terms of sharpness and colour) but their focus shift implementation feels like they've only just discovered the while process last week.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
Bearing in mind that my experience with focus shift is extremely limited (to the brief tests described above), my experience didn't seem quite so dire. I was able to set my initial focus point with a mouse click on the computer screen in live view, and with one or two more mouse clicks get the picture acquisition process going. That part seemed fairly efficient.
What I did need to to in the camera menu was enter the number of pictures desired, and the "Focus step width." These values were retained for the next stack, so would not need to be adjusted for a series of similar items. Isn't that pretty much what you're describing for Sony?
--Chris S.
What I did need to to in the camera menu was enter the number of pictures desired, and the "Focus step width." These values were retained for the next stack, so would not need to be adjusted for a series of similar items. Isn't that pretty much what you're describing for Sony?
--Chris S.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
Well that's because your Z8 focus-shift is compatible with the Nikon software, the Z7 focus shift simply doesn't work when connected to a computer, no matter which software is being used.Chris S. wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2025 12:17 pmBearing in mind that my experience with focus shift is extremely limited (to the brief tests described above), my experience didn't seem quite so dire. I was able to set my initial focus point with a mouse click on the computer screen in live view, and with one or two more mouse clicks get the picture acquisition process going. That part seemed fairly efficient.
What I did need to to in the camera menu was enter the number of pictures desired, and the "Focus step width." These values were retained for the next stack, so would not need to be adjusted for a series of similar items. Isn't that pretty much what you're describing for Sony?
--Chris S.
So there's no live view, no nothing and you have to do everything from the camera side.
For Sony you don't have to dig into the menu at all and it works with any software.
The difference is that this allows for hand-held use and you never have to take your eye off the subject in focus. Using the Nikon it's impossible to do any hand-held focus-shift shots at all. That's a huge drawback for both casual and professional field-macros as well as very annoying for studio purpose. At least the Z8 seems to work in tethered mode with the Nikon software, but it's still a far cry from how easy and comfortable it is on Sony cameras.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
Unfortunately, that's exactly how it is: the focus bracketing function cannot be used freehand on the Nikon Z8 camera unless you have four hands like the goddess Kali, while using it on a tripod is risky because you still have to touch the screen, making all the precautions taken to avoid shocks and vibrations quite useless and the operation extremely uncomfortable.
The problem, however, is much broader: for decades all the major operators in the photography sector have systematically ignored the macro photography market. In the 80s and 90s of the last century, Canon and Nikon had a large catalog of macro lenses and accessories. The other brands had a less complete but still present assortment. Today the situation is very different. Canon has just removed the 180 macro lens from its price list. The MP-E remains in the catalog... but it is 30 years old. The offer of macro lenses by all major manufacturers is reduced to the bare minimum and the sector seems to be entrusted to third-party manufacturers, particularly Venus Optics, who however cannot obtain licenses for some mirrorless mounts...
From a marketing point of view, the choice is impeccable. The cool sectors are those of bloggers and content creators, certainly not the macro one (... or not?). This explains the lack of attention to some functions of current cameras. It is true that focus bracketing also applies to other types of shooting, such as landscapes and architecture, but it is undeniable that its core is macro shooting. It is not surprising that Nikon engineers do not seem to know the needs of high magnification freehand shooting, and probably among the many photographers who tested the Nikon Z8 before its release on the market there was no one truly specialized in macro. And if there was, he was not listened to.
This is a real shame because digital offers photographers a whole new universe that in the last century was often not even imaginable and, if it was, remained an unattainable dream. A universe still partly unexplored.
After 30 years of Canon I bought the Z8 instead of the Canon R5 II because at least it offers the pixel shift function, very useful when you want (and can) extract from a few lenses like the Mitutoyo HR the +160 l/mm declared in the specifications. But as we have seen, even the Z8 has its black holes.
Maybe Venus Optics in the future...

Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
In the long run there are "only" two options:
Switch to a brand that takes the whole macro-thing seriously - such as Sony for example - or use a (manual or automated) rail. From a production point of view - as long as you're not working beyond 1x regularly - switching to a different brand makes most sense and if Nikon doesn't get their act together within the next 5 years...well..
Naturally that begs the question why Nikon implemented the whole Focus Shift thing in the first place. Most likely to tick a box in a long "to-do" list. Such a shame, what a wasted potential.
You're right of course, the fact that Canon dumped both the 180mm and MP-E macro in favour of "only" having the 100mm is a sad affair, but we should also keep in mind that Nikon also dumped their 200mm macro. And it's even worse when you consider that neither Canon nor Nikon were/are able to get anywhere close to the image quality of a Sigma 105mm Art or 90mm/100mm Laowa macro, they rely almost completely on software-corrections for distortions, chromatic aberration and corner softness.
So far the only companies that have a well functioning system for macro photography are Sony, Olympus, Fuji and (I think) Panasonic but they don't even have a great lens line-up for macro stuff. The Sony 90mm is really bad, the Olympus macros are barely able to resolve their sensors wide open... and all of them have a super short focal length and working distance. And if that wasn't bad enough, Fuji seems to be content to have "only" 0.5x 'macro' lenses for their GF system - a rubbish decision of course.
The only lens companies that are on top of the game (at the moment) are Laowa and Sigma and neither of them has a focal length longer than 105mm. Mitakon Zhongyi and AstrHori both try to get a foot in the door but they have no real idea what they're doing and their lenses have so many issues, it feels like they should get a therapist.
Switch to a brand that takes the whole macro-thing seriously - such as Sony for example - or use a (manual or automated) rail. From a production point of view - as long as you're not working beyond 1x regularly - switching to a different brand makes most sense and if Nikon doesn't get their act together within the next 5 years...well..
Naturally that begs the question why Nikon implemented the whole Focus Shift thing in the first place. Most likely to tick a box in a long "to-do" list. Such a shame, what a wasted potential.
You're right of course, the fact that Canon dumped both the 180mm and MP-E macro in favour of "only" having the 100mm is a sad affair, but we should also keep in mind that Nikon also dumped their 200mm macro. And it's even worse when you consider that neither Canon nor Nikon were/are able to get anywhere close to the image quality of a Sigma 105mm Art or 90mm/100mm Laowa macro, they rely almost completely on software-corrections for distortions, chromatic aberration and corner softness.
So far the only companies that have a well functioning system for macro photography are Sony, Olympus, Fuji and (I think) Panasonic but they don't even have a great lens line-up for macro stuff. The Sony 90mm is really bad, the Olympus macros are barely able to resolve their sensors wide open... and all of them have a super short focal length and working distance. And if that wasn't bad enough, Fuji seems to be content to have "only" 0.5x 'macro' lenses for their GF system - a rubbish decision of course.
The only lens companies that are on top of the game (at the moment) are Laowa and Sigma and neither of them has a focal length longer than 105mm. Mitakon Zhongyi and AstrHori both try to get a foot in the door but they have no real idea what they're doing and their lenses have so many issues, it feels like they should get a therapist.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
(Regarding focus shift with Nikon Tether:)
And with my Z8 at present, other features are grayed out that I'm sure will work if I get things set right in camera.)
On your other notes, I have to agree that being unable to start a focus stack with the shutter button--or one of the user programmable buttons--seems a serious oversight.
--Chris S.
For completeness, can you confirm that while focus shift is grayed out in the NX tether application and in the camera menu, it does become available in the camera menu once you unplug the USB cable? I ask to make sure none of the various, sometimes obscure camera settings that disallow focus shift are interfering. (A quick gloss of this feature in Thom Hogan's Complete Guide the the Nikon Z8 made me mindful of this possibility.
And with my Z8 at present, other features are grayed out that I'm sure will work if I get things set right in camera.)
On your other notes, I have to agree that being unable to start a focus stack with the shutter button--or one of the user programmable buttons--seems a serious oversight.
--Chris S.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
Yes I can confirm, that's exactly what's happening.
I also made sure no other camera related applications (Capture One, Lightroom) were running at the same time.
From what I've heard it works with SLRs like the D850 but the Z7 doesn't work.
I also made sure no other camera related applications (Capture One, Lightroom) were running at the same time.
From what I've heard it works with SLRs like the D850 but the Z7 doesn't work.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
Thanks for confirming. Ugh.
On another note, I've just now edited my earlier post that mentioned ControlMyNikon, which has worked well for me on earlier bodies. Checking just now, the current release version of ControlMyNikon (5.6.98.99) supports the Nikon Z7II, but not the Z8. There is a very early trial version (6.0.0.0) available of what looks like a massive remake of the software. This version does support the Z8. However, the developer makes it clear he has put this version out for user feedback only, not for real use. Focus shift is not yet available in this version.
--Chris S.
On another note, I've just now edited my earlier post that mentioned ControlMyNikon, which has worked well for me on earlier bodies. Checking just now, the current release version of ControlMyNikon (5.6.98.99) supports the Nikon Z7II, but not the Z8. There is a very early trial version (6.0.0.0) available of what looks like a massive remake of the software. This version does support the Z8. However, the developer makes it clear he has put this version out for user feedback only, not for real use. Focus shift is not yet available in this version.
--Chris S.
Re: Newer Nikon Z cameras - tethered focus shift?
Interesting: I saw that Helicon Remote supports both the Z7 and Z8 (pretty much all Z cameras).
This would/should/could enable focus bracketing in tethered operation, even over WiFi according to the website.
I have to take some a few dozen stacks today, I'll give it a try and report back.
EDIT: it works and it works very reliably (though the interface takes some getting used to) - however it's very slow. I don't see an option to speed up the time between shots (yet), if I can get that down to like 1 second it'd be great and I'd definitely use the software too. Seems far easier than the guesswork on the camera itself.
The neat part is that after the stack the focus point reverts back to the starting position and ever stack is organised in individual folders (if that's what you want)
EDIT2: it's just too slow for a production-oriented workflow. With the in-body stack I can set the interval between shots to pretty much 0 and with a fast flash a stack only takes a few seconds.
With Helicon Remote the delay is like 4-5 seconds (even after disabling previews and other stuff) so that really starts to add up for 20-30 stacks per image. That's at least 4 times longer - per image per stack per everything, that's not feasible.
If it worked similar to a Sony where it just shoots the stack and transfers the photos to the computer, that would be ideal.
This would/should/could enable focus bracketing in tethered operation, even over WiFi according to the website.
I have to take some a few dozen stacks today, I'll give it a try and report back.
EDIT: it works and it works very reliably (though the interface takes some getting used to) - however it's very slow. I don't see an option to speed up the time between shots (yet), if I can get that down to like 1 second it'd be great and I'd definitely use the software too. Seems far easier than the guesswork on the camera itself.
The neat part is that after the stack the focus point reverts back to the starting position and ever stack is organised in individual folders (if that's what you want)
EDIT2: it's just too slow for a production-oriented workflow. With the in-body stack I can set the interval between shots to pretty much 0 and with a fast flash a stack only takes a few seconds.
With Helicon Remote the delay is like 4-5 seconds (even after disabling previews and other stuff) so that really starts to add up for 20-30 stacks per image. That's at least 4 times longer - per image per stack per everything, that's not feasible.
If it worked similar to a Sony where it just shoots the stack and transfers the photos to the computer, that would be ideal.