Shades of Autumn 2

Photo stacking for me is dept of field and clarity throughout its entirety, as you have demonstrated perfectly with this photograph.
Its a technique, simular is HDR which is not about focus but about several light levels reaching the sensor all merging into one to create a high dynamic range. All have there uses but

I prefer your first version

I too prefer the earlier version. This one has a veneer of artificiality about it that I can't quite pin down. I would say, Why focus stack when everything that matters can be captured in a single shot?

I prefer this version.

Both great shots and Number 2 wins it for me..Tom T.

Brilliant full size!

I seem to have split opinions on whether to stack or not to stack. Mine included. I'm still not sure which one I prefer myself.
Thank you to everyone for your comments, opinions and likes.
Brian

This certainly displays more detail which is why I prefer it! Would have been interesting to see what HDR would have done although improving upon this result would have been difficult.

That is fantastic.