Auto-Blend Layers not Working

[ScottJ53]

I'm trying to focus stack in Photoshop using Auto-Align and Auto-Blend. However, the results are pretty poor. I don't understand why PS is interespersing segments of out-of-focus wire between segments of in-focus wire. If it just used the same layer/photo for those segments, it would be much sharper.

Are these results to be expected from Photoshop? Should I instead use other software to perform focus stacking?

Windows 10 OS, PS ver 22.5.1

[JohanElzenga]

Did you auto-align before you used auto-blend? Even if you shoot from a tripod, you must use auto align. The reason is that changing focus at macro distance also changes the subject size, so auto-align must correct this first.

To answer your second question: Photoshop only changes the layers if you select that option in the Auto Blend dialog. That is the 'Seamless colors' option (I'm typing this on my iPad, so I don't know the exact words).

[ScottJ53]

@JohanElzenga

Yes, I auto-aligned before auto-blending. Apologies if I wasn't clear in my post.

Thanks. That makes sense that "seamless tones and colors" would probably alter the individual layers.