oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

I had sent my Canon 100-400mm lens out to Canon for repair and got it back about 3 weeks ago. I haven’t really been happy with it sense it came back, it was softer than before I sent it out. It was tack sharp before hand. I didn’t want to send it back again even though it wouldn’t have cost anything to do so, but I didn’t want to be with-out it for another 3 or 4 weeks.

This software was recommended to me by someone on another forum so decided to give it a try. Not to my surprise I found the lens was front focusing by 5 points at 400mm on my 7D. You can also check for the best aperture setting, the “sweet spot” so to speak, for your lens and camera combination. I have always heard it is 1 ½ or 2 stops closed down from wide open. On this lens, which is f5.6 at 400mm, that would be f9.5 or f11. On this combination it is f11, but f9 to f13 came in pretty close.

I checked this lens on my 50D and it front focused at 4 points at 400mm. The sweet spot is f9 on the 50D. One stop to either side, to my surprise, made quite a difference on this combination.

Here are a couple of shots taken this morning using the new settings. Not seeing many birds this morning worth shooting but did catch this thief.

Jim D

Lets see, if I don't get up there it will stay open and I can reach in.


Yep, that works! Guess what boards I am trimming later today.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

I have used the LensAlign Pro product to great success on my problematic Canon 100-400. It worked quite well is easy to understand and adjust and it made sense. And it gave me a 100% improvement in autofocus accuracy (sharper photos) over what came out of the box from the factory!

But the Reikan FoCal software is a clever, more comprehensive and perhaps easier method so I had to try it. I was impressed.

I was skeptical at first (numerous reports about it locking up either the camera or your PC as it worked) but after purchasing the Pro version I have not seen that to date. Its control over my Canon bodies is impressive and while I question the methodology it uses. the results are very close to what I arrived at with LensAlign. Plus if offered so much more information and accuracy of ficus information at different apertures.

Now I'm using it on all my autofocus lenses and getting automatic microfiocus data set-up in my camera. Almost all too easy.

All in all, I think it is well worth using. But then again it is not for everyone as it is a bit techy with the interface and menus and since it can set everything in your camera automatically. it can be easy to do something incorrectly by playing around and testing.

For that reason I'm reluctant to recommend it to anyone who is not already fairly savvy about in-camera microfocus adjustments.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

I do have to agree with you,unless you are somewhat familiar with the basics of micro-adjusting a lens it probably is not for you. The pro version really surprises me. I can't speak for the other versions but the pro is extreemly easy to use and it seems, I believe, to be accurate. I will run it on all my lenses and any lens I purchase, or have repaired, in the future. For me, I feel it was worth the investment.

I did have one problem in the beginning, the first time I ran it. It kept wanting to shut down on me. Once I got a good light on the target that hasn't happened. The other thing I noticed is it is hard on your battery. You must start with fully charged batteries because of all the tests and operations it puts your camera thru does drain them fairly quickly. It is not a problem, just something you need to keep in mind. Start with fresh batteries.

Jim D

Patriot66 Loc: Minnesota

I tried to go to the Reikan site but it keeps asking for an account name. Can someone tell me how to go about acquiring this software and the approximate cost. Thank you for the help.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

I just tried and got the same thing. Their site is:

http://www.reikan.co.uk/

I checked their facebook page and they say they are having a big problem with their site right now and are trying to get it corrected. All I can say is keep trying till they get it fixed.

I bought their best, full blown fully automatic Pro edition. It allows you to use 5 different camera bodies and unlimited lenses. They use your serial numbers to track the number of cameras you are using. If you sell one you can replace it by removing the S# and add another and you will get a new licence. The licence never expires. The best version is fully automatic and cost me $115.92 US. In my opinion it is worth every penny. There are three versions. If you buy one of the cheaper versions and then want to upgrade you just pay the difference in cost and then get a new licence. They allow you to upgrade ten times.

Jim D

Patriot66 Loc: Minnesota

Thank you very much for getting back so quickly. I noticed that it is a UK site - can this be bought anywhere here in the US?

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

They are the only supplier I was able to find. Once I paid they responded very quickly with an email. You will get a link to a site where you enter your cameras serial number, after which they will give you a licence and a site to go to for downloading the program.

Jim D

vino2nite Loc: Bluffton, SC

I had no luck getting my D300 calibrated and after several emails to Reikan for help, they ignored my request for a refund. Best not to waste you money on a company from outside the U.S.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Vino2nite,
If you have not used in-camera microfocus calibrations for your lenses before, then I recommend you begin with something far easier and intuitive to use, like LensAlign.

vino2nite Loc: Bluffton, SC

Thanks for the reply and suggestion. FoCal worked with my D3 as I had hoped, but I did not spend $40+ for one camera. Am I to assume another outlay of cash for the LensAlign?

If so, I will opt to try a subjective method which, hopefully will be close enough.

Good Shooting!

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

what problem are you having?

Jim D

vino2nite Loc: Bluffton, SC

The program recognizes the camera (D300)and says it is not licensed, but when in license update mode, it keeps running and running. It shows me using 11 of 15 licenses and that it is now licensed, yet it keeps running. It should have used one, but I keep trying! "Updating, please wait" is the message now running for 7 minutes. Clicked OK and now it has me starting all over.

It shows my serial number in the settings, but does not show it actually licensed when I try to run calibration.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

I had the same problem when I tried to set up one of my cameras. After adding the camera I found out that I had to copy the new license and paste it in when I restarted the program. It seemed like it was running and running on me also. I finally scroll down and copied the license that was shown and found it was the new license. Unfortunately they don't tell you that the new licenses is there. It's a real pain in the butt the way things are set up on their program. Also, keep in mind it will only allow you to license five cameras.

I have also written them and requested that they change the number of licenses I have used but did not hear back from them. When it comes time that I need them I will write them again and tell them what happened, but since I don't need them right now I stopped writing to them.

Jim D

vino2nite Loc: Bluffton, SC

Still not working and only one license left. Copied my license and tried the D3 which came up immediately and worked fine. When changed to the D300, it had me find and connect again. At this point, I'd say I got ripped off.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

FoCal and LensAlign are two different solutions to a common objective.

I'm quite happy with an easy-to-use, no software, no computer, no licenses required solution.

I currently use Spyder's LenCal mounted on an old tripod and recalibrate any of my cameras to my lenses at any time. A small note pad attached to the tripod takes care of the rest.

As a professional photographer with very exacting commercial clients, I find this system poses the fewest headaches while getting the job done quickly.

I'm focused on taking photos, not playing with fancy tools that are often too nuanced in benefit to merit the time it takes to learn, use, and update them.

For the past six months my Focal has been idle and I see little reason to play with it again.