Helicon FB Tube set--has anyone tried it?
Mar 27, 2017 15:52:08 #
This looks appealing as it makes focus stacking automatic without having to tether to a smartphone or tablet. Here is the description. I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has tried it or has opinions on it.
"Helicon FB Tube is an extension tube with integrated electronic microcontroller designed to enable automated focus bracketing in single or continuous shooting modes. Mounted on the camera in the same way as a usual macro extension tube, Helicon FB Tube automatically shifts the focus by one step with each shot thus producing a stack of images of unlimited length that can be rendered into a fully-focused image.
Helicon FB Tube needs no additional hardware apart from conventional cameras and lenses. Its functionality allows to completely replace macro rails normally used for focus bracketing. Helicon FB Tube has no optics and does not affect image quality. Helicon FB Tube settings are configured through an additional application for Android or iOS."
"Helicon FB Tube is an extension tube with integrated electronic microcontroller designed to enable automated focus bracketing in single or continuous shooting modes. Mounted on the camera in the same way as a usual macro extension tube, Helicon FB Tube automatically shifts the focus by one step with each shot thus producing a stack of images of unlimited length that can be rendered into a fully-focused image.
Helicon FB Tube needs no additional hardware apart from conventional cameras and lenses. Its functionality allows to completely replace macro rails normally used for focus bracketing. Helicon FB Tube has no optics and does not affect image quality. Helicon FB Tube settings are configured through an additional application for Android or iOS."
Mar 27, 2017 16:02:48 #
I will have to keep track if people try this and post results. Would be useable in the field where tethering would be a royal pain.
Mar 27, 2017 16:04:31 #
That's exactly what I was thinking. It is only $200, so not a huge investment.
Mar 27, 2017 16:38:24 #
That seems to be a lot easier and probably faster that using a rail, adjusting, refocusing for each shot. Maybe if you are only doing a few shots its not that bad. But if you are stacking say 50 shots or more, which I have seen some photographers say they have done, having it done automatically for you certainly sounds better, as long as the equipment operates and functions as it is supposed to.
Here is a link to the cameras and lenses it is compatible with according to their website. Not a lot of cameras or lenses though. Mine are listed though.
http://www.heliconsoft.com/helicon-fb-tube-compatibility/
Here is a link to the cameras and lenses it is compatible with according to their website. Not a lot of cameras or lenses though. Mine are listed though.
http://www.heliconsoft.com/helicon-fb-tube-compatibility/
Mar 27, 2017 16:53:10 #
Canon Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro 21 all Helicon Soft
Canon Canon EF 50mm f/2.5L Macro 60 all Helicon Soft
So only 21 steps for the 100mm Macro. I haven't done focus stacking yet, but i'd think that should be OK for many situations.
It only list the Canon 6D and 5d mk II, but I don't see why it wouldn't work with the 5d III of IV. Any comments?
Canon Canon EF 50mm f/2.5L Macro 60 all Helicon Soft
So only 21 steps for the 100mm Macro. I haven't done focus stacking yet, but i'd think that should be OK for many situations.
It only list the Canon 6D and 5d mk II, but I don't see why it wouldn't work with the 5d III of IV. Any comments?
Mar 27, 2017 17:28:07 #
Not sure why it is only listed for those cameras. If it works for the Nikon D800/800E, wouldn't you think it would work on the D810 also?
Mar 27, 2017 20:02:15 #
Vince68 wrote:
An odd set of Nikons to include the D5500 and exclude the whole D7xxx series. HmmmmNot sure why it is only listed for those cameras. If it works for the Nikon D800/800E, wouldn't you think it would work on the D810 also?
Mar 27, 2017 20:44:27 #
Mar 27, 2017 20:48:07 #
FAQs about Helicon FB Tube: http://www.heliconsoft.com/faq-helicon-fb-tube
Here is a short video about Helicon FB Tube: https://medisco.eu
An Android or iOS device is required to activate & control Helicon FB Tube: http://medisco.eu/configuration/#download
Kit includes electronic connector between device and tube.
Here is a short video about Helicon FB Tube: https://medisco.eu
An Android or iOS device is required to activate & control Helicon FB Tube: http://medisco.eu/configuration/#download
Kit includes electronic connector between device and tube.
Mar 27, 2017 23:38:47 #
Well, I doubt that the big name brands loan out much stuff for testing in the Ukraine. And that is where Helicon is located.
Jun 2, 2017 16:32:53 #
Vince68 wrote:
The list shows the cameras that were used to test various lens, any late model Nikon or Canon will work. The KEY IS THE LENS MUST HAVE AN INTERNAL FOCUS MOTOR !Not sure why it is only listed for those cameras. If it works for the Nikon D800/800E, wouldn't you think it would work on the D810 also?
Jun 2, 2017 17:40:26 #
Jun 3, 2017 13:44:40 #
Interesting! I wonder, can you select to duration between exposures so that you can use a flash with time in between for the flash to recharge? Or, is this only good for non-flash applications? And, I'm guessing that you "should" be able to use the stacking program of your choice, like Zerene....?
Nov 11, 2017 19:40:52 #
jblazar wrote:
I am researching this and I noticed that your post has not been answered.Canon Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro 21 all Helicon Soft
Canon Canon EF 50mm f/2.5L Macro 60 all Helicon Soft
So only 21 steps for the 100mm Macro. I haven't done focus stacking yet, but i'd think that should be OK for many situations.
It only list the Canon 6D and 5d mk II, but I don't see why it wouldn't work with the 5d III of IV. Any comments?
Canon Canon EF 50mm f/2.5L Macro 60 all Helicon Soft
So only 21 steps for the 100mm Macro. I haven't done focus stacking yet, but i'd think that should be OK for many situations.
It only list the Canon 6D and 5d mk II, but I don't see why it wouldn't work with the 5d III of IV. Any comments?
The number of steps is dependent upon the f stop, focal lengthen, and depth of the subject. There is no limitation by the tube on the number of shots for a stack.
Nov 11, 2017 19:41:31 #
Macronaut wrote:
Yes and yes, from what I understand.Interesting! I wonder, can you select to duration between exposures so that you can use a flash with time in between for the flash to recharge? Or, is this only good for non-flash applications? And, I'm guessing that you "should" be able to use the stacking program of your choice, like Zerene....?
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