Thinking of trying this out. Looks pretty slick and from what I've read it seems to work fairly well. The question I have about it though is whether or not it will test for both the wide and the zoom micro adjustments on the newer canon cameras like my 5D mark iii. If it doesn't I suppose I could run the test twice, once at 24 mm and once at 70mm and enter the resulting micro adjustments myself. For any of you who have used this software does it take this into consideration for the newer cameras when using zooms and if not is my logic about running the test twice flawed in any way??
I use & like FoCal for my Nikon D4. After storing my focus corrections in my Nikon, when I put on that lens, the camera automatically activates that correction, but only one focal length for that zoom lens. The Nikon does not monitor the len's zoom setting before I take a picture and dynamically fine tune the focus correction before I push the shutter button.
If I want more than one setting for a lens, I have to manually enter, store, then select the adjustment that I want. Example: If I usually take pictures at 70mm, I'd have the 70mm correction as my automatic setting. Thus, when I attach my zoom lens, the camera would automatically activate the 70mm correction. For other zoom settings, I'd have to go to the adjustments menu and manually select the stored correction for 24mm. I could also manually enter any correction value. I don't know if Canon works the same way. I think FoCal has more control of the Canon than of the Nikon during calibration. This saves a minute or so when you calibrate. I suggest you use FoCal to get the corrections for several focal lengths, then pick one. You may find that a single correction is all you need.
Philadd wrote:
Thinking of trying this out. Looks pretty slick and from what I've read it seems to work fairly well. The question I have about it though is whether or not it will test for both the wide and the zoom micro adjustments on the newer canon cameras like my 5D mark iii. If it doesn't I suppose I could run the test twice, once at 24 mm and once at 70mm and enter the resulting micro adjustments myself. For any of you who have used this software does it take this into consideration for the newer cameras when using zooms and if not is my logic about running the test twice flawed in any way??
Thinking of trying this out. Looks pretty slick a... (
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I hate to say it but all of the "alignment" aids will work very well with primes but can drive you crazy with zooms. It will work with your new camera and anyone can go to their site to check if it will work for their model camera. If you are always using one end of your zoom you might opt to tune for that area. If your shots are now sharp save your money. I've done a lot of micro adjustments (Canon) and it can be both educational and frustrating all at the same time. Have fun!
More... Besides determining focus corrections, FoCal does other tests. I like the one that determines the sharpest aperture for a lens. Is it really two stops from the widest? For a zoom lens, it could be different for different focal lengths.
I get the best/most consistent FoCal results with a very sturdy tripod set up on my concrete garage floor.
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