Reikan FoCal Lens Calibration Software
Mar 19, 2017 08:05:10 #
Has anyone has any experience with FoCal lens calibration software? On the surface it seems more accurate than the paper and plastic alignment tools.
Mar 19, 2017 08:13:13 #
RolandHalpern wrote:
Has anyone has any experience with FoCal lens calibration software? On the surface it seems more accurate than the paper and plastic alignment tools.
Welcome to our forum!
Yes, it does sound appealing, but I haven't used it.
Mar 19, 2017 08:38:11 #
peterg
Loc: Santa Rosa, CA
I use and like it. I have not used the most recent version. Like manual methods, you still have to closely pay attention to detail. Examples: Have the well-lit target image at the correct distance for each lens. Put the camera and target on a stable surface; if your wood floor moves the slightest, try a concrete floor. You'll get consistent/reliable results only with a proper setup. Fortunately, FoCal has some features that help you to setup. FoCal does several tests. I mostly use it to establish the micro-focus calibration. It's also nice to know the sharpest aperture for each lens. I have not run the Dust Analysis and MultiPoint Focus tests. Before buying, be sure to check the most recent version's compatibility with your cameras. I have not used the paper/plastic alignment tools, so I can't compare.
Mar 19, 2017 08:52:07 #
Thanks for the prompt reply. I've tried a few of the paper type tools with mixed results, so am looking for something more reliable, especially since I shoot a lot of macro and have been disappointed that the razor-sharp focus I see in the viewfinder is not always the same image when it's opened in Photoshop.
Mar 19, 2017 08:53:32 #
Use it and love it. I find it much more accurate than other methods I've tried. Search on microfocus adjustment or MFA or lens calibration - there are numerous past threads on the subject. Here's one with an example of the readout in the thread: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-439874-1.html
Mar 19, 2017 09:01:02 #
Thanks. Sounds like it's worth shelling out a few bucks for a more rewarding image experience.
Mar 19, 2017 11:25:57 #
RolandHalpern wrote:
Thanks. Sounds like it's worth shelling out a few bucks for a more rewarding image experience.
If you want to see the improvement by adjusting MFA, download and enlarge (200-400%) the following two images of a target taken with a Canon 5D3 with a 135mm f2L. One with zero correction, the other using the -10 correction suggested by Reiken
Mar 19, 2017 11:38:32 #
You can see the difference without even enlarging the image. Looks like I'm sold. Thanks.
Mar 19, 2017 11:58:44 #
I have used Reikan for a few years. The newer version (I had to buy it for my D500 support) is very good and is even easier to setup. As was said, it helps you make sure the target is setup right and can perform most of the adjustments on it's own. Unfortunately, with Nikon, it can't do it all. You need to go into the menu and change the +- amount as it instructs you to. I would prefer fully automatic but it is still easy to do. It then gives you a full report.
Mar 19, 2017 18:35:36 #
RolandHalpern wrote:
Has anyone has any experience with FoCal lens calibration software? On the surface it seems more accurate than the paper and plastic alignment tools.
I used it until I switched to a mirrorless camera. But while I had it I found it very effective for some situations. The most valuable is when you often are going for a narrow depth of field. My first few days with a nikon 50mm f/1.4 was really annoying since I was select fairly code subjects I wanted to isolate with shallow depth of field. Everything was slightly out of focus until I did the calibration sequence with focal.
The more premium version have some interesting features. One I found really interesting tests to find which aperture setting is sharpest. The f/5.6. - f/11 rule of thumb is not always correct! Usually, there are exceptions.
Mar 19, 2017 18:46:47 #
Thanks for the feedback. I did purchase the software (awaiting delivery) and am anxious to see the results, both on my newer automatic lenses and my old non-auto glass (Nikkor).
Mar 19, 2017 19:00:04 #
RolandHalpern wrote:
Thanks for the feedback. I did purchase the software (awaiting delivery) and am anxious to see the results, both on my newer automatic lenses and my old non-auto glass (Nikkor).
You should be able to download almost immediately. You can buy a target from them or print your own if you have a good printer. I printed mine with a Canon 9000, and it is plenty sharp. You want to mount it on a vertical surface, make sure it is truly vertical, and make sure your camera is square to the target and same height. Also pay attention to the prompts as to focusing mode and be sure to cover the eyepiece or ambient light can give you variable results.
Mar 19, 2017 22:16:26 #
Thanks for the reply. I ordered it from B&H, which comes as a CD (or DVD - I'm not sure) along with a target. Thanks also for the suggestion on covering the eyepiece, I wouldn't have thought about that. Even after five years I still have the eyepiece shield that came with the camera, which I heretofore have never used. I knew it would come in handy eventually.
Mar 19, 2017 22:48:11 #
RolandHalpern wrote:
Thanks for the reply. I ordered it from B&H, which comes as a CD (or DVD - I'm not sure) along with a target. Thanks also for the suggestion on covering the eyepiece, I wouldn't have thought about that. Even after five years I still have the eyepiece shield that came with the camera, which I heretofore have never used. I knew it would come in handy eventually.
I think you will find it a valuable tool. I have validated it's recommended settings against an actual target with various MF adjustments, and it is spot on.
Mar 20, 2017 21:27:15 #
I had thought about buying FoCal a week or two ago, but backed off when I saw the price on B&H. Then I ran across an article on the "DotTune" AF fine tuning process which seems to be very accurate and you don't have to purchase anything to use it!
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1187247
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1187247
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