raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Am I correct in assuming that calibration of a lens is specific to the camera body to which it's attached?

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

For focusing, yes

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

As I suspected - thank you!

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

It is to compensate for the minute difference in the camera focusing on the photo sensor vs the focus screen in the eyepiece path.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

For DSLR’s, yes. Not needed for mirrorless.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

btw: Not needed for DSLR's shooting in live view either... which is an excellent check on a DSLR camera's normal focusing mode.... i.e. as Ronny said... trust but verify

ggab Loc: ?

Since the Sigma and Tamron Docks do not allow for multiple camera's (or do they?), can I presume there is some exception to the rule??

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You don't calibrate the lens in most cases (some Sigma and Tamron excluded).

I am not a fan of camera calibration using the tool in the camera menu. It is only a focus offset, affecting all focus behavior. The problem is, focus issues are seldom linear in nature - ie - it may be in focus at 20 ft but not 8 ft, or in focus at 80 mm but not at 180mm, etc.

What I have done is to ensure that all my gear works with all my gear - I always have several camera bodies, and over 2 doz lenses. I would go nuts if I wasted time with in camera focus calibration. I check a new body with several fast lenses, if it works nothing else is necessary. If I get a new lens, I check it with all of my current bodies. When I discover an anomaly, I isolate whether it is camera or body, then off it goes to Nikon or whomever to get it fixed. As a result, I have no custom "calibration" in any camera body or lens.

Even in Nikon and Canon literature, camera calibration is not intended to be a permanent fix - or something that can be used as a creative tool - deliberate defocus - which is actually kinda cool. But for permanent results I need interchangeability, so it goes to the pros when there is a problem.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Yes, and also limited to a very narrow focusing range.
I have owned and used over 30 Nikon auto focus lenses and NONE of them have had to be calibrated. I have won numerous photo contests with many one man shows, and commonly enlarge to 24X30 without issue.
Proper technique and a knowledge of photography beats individual calibration hands down every time.

ggab Loc: ?

So, am i to understand that lens calibration is not needed?
If that is true, why is it included in the camera's and on modern lenses?

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Third party lenses come with docking stations to calibrate lenses. Sony, Nikon and Canon lenses do not come with a separate docking station for calibration. What does this tell you?

ggab Loc: ?

How do you test?
What is your process?

ggab Loc: ?

I have a Canon 300mm F4 L and a 400mm f5.6 L. Both need adjustment.
It tells me that Sigma and Tamron provide a way for me to do adjustments at home while Canon requires me to send them back.

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

I have been very pleased with FoCal software for celebrating my lenses to my 7D2, the camera allows for 2 settings on my zooms , I plug the camera into my laptop and check 2 or 3 times a year.l am lucky enough to have an employer that allows me to do this in our training room where I can get the target distance I need indoors with good light

ggab Loc: ?

I use it as well. Great program.