Focus Micro Adjustment - Lenscal, Focal software etc

EspressoJunkie

EspressoJunkie

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I've just moved back to a DSLR (Canon 70D) and I've recently bought a Canon 17-55 2.8, which seems to need about +10 and +6 on the telephoto and wide ends respectively.

This is using my somewhat unscientific method of just focusing on an object about 1.5m away and micro adjusting until it seems sharpest.

How much better will the results form either a Lenscal or the Focal software be? I wouldn't mind spending the money on one or the other if it's going to be of real benefit, but how much better will it be? I'm unlikely to be buying more lenses for a while so I'd like this one to perform at its absolute best.

Anyone any opinions or experience of either?
 
Well some will tell you to use dot tune, thats free,etc, myself I did spend the money on the Focal one, and is all done by the computer, after I do check the results, and so far, with 6 lenses, all spot on, so it works, at least did it for me.
 
Another vote for Focal, takes my eyes out of the equation and lets the software decide ... I find the new Focal works very well :)
 
Interested in whether FoCal users have the basic or pro version and is it a one off perpetual licence that the maker updates/upgrades foc???
 
Box Brownie said:
Interested in whether FoCal users have the basic or pro version and is it a one off perpetual licence that the maker updates/upgrades foc???
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I use Focal Pro and it gives you 12 months of updates (all versions do) ... 12 months later its a bit over £20 to renew updates but the programme continues to work fine if you don't. :)
 
Reading up some more on FoCal and found ref min distances from camera to target!

Indoors or with patio doors open I will need to rig set downstairs and the PC is upstairs........I will need to look into buying a budget laptop or big netbook. Hmmmm, more aspects to consider unless I can use something like a 30ft USB cable but would have to buy that as well and @ that length a tidy few £'s if you can tether at that sort of length???
 
Box Brownie said:
Reading up some more on FoCal and found ref min distances from camera to target!

Indoors or with patio doors open I will need to rig set downstairs and the PC is upstairs........I will need to look into buying a budget laptop or big netbook. Hmmmm, more aspects to consider unless I can use something like a 30ft USB cable but would have to buy that as well and @ that length a tidy few £'s if you can tether at that sort of length???
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What lens is that for?
 
I'm sure I read that a USB cable is OK for upto 10 metres.
 
Graham said:
I'm sure I read that a USB cable is OK for upto 10 metres.
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If so, sounds like a plan.

NB will also need to dig out an old light stand I have to hold the target.
 
Just to update, so far my rough and ready adjustment seems to be providing decent enough results.

I think I'm going to knock up a homemade version of an angled target(I've found a guide online that seems great, I'll post the link later) and see what that shows before I spend any money on something else.
 
EspressoJunkie said:
Just to update, so far my rough and ready adjustment seems to be providing decent enough results.

I think I'm going to knock up a homemade version of an angled target(I've found a guide online that seems great, I'll post the link later) and see what that shows before I spend any money on something else.
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There is a image that you can print free of licence, sorry I don't know the link atm but if you search something like lens focus chart or similar you will find it.
 
Graham said:
I'm sure I read that a USB cable is OK for upto 10 metres.
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5m for standard cable, over that and need an active cable, or repeater usually transitioning via ethernet cable.
 
B1ts said:
5m for standard cable, over that and need an active cable, or repeater usually transitioning via ethernet cable.
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Oh! as mentioned in my case with PC upstairs and space to set up tripod & target downstairs the longer the usable tethering USB the better. So do please explain about & what is an "active cable" ?
 
Usual usb cable is passive, signal degrading by 5m plus, an active cable contains signal boosting most often used in 10m cables, some go to 15m but I would stick to the 10's personally. If you really need distance though go for a repeater using ethernet to bridge your endpoints.
Plenty of info on Google.
 
B1ts said:
Usual usb cable is passive, signal degrading by 5m plus, an active cable contains signal boosting most often used in 10m cables, some go to 15m but I would stick to the 10's personally. If you really need distance though go for a repeater using ethernet to bridge your endpoints.
Plenty of info on Google.
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Thanks for the heads up.................have had a quick read and it would seem that it possible cascade in 'sets' up to 40 metres (if I have read it right?) I would hope 1 set of 10M would cover the distance with some wiggle room to spare but I will measure it to make sure> We have a nice old style soft surveyor tape measure somewhere that will be dandy to take the distance between floors/around corners etc :)
 
Yes but as I say stick to 10's and avoid the longer options IMHO and although you may get away with 1 or possibly 2 actives anything more and I would use repeaters personally ymmv of course :)
 
B1ts said:
Yes but as I say stick to 10's and avoid the longer options IMHO and although you may get away with 1 or possibly 2 actives anything more and I would use repeaters personally ymmv of course :)
Click to expand...

Yup, a 10M cable ordered in readiness and must dig out the tether cable from the camera box and make plans to do the job.......................!
 
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