inTempus
TPF Noob!
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2008
- Messages
- 3,692
- Reaction score
- 4
- Location
- Indiana
- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos OK to edit
I've been struggling with the various methods for determining if my lenses are front/back/neutral focusing. Each method yielded slightly different results.
I read about Lens Align a while back but couldn't justify the $79/$139 cost. The cheaper of the two being the "lite" version while the more expensive being the "professional" version.
After deciding that I was wasting my time trying the freebie methods I figured "what the heck" and ordered the pro version of Lens Align.
Here's what it looks like:
One lens out of my whole kit was perfect on my 1D and not a single one was perfect on my 5D. I can also say that none of the lenses were off the same amount on both bodies.
Wow. What a difference.
Two things came of this purchase.
1. There is a notable difference between the results using Lens Align Pro and using the freebie methods found on the internet with the advantage going to Lens Align.
2. I will never buy another body that doesn't have micro-adjustment. My 85L would be unusable on my 5D Mk II if I couldn't adjust to compensate for the front focus. It took 10 clicks of adjustment to bring it into line on that body, and only 3 on my 1D Mark III. Keep in mind the "clicks" are very minute, but the difference in how the lens focuses is night and day.
I can't say the cost is justified completely, once you have all of your lenses calibrated on your body(ies) the tool sits until you buy another lens. If anything, it's a good excuse to buy more lenses. Also, if you don't have micro-adjustment it might be frustrating seeing just how out of focus your camera/lens is. The only solution if you don't have MA is to send your camera back to the manufacturer and have them adjust things then retest days/weeks later when you get it back (not to mention shipping costs).
I can honestly say to me it was worth the investment. Now I can help my buddies calibrate their kits properly too.
I read about Lens Align a while back but couldn't justify the $79/$139 cost. The cheaper of the two being the "lite" version while the more expensive being the "professional" version.
After deciding that I was wasting my time trying the freebie methods I figured "what the heck" and ordered the pro version of Lens Align.
Here's what it looks like:
One lens out of my whole kit was perfect on my 1D and not a single one was perfect on my 5D. I can also say that none of the lenses were off the same amount on both bodies.
Wow. What a difference.
Two things came of this purchase.
1. There is a notable difference between the results using Lens Align Pro and using the freebie methods found on the internet with the advantage going to Lens Align.
2. I will never buy another body that doesn't have micro-adjustment. My 85L would be unusable on my 5D Mk II if I couldn't adjust to compensate for the front focus. It took 10 clicks of adjustment to bring it into line on that body, and only 3 on my 1D Mark III. Keep in mind the "clicks" are very minute, but the difference in how the lens focuses is night and day.
I can't say the cost is justified completely, once you have all of your lenses calibrated on your body(ies) the tool sits until you buy another lens. If anything, it's a good excuse to buy more lenses. Also, if you don't have micro-adjustment it might be frustrating seeing just how out of focus your camera/lens is. The only solution if you don't have MA is to send your camera back to the manufacturer and have them adjust things then retest days/weeks later when you get it back (not to mention shipping costs).
I can honestly say to me it was worth the investment. Now I can help my buddies calibrate their kits properly too.