5D MK 3 & FoCal

I purchased FoCal lens calibration software a couple of days ago and find it dissapointing!
I went for the pro version and found that the set up etc fairly easy.

However, I tested my Sigma 85 prime and got recommendations for +1 +4 +7 and the final run said back to 0 !

Driving me isane!

Same lighting on a sturdy tripod etc, etc! etc.

Anyone else had this?

What type of lighting did you use?

Bob

I used window light!

I've had great results with FoCal and a 5D3. I've calibrated a 70-200, with and without teleconverters, a 135, a 50 f/1.4, and a 24-70.

My only gripe is that it's not yet fully automatic with the 5D3.

Scott

Welcome to sigma. Same results here. Best advice is to have it outside in bright light. Also u will get different results in lower light

Thanks Talley and Scobols!

Just tried with studio lights. No go!

Say`s +12 now. B******S to it!

Greenjacket6202 wrote in post #15073746
However, I tested my Sigma 85 prime and got recommendations for +1 +4 +7 and the final run said back to 0 !

Driving me isane!

Maybe the problem is the lens. Is it giving a consistent curve each time, or are the points erratically spaced?

Also, are you taping over the viewfinder to prevent stray light? Not sure it makes a difference, but the software says you should do it.

It might be worth trying a different de-focus method (max far or max near) from the test settings menu. The could be a little hysterisis in the lens' focus system.

Bob

Zlatko Batistich wrote in post #15074472
Maybe the problem is the lens. Is it giving a consistent curve each time, or are the points erratically spaced?

Also, are you taping over the viewfinder to prevent stray light? Not sure it makes a difference, but the software says you should do it.

The curve is very consistent. Yes I have used the proper eye piece cover!

Canon Bob wrote in post #15074605
It might be worth trying a different de-focus method (max far or max near) from the test settings menu. The could be a little hysterisis in the lens' focus system.

Bob

Can you explain please Bob?

Greenjacket6202 wrote in post #15074622
Can you explain please Bob?

Choose <settings>, <pro>, and select the defocus method from the drop down box.

Bob

I tend to get varying results with FoCal more than the original versions when it just came out. I think the more and more complex the program gets, the less and less reliable it is becoming.

I used to run lenses over and over and get the same MA value. Now I get a wide range no matter how I test... 25x FL, 50x FL, floodlighting, natural shade light, bright sun, large target, small target, different papers, etc... My 24-70 II for example at 24mm at first said 0... Then -5... Then -3... Then +1... And the results all look very good, graphically. But it just changes each time I run it.

35L was the same way, as is the 70-200 and whatever else I have tested with. I don't enjoy using it as much as I used to honestly. Btw, my 5D3 has been checked/calibrated as well as my lenses by Canon and I don't have any real world focusing issues so its not my equipment.

I have for sure noticed it has gotten less reliable, though. I know many will probably disagree but I remember the original program (when it was still an original beta for 5D2 only) would nail the same value over and over for me. And my real world shots proved the results. Now, not so much.

Thanks Bob!

I have only just purchased focal and have not had a chance to calibrate all my lenses but for my 24-105L, 70-200f4L and 17-40L I get consistent results with the 5D MKIII. The only issue I have encountered was in low light which Focal warned me could give issues.

Neil

I use my focal pro as a baseline... it does fluctuate but mainly I'll go out and start shooting real world stuff and chimp zooming the photos. I get it dialed in within a few hours. My 70-200 took a -8 and my 85mm takes a -7. I think it's the 7D to be honest. My 24-105 took -1 is all and the sigma sits at a 0 most of the time. sometimes I think it needs -2 but then I end up bringing it back to 0. I think it's the 7D focusing to be honest... not the lens. However the 85 and 70-200 is rock solid no matter what.