{"id":3472,"date":"2011-01-11T13:25:12","date_gmt":"2011-01-11T17:25:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/?p=3472"},"modified":"2015-03-04T09:38:48","modified_gmt":"2015-03-04T13:38:48","slug":"the-lens-align-mk-ii-the-lens-align-tutorial-micro-adjusting-magic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/2011\/01\/11\/the-lens-align-mk-ii-the-lens-align-tutorial-micro-adjusting-magic\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lens Align Mk II (Now with Fusion\/Focus Tune) & the Lens Align Tutorial: Micro-adjusting Magic!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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This is the assembled Lens Align Mark II. Thanks to Michael Tapes for the image.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The Lens Align Mk II: Micro-adjusting Magic!<\/h3>\n

Ever since the introduction of digital camera bodies that feature micro-adjustments for individual lenses, folks–including me–have been searching for a quick, easy way to make those micro-adjustments. In the recent updates of the 7D and the Mark IV User’s Guides, I worked hard on developing a make-it-yourself cardboard rig that was a big improvement on the original version. But in reality, it does not offer the needed precision. And in addition to the extremely low cost, the rig took up lots of space–heck, it was huge, and using it was tedious work. <\/p>\n

I had heard about Lens Align for some time, but a quick web check revealed that it was expensive. And performing the calibrations seemed to require somewhat of an extraordinary effort…. Well, Michael Tapes, the designer\/creator\/inventor of Lens Align has–with the recent introduction of the Lens Align MkII–drastically changed the playing field And by tethering your camera to a laptop computer the process itself is now not only simple and easy to do, but it is actually fun. Before I headed to New York I had a blast micro-adjusting all of my lenses. For the first few sessions Peter Kes tutored me via Skype! <\/p>\n

I began writing this draft about two weeks ago after having used the original Lens Align Pro to do my initial micro-adjustments. On the afternoon of Monday, January 10, 2011, I broke open a Lens Align Mark II. As I took the pieces out of their plastic bags my original thoughts were “$79 for this flimsy set-up.” But I faithfully followed the directions and within minutes I had assembled a sturdy, jeez, practically rugged little kit that amazed me with its precise design. Michael Tapes should win some sort of Nobel prize for engineering and design ingenuity. Within minutes I had my 800mm rig tethered to the laptop to check on my previous micro-adjustments and to make sure that the tutorial was clearly written, error free, and as clear as the proverbial bell. <\/p>\n

The new Lens Align MkII offers an inexpensive, accurate and repeatable methodology that allows photographers to test for potential front\/back focus issues. The MkII maintains the high quality standards of the original LensAlign Pro and uses the same patent pending True Parallel Alignment\u2122 (TPA\u2122) Sighting System that is an exclusive feature of all genuine LensAlign products. TPA allows the user to establish exact parallel alignment between the camera’s sensor-plane and the focus target of LensAlign quickly and easily. A failure of almost all other AF adjustment products and procedures (including my incredibly crude efforts in the two most recent User’s Guide Updates) is their inability to ensure exact parallel alignment. It is however, an absolute requirement for accurate and repeatable AF testing and and for making accurate and repeatable micro-adjustments. The standard DOF focus display ruler that ships with LensAlign MkII is 10.5 inches and offers a choice of 2 different display patterns, one on each side. <\/p>\n

And here’s the very best news: the Lens Align MkII costs only a fraction of the original Lens Align Pro and–with the slightly longer ruler, and the new ruler patterns, it performs even better. You can order yours right now for only $79.95 plus shipping: ~$6\/US or ~$13\/INT via Priority Mail. Please be aware that the shipping fees may vary a bit depending on your location or when you order through the BAA On-Line Store. International shipping charges will also vary by country depending on additional fees for customs, VAT, duties, or fees depending on their laws, rules or policies.<\/p>\n

You can send us a Paypal, call Jim at 863-692-0906, or purchase through the BAA On-Line store here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Note: the Lens Align MkII (now with with Fusion) sells for $124.90, still only a fraction of the original Lens Align Pro and–with the slightly longer ruler and the new ruler patterns, it performs even better. You can order yours here. Fusion includes the amazing FocusTune software.
\nFocusTune quickly and accurately identifies the best AF \ufb01ne-tune adjustment setting to match a given lens with the DSLR\u2019s body. While virtually every high-end DSLR is equipped with micro fine-tuning adjustments, the manufacturers have left the users to determine the optimal fine-tuning for themselves. That\u2019s why Michael Tapes Design originally created LensAlign. And now with the super high resolution cameras becoming so popular, FocusTune is the clear companion to get the \ufb01nest detail from these remarkable cameras. Its highly accurate analysis capabilities can be used as both a standalone tool and in conjunction with LensAlign MkII, which offers additional functionality. <\/p>\n

I am currently working on a Lanes Align\/Focus Tune tutorial; be sure to subscribe to the blog for lots of great info.<\/p>\n

Lens Align Tethered Testing Tutorial<\/h3>\n

Tethered testing, with the camera attached to a laptop via a four or five foot USB cable, is easy to do and convenient. Below I will teach you how to do it and how to make a few images to confirm your results. <\/p>\n

You will need to find a spot where you can sit at your laptop with the lens pointed through an open door or window at the target (that is obviously outdoors). Even when working with shorter focal length lenses it is best to place the target outside so that the system has enough light to focus. Canon folks will need to install EOS Utility from the CD that came in the box with their camera. Nikon folks need to purchase Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 Software Full Version for Nikon DSLR Cameras<\/a> or Breeze Systems’ NKRemote<\/a>. Nikon folks can find info on several free programs for tethered shooting here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here is exactly how I do it with my Canon gear. I work in my new office with the laptop on my worktable desk. I set up the tripod with the 800mm lens and the Mark IV about 3 feet away with the lens pointing out the French doors. I make sure that I have only the central sensor active and that no surrounding points are enabled (C.Fn III: 8-0.) I set One-Shot AF. I work in Av mode at the wide open aperture, in this case, f\/5.6. The rig is tethered to the laptop with a five foot USB cable (separate purchase required). I make sure that Live View\/Movie func. set (on the second YELLOW menu) is set to Stills. While on the menu, make sure to set the AF Mode to Quick ModeI make sure that the (focusing) Beep (on the second RED menu) is On. I set the ISO high enough to give me a decent shutter speed to ensure that my final confirmation images are sharp. I set rear button focus (C.Fn IV: 1: 2). And I set the Drive Mode to Single Frame Advance. <\/p>\n

I keep a spare Wimberely P-20 plate<\/a> on the base plate of the Lens Align MKII. Either that or a Wimberley P-5 plate<\/a> from the bottom of a camera body will work just fine. Next I grab any old tripod–a light one is fine and screw on my Giotto’s tiny ballhead (the Giottos MH 1302-655<\/a>) which is ideal for the chore. (Any ballhead will do.) Note: the unit comes with a 1\/4 20 threaded hole that requires a mounting plate with a 1\/4 20 bolt. Having the LA MII on a small ballhead makes the alignment process (described below) as snap. <\/p>\n

Now I take the tripod with the Lens Align MKII atop it and head through the French doors (making sure to open them first) out into the backyard. It is recommended that all lenses including telephoto lenses be tested at distances ranging from at least 25 times the focal length up to 50 times the focal length. The minimum of 25 times the focal length in mm works out to 8.2 feet per 100mm, or roughly 65 1\/2 feet. You can either estimate the distance by walking it off or use a carpenter’s measuring tape. The reason for placing the Lens Align device at 25 or 50 times the focal length is that alignment errors made at the minimum focus distance will multiply at larger focus distances. The disadvantage of calibrating your lens at 50 times the focal length is that vibrations (especially if it is breezy or windy) when viewing the magnified image on the laptop might make it difficult to evaluate your results. Some folks feel that setting the rig up at twice the minimum focus distance works fine. <\/p>\n

Camera Settings Review<\/h3>\n

For your calibration efforts it is–as above–imperative to check and make sure that you camera is set up properly for testing: <\/p>\n