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Camera and lens calibration vs. AF Micro Adjustment

photodad1photodad1 Registered Users Posts: 566 Major grins
edited March 24, 2016 in Technique
I use a Canon 1D Mark IV and Canon 24-70mm f2.8L and Canon 70-200mm f2.8L lenses. I noticed that at certain distances the photos are soft. I bought the LensAlign with Focus Tune software. I've followed the directions, however, the photos are still soft at certain focal lengths. I contacted CPS and they stated I could send the lenses and camera body and they would calibrate them to work on the Canon 1D Mark IV. Once that calibration is done, I would not need to make any AF Micro Adjustments. My question, will the calibration work at any focal ranges on a zoom lens?

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    ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,820 moderator
    edited March 22, 2016
    I believe that some newer bodies do allow calibration settings for more than one focal length and (possibly also) more than one focus distance per zoom lens. However, I don't believe that the Canon 1D Mark IV is one of those bodies.

    I highly suggest also reading this article as a reason you might wish to consider a more modern body and lenses (although a 1D MkIV is still pretty formidable and better than most in the Canon lineup):

    http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2012/08/01/autofocus-reality-part-3b-canon-cameras

    Also read the following, including the synopsis by Chuck Westfall (Advisor, Technical Information, Canon USA):

    http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Comparisons/Canon-EOS-7D-II-1D-X-5D-III-AF-Comparison.aspx

    I can also state from personal experience that some lenses simply do not accurately autofocus at close distances, even though the distances are still beyond the MFD (Minimum Focus Distance) rating for the lens.

    The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM is one such lens and the original Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM (non-IS) is another. Just be aware and use the full-time manual focus for closer focus on those lenses.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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    photodad1photodad1 Registered Users Posts: 566 Major grins
    edited March 24, 2016
    ziggy53 wrote: »
    I believe that some newer bodies do allow calibration settings for more than one focal length and (possibly also) more than one focus distance per zoom lens. However, I don't believe that the Canon 1D Mark IV is one of those bodies.

    I highly suggest also reading this article as a reason you might wish to consider a more modern body and lenses (although a 1D MkIV is still pretty formidable and better than most in the Canon lineup):

    http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2012/08/01/autofocus-reality-part-3b-canon-cameras

    Also read the following, including the synopsis by Chuck Westfall (Advisor, Technical Information, Canon USA):

    http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Comparisons/Canon-EOS-7D-II-1D-X-5D-III-AF-Comparison.aspx

    I can also state from personal experience that some lenses simply do not accurately autofocus at close distances, even though the distances are still beyond the MFD (Minimum Focus Distance) rating for the lens.

    The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM is one such lens and the original Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM (non-IS) is another. Just be aware and use the full-time manual focus for closer focus on those lenses.

    Thanks Ziggy! Great information.
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