AF Microadjustment

Hi All,

 

I’ve never felt the need to employ auto focus microadjustment on my lenses; too much trouble plus my pictures look fine. With Canon and Nikon releasing their mirrorless full frame cameras, I thought I read somewhere that these mirrorless cameras don’t require/need any adjustment. Is this true and if so, why. And if so, is this only for their new lenses or any lens that fits?

 

 

Thanks.

True, for any lens that fits not just mechanically and gets autofocused. Why? A DSLR, shot as such (i.e. not in LV!) consists of a sensor and a mechanically independent AF module, somewhere else. In theory those two should be absolutely exactly at the same effective distance of the lens. in reality they are not.

A mirrorless camera has no mechanically independent AF module; it is simply using (something built into) the sensor for that task.

 

If your SLR is supported by Magic Lantern, try their semi automated AF micro adjustment.

Hate to sound dumb, what is Magic Lantern and is it safe to use with my 70D, 6D or my ancient 1Ds?

Jochen - Thanks for the explanation.

what is Magic Lantern

3rd party hacked EOS firmware. - You can even start it from a memory card do your micro adjustments and stick to regular firmware for shooting.

No personal experience about safety. - They have not hacked the 5D IV yet.

Their web site should be searchable. Same about people's reviews & (bad?) experiences.

(FTR: I am not chickening out; I feel convinced about the product, after watching some YouTube videos. But it is up to you to find somebody trustworthy with hands on experience praising it before you risk anything.)

Hate to sound dumb, what is Magic Lantern and is it safe to use with my 70D, 6D or my ancient 1Ds?

 

Magic Lantern is, as Jochen said, hacked firmware built to run on many digital EOS models (IDK the complete list). It was developed primarily to improve video function on these cameras (and in at least one case ENABLE video function in a camera which did not have inherit video functionality - the 50D), by adding features desired by videographers. It does add still picture functions too, especially in the bracketing/ LE / stacked exposure / time lapse realm Some cameras that had/have ML available didn't have the processing capability to support video (like the XTi), but just about everything from a 50D on can. Just about every 5D2 used for pro video work ran ML for years. I'm not a videographer by any means, but I've installed it on several models over the years, and, since it runs off the memory card, to 'uninstall' just turn off and pull the card. Bam, back to normal interface. Never had a problem, though I don't use it currently.

 

Your 7D, & 6D have versions available, but none of the 1D s are supported.

Edited October 27, 2018 by Marcus Ian