Calibration! To x2 or not, what is the answer?
Hi,
Just need a little bit of advice about the calibration process with the Sigma 150-600mm C lens.
When you calibrate via Reikan FoCal or the Dot Tune method for the 16 different settings that are available with the dock, do you put those settings in as they are or do you x2 the results before adding to the dock settings?
Just need a little bit of advice about the calibration process with the Sigma 150-600mm C lens.
When you calibrate via Reikan FoCal or the Dot Tune method for the 16 different settings that are available with the dock, do you put those settings in as they are or do you x2 the results before adding to the dock settings?
If you get different results with different methods; one or perhaps both methods is/are not giving an accurate result.
Before you start, do you get sharp results on a tripod with the type of subject that your camera AF should easily and accurately detect?
Before you start, do you get sharp results on a tripod with the type of subject that your camera AF should easily and accurately detect?
Hi Len,
I was experiencing soft images hence the need for calibration.
My setup is:
• Nikon D500, usual setup in manual with the shutter speed from 1250th upwards, ISO set to Auto, f8 to f10 Reikan FoCal pro suggested f10 to be the best aperture for this lens.
• Sigma 150-600 C, usually zoomed in from 500mm to 600mm with the focus switched to AF, set to 10m-infinity, OS switched off and Custom switched off.
• The type of photography is fast jet aviation, shots are handheld.
Tuning, setup on a good tripod.
I have tried Reikan FoCal and the Dot Tune and the results are the same or very close to each other, I had to switch to the Dot Tune method for infinity though. These results have surprised me as I could have saved myself £69.95 LOL!
What I was wondering about is I've read that doubling the results and entering those values to the dock settings is needed and some mention it's not needed. Just wondering what others have done.
The only problem with just using the dock system on its own (as it's designed for) is the time, amount of times that you have unmounting and attaching the lens sounds like a Knightmare!
I was experiencing soft images hence the need for calibration.
My setup is:
• Nikon D500, usual setup in manual with the shutter speed from 1250th upwards, ISO set to Auto, f8 to f10 Reikan FoCal pro suggested f10 to be the best aperture for this lens.
• Sigma 150-600 C, usually zoomed in from 500mm to 600mm with the focus switched to AF, set to 10m-infinity, OS switched off and Custom switched off.
• The type of photography is fast jet aviation, shots are handheld.
Tuning, setup on a good tripod.
I have tried Reikan FoCal and the Dot Tune and the results are the same or very close to each other, I had to switch to the Dot Tune method for infinity though. These results have surprised me as I could have saved myself £69.95 LOL!
What I was wondering about is I've read that doubling the results and entering those values to the dock settings is needed and some mention it's not needed. Just wondering what others have done.
The only problem with just using the dock system on its own (as it's designed for) is the time, amount of times that you have unmounting and attaching the lens sounds like a Knightmare!
Quote:Hi Len,
(snipped)
I have tried Reikan FoCal and the Dot Tune and the results are the same or very close to each other, I had to switch to the Dot Tune method for infinity though. These results have surprised me as I could have saved myself £69.95 LOL!
What I was wondering about is I've read that doubling the results and entering those values to the dock settings is needed and some mention it's not needed. Just wondering what others have done.
My experience is using a good for AF subject with fine detail to one side and taking 3 images, one at minus 5, one at nil and one at plus 5 and examining the detail on a good monitor at 100% or greater should tell you which way any fine tune adjustment might help.
I do not have the Sigma or the dock so no first hand experience.
I would expect double the recommendation would move any mis focus to beyond what might be needed.
So far all of my lenses (all Nikon) produce their highest resolution with nil fine tune.
Hi Len,
Many thanks for the info, very much appreciated.👍
I have thought of selling the Sigma and purchasing the Nikon 200-500 but thought I'd give it my best go at getting the best results. That extra 100mm makes all the difference in what I shoot but that Nikon looks very tempting as people highly recommend it!
Many thanks for the info, very much appreciated.👍
I have thought of selling the Sigma and purchasing the Nikon 200-500 but thought I'd give it my best go at getting the best results. That extra 100mm makes all the difference in what I shoot but that Nikon looks very tempting as people highly recommend it!
Quote:Hi Len,
I have thought of selling the Sigma and purchasing the Nikon 200-500 but thought I'd give it my best go at getting the best results. That extra 100mm makes all the difference in what I shoot but that Nikon looks very tempting as people highly recommend it!
Having not handled the Sigma I have no first hand experience - though I understand the 200-600 is optically slightly ahead of the 150-600.
I own the Nikon 200-500 which I consider optically very good at the price point though heavy and moderately inconvenient to use because it is difficult to zoom between 200mm and 600mm in a single hand movement.
i found its best to do micro adjustments in camera the dock is to much hard work. when you do on the camera you can see the results straight away on the screen on the back , or you could connect to a laptop for a bigger image .
Quote:Hi Colin,
Many thanks for the info. Just one question, did you double the results before putting them in via the sigma dock?
if you do the micro adjustment in camera you don't need to do anything in the dock.
