Used LensAlign MkII Focus Calibration System

2020-09-18T08:43:36

Having actually used it let, but I did put it together. The build quality is good and it seems like it will last a long time. The ruler is marked well and should be easy to tell what is in focus. I like that it is two sided so you can pick which side will be best for the lens you are using. The alignment feature will be a big help with getting set up.

THOMAS U.

2020-07-24T10:57:20

i highly recommend improved lens focus and overall spec good tool to have. Maybe just make it a bit more ridged next time.

Dylan H.

2019-01-22T17:02:40

A HEADACHE

Keith W.

2019-01-08T13:52:17

This thing is awesome. I was quite surprised to see how much front focus some of my lenses had with my Nikon D750. I have not calibrated my new D850 yet but I expect somewhat the same results. I did not purchase the software and I think that was a mistake.

BRIAN M.

2018-11-15T07:51:11

Works great. Very helpful!

Chani G.

2018-01-24T04:29:40

Easy to use and set up. If you want sharp pictures I would recommend you get it

TIM D.

2017-10-08T15:01:45

Precision made focus set. Should work well if the software were included. Pretty expensive.

Richard A.

2017-08-30T07:19:25

Good alignment and testing tool

Miguel M.

2017-08-16T18:58:13

No real instructions on using it, only on how to assemble. Appears to need related software. Not sure if it will help once I get the Sigma USB dock.

GREG H.

2017-04-21T10:01:49

This system works very well. A little tedious to set up and a little hard to read the scale. I would recommend this to someone looking to calibrate there Len's and camera.

FRANK M.

2014-02-24T19:00:00

This product is designed to assist in micro-focusing your lens(es). There are no instructions in the box other than assembly but it is fairly intuitive. I was able to fine tune 3 lenses in about an hour and the results are noticeable. You do have to have a way to set the device exactly level with the camera lens, I used another tripod.

Horace H.

2013-11-19T19:00:00

The first review nails it- I'm writing this more or less out of utter frustration. If you're clever, you'll figure it out. I wouldn't recommend disassembling it once it's put together- The pieces are very delicate. I'm very hesitant to purchase the software based on my experience so far.

Molly B.

2013-10-28T21:00:00

I cannot support this product fully because how to use it is so poorly documented. No instructions are included with the product (except how to assemble it) so you have to go to the Michael Tapes website to figure out how to use it. You do not find instructions there either, at least current ones which are systematically laid out. You only find a disorganized grouping of things, some of which relate to obsolete products, some of which are labeled as drafts, and some of which give conflicting directions. There is nothing which lays out in step by step fashion how to use this product systematically (e.g., setup, camera settings, lens settings, lighting, etc.). This is a major flaw because as I have found out after wasting a bunch of time with this figuring it out and getting flawed results, a systematic approach to using this product is EVERYTHING! It's not a fatal flaw as I think I can figure things out ultimately by trial and error, but its hard to enthusiastically recommend a product, particularly at this price point, that is so poorly documented when clear, step-by-step directions are so necessary. That said, the product is reasonably well manufactured and assermbly was relatively easy. Hopefully, I can eliminate my uneducated errors and obtain good results. One other word. Don't even think about purchasing this product if your camera does does not include the capability to make microadjustments to your focusing system. Otherwise all you can do is confirm back focus or front focus and send your camera to the factory.

Brian K.

2013-04-08T21:00:00

It's better made than it looks! Some sort of lightweight plastic that feels a little like cardbox but is not. In fact mine survived a bit of chewing by one of my dogs quite well (no, this was not an intentional test). It gives the same correction as the Reikan focal software with my camera (a Nikon D800e) and lens.

THIERRY F.

2013-01-16T19:00:00

I agree with the comments that it's too expensive for the quality of its construction, but I disagree with the opinions that it's difficult to put together or use. It does the job. I was able to adjust focus of my lenses and confirm that my D800 did not suffer from the reported left focus problems.

WALDEMAR H.

2012-03-18T21:00:00

I've had mine for about a year, and it does allow for diagnosing and ( if you can micro-adjust your camera) fixing front- and back- focusing issues. Critical issues when you are working macro detail shots for forensics. Simple and easy to use, but poorly constructed and not up to regular use. The locking tabs eventually loosen, and there can be slight shifting once assembled (especially after you've assembled/disassembled it a few times. Not really worth the price (thin, printed plastic, easily bent). Could be improved by using slightly thicker plastic sheets that would be less subject to flexing and more durable. The manufacturer used to offer a pro model that was solidly built and permanently assembled (no flexing, bending, or shifting), but they discontinued it. If you can find a pro model second-hand, buy it! If not, this will work for a little while before it wears out and you have to buy another. This is NOT up to heavy/regular studio use, but rather for the hobbiest who might only want to accurize a couple lenses on rare occasion. You DO need TWO (2) tripods to make this work best. I ended up sticking a bubble level on the inside top of the base to speed setup.

GEORGE P.