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Photographers have enjoyed the benefit of auto-focus for 25 years now, but many still struggle with its accuracy and repeatability. Don't get us wrong, auto-focus is a great convenience, especially in fast shooting situations. But here's the problem:

Typically, the first step in reviewing files from a shoot is tossing out all the images where the focus isn't quite right. This can be due to motion blur or other issues, but one of the most frequent causes is auto-focus error. We tend to blame this on the camera choosing the wrong object, or the wrong point on the object as the focal point, but there's another possibility, one that we hate to consider given the price of the high-end lenses that we use: the auto-focus of our lens may simply be off. When you take a simple shot of a flat object perpendicular to the camera and it still isn't quite as sharp as it should be, you have to accept that this may be the cause.

Datacolor has just the solution for you.

Many newer DSLR cameras these days offer a method to correct this issue - they allow you to store auto-focus correction data for several of your most important lenses. This feature is likely to become more common, appearing in other camera types.

The Datacolor SpyderLensCal was designed to aid in correcting the auto-focus on your camera and lens combination and storing them in your camera's custom settings.

SpyderLensCal provides you with a fast, reliable method of measuring the focus performance on camera and lens combinations. It allows you to obtain razor-sharp focusing, using modern DSLR auto-focus micro-adjustment. The LensCal device is affordably priced, compact, lightweight and durable, with integrated level and tripod mount.

With the SpyderLensCal, you can easily calibrate your interchangeable lenses and newer DSLR bodies, eliminating the need to send the lenses and bodies back to their manufacturer.

Performing a lens calibration on each of your key auto-focus lenses can improve the number of usable shots from a day's shooting. And with a rugged, portable device like the LensCal, you can carry it on-site or even on safari, so that lens calibration can be checked and adjusted if hard usage or extreme weather has caused changes.

For more information on the SpyderLensCal, please click here.
To watch the introduction video, please click here.

The SpyderLensCal will be available in our stores from Monday, 20 December 2010.