Messages

1. Yes, I've found the same to be true. I used the code in the core that does the focus change. I tried taking some stuff out to speed it up, but it stopped working altogether. I assume that whoever wrote that code knew what they were doing and probably tried to make at fast as they could (they certainly know more than me). I think the only possible improvement would be reverse engineering a lot further Canon's focus control mechanisim, which is way beyond my current abilities.

2. No, there's not really a better way to do this, I wish there was, but again it would probably require more reverse engineering. ML has no way to really figure out how many "steps" the current focus position is at when focused manually. Basically all it can do is step the focus and count the number steps you take. I could potentially at least pull in the focus rack end point setting automatically, but that requires a change to the core (to allow modules to read this value). I've already submitted a pull request for what I would need to do this (and reading/writing many other ML settings), but its still pending.

Perhaps you can spend a little time creating a chart for each lens of steps vs. focus distance. You could even put marks on your lens like the distance markings, with step numbers, if you dont mind defacing your lens. I've thought about doing this to my nifty fifty (also add distance markings too since it doesn't have those either).

3. Thanks for the feedback, I had no idea what the maximum for any possible lens was so I just guessed (none of my lenses step more than several hundred). I'll update that to 5,000 just to be safe.

4. LV has to be running for focus to work but you can try this: http://wiki.magiclantern.fm/userguide#powersave_in_liveview

Thanks for reply, adding extra focus steps will be really useful. The Rack focus end point isn't a bad workaround as we all know a good timelapse is all in the setup...

It's strange how much the focal distance effects the number of steps, I wonder if it's constant from one lens to another, I only have one variable focus lens but I could see if it matches number of steps at 50mm against my nifty 50.. I'll try and post a chart for 24-105mm

Thanks for the advise with LiveView - I'll try and find a way to shut off it off once TL is started either that or will need to purchase a few extra batteries.. 

Wow amazing module!! I've been testing this on 5Dii some great results, a couple of things to report and would be interested to hear thoughts on these... Most of my testing has been with Focus changes...

1./ I have found that focus keyframes require more than 4 second interval otherwise the intervalometer slows down to compensate for change, (could this be improved by adjusting any of the ML focus parameters?)

2./ I find that the most accurate way to determine how many focus steps are required is to frame up scene then choose "Focus Rack End Point" (from ML menu), from here I adjust focus in steps to the desired focal end point and record this number to input into the Adv Int keyframe. Is there a quicker method? ie is it possible to change focus on camera manually and store as a keyframe?

3./ Using 24-105 L lens at 80mm has more steps than at 24mm and at higher zoom (ie 105mm) it can include more than 1000 steps, is it possible to include a higher number in next build ie -3000-3000, (I know it's possible to change the step size to 2 but the focus change isn't as smooth)?

4./ As focus keyframes need camera to be in live view. Is there any way to save battery or turn off Liveview whilst running a time-lapse?

Thanks so much for all amazing work, I'll post some tests shortly,