My latest camera gadget: the CamRanger.
In an effort to improve my ability to focus on astronomical objects, I recently obtained a CamRanger.
CamRanger attached by velcro to tripod.
This is a small electronic device, 100mm x 60mm x 13mm approx., which attaches to the digital port of my Canon 60D camera. When energised, it creates a private wi-fi network which I pick up on my Ipad, using a free app which is available from the App store.
CamRanger in its pocket, hanging from tripod - a much better option!
Purchasing a 60D camera with Live View several years ago had already made it so much easier to focus an astronomical object but the 70mm x 50mm (3500 sq mm) monitor still had to be digitally enlarged to confirm an accurate focus and the CamRanger now eliminates that by picking up Live View direct from the camera and sending it by Wi-fi signal to the CamRanger app on my Ipad, which has a monitor about 200mm x 150mm (30,000 sq mm) or 8.5 times larger.
The CamRanger app on the Ipad awaiting wi-fi connection confirmation.
It is a simple procedure to disconnect the current wi-fi and connect to the CamRanger wifi network using the Ipad settings menu.
The CamRanger app on the Ipad after connection.
After a few seconds, the connection is made and you can use the app to bring up Live View to focus the camera and control many of its imaging functions.
Focusing in auto-mode is carried out by tapping the Ipad but I have not tested this function for astro-work (I doubt if it will work on stars). I used the manual focus on the camera and watched the Ipad as I was doing so and found this very satisfactory.
Even in manual mode the CamRanger app allows focus control for some lenses. Unfortunately this feature is not available for my two Tamron lenses or my one Sigma lens. Nor does it work on my very old Canon lenses - but it does work on my favourite Canon 135mm lens which I use for astro imaging.
A worthy purchase.