DSLRFocus

Hey
I wanted to use some software to improve focusing and after downloading Focusmax i realised that that my setup had to include a motorised focuser (which i dont have). Is it possible to do this in a kind off semi-manual way i.e. i manual focus and let the software evaluate the results until fine focus has been acheived? The particular piece of software i am looking at is DSLRFocus but i can't get much information with out paying for it first, anyone here know if it is possible to do this?
On another method how does the bathinov mask compare to these software focus aids, anyone ever do a direct comparison?

Thanks
Michael

The bathinov mask is very effective as a focusing aid and is somehting I'd try before paying for any software, just look out for mirror shift (if your scope is a SCT) when you cross the meridan or slew a long distance across the sky.

Yeah I'd agree, try a Bahtinov mask for your
scope. There are plenty of websites that will create
the template for you if you want to make it yourself
or they're relatively inexpensive to buy.

I've been trying a bit of astrophotography with my
refractor and have just made a bahtinov mask to improve
the focus, managed to try it briefly last night and it
appears to work ok.

Kathleen

Hey
Thanks for the responses.
Will definately try the Bahtinov first. If reports are
anything to go by it seems to match up well to some methods
that are used in software.
I used the generator here: astrojargon.net/MaskGenerator.aspx
and got some artist canvas board (2 thin cardboards with a foam sandwiched between them). Took about 3 hours to slice all the bars out.
Very simple idea and easy to make. Look forward to trying it out.
Will report back.

Michael