FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
1. I shoot RAW, why do I need to set a Custom White Balance?
- Using the baLens to set a custom white balance when shooting in RAW will save valuable time in the post processing workflow. When downloading the RAW files, just select 'As Shot' for the white balance setting.
- Gray cards take a reflective reading of the light and thus must be used at precise angles for accurate custom white balance calibration. The baLens takes an incident reading of the light source, thereby making it less susceptible to unwanted reflections leading to inaccurate readings.
- A custom white balance can be set in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, or Program mode in most dSLRs. Custom white balance can not be set using full auto program or any pre-programmed modes.
- No, some cameras will not fire the shutter unless focus is established. Because the camera is only using the referece image of the light source to set custom white balance, auto-focus should be switched to manual. After the white balance setting is established you can return to auto-focus if desired.
- AWB should be used for setting the custom white balance reading.
- You may get this message if the exposure is severely under or overexposed. Try taking a photo of the light source with the baLens on and then check the exposure histogram. Dial in the proper exposure compensation and then take another custom white balance reading.
- You should take an incident reading of the sun. When taking a reference from a very intense light source, such as the sun, you may see the light's hotspot through your viewfinder. Keeping the hotspot slightly offset from center will yield best results. If it is very overcast where no sun is visible, take your reference from the cloudy skies diffusing the sunlight.
- In most situations you will not need to reset the white balance as the setting stays in the camera body. The only time you will need to set another custom white balance is when the ambient lighting changes or if the the other lens has any filter other than a UV filter.
- The warm filter approximates the use of an 81A warming filter. It may be used in cases where warmer skin tones for portraits may be preferred. To change the filters, rotate the locking ring counterclockwise to unlock, swap out the filters and replace the locking ring. Rotate the locking ring clockwise until you can feel a positive click. Note: the warming filter is marked with a red dot on the back lip.
- It is possible to use the baLens with certain point and shoot cameras that have a custom white balance setting by holding the baLens in front of the lens. Please refer to your camera's owner's manual to see if it has a custom white balance setting.
- When packing your baLens equipped lens in your gear bag, avoid excess pressure on the filter dome. It is recommended to store baLens side up unless you pack your lens with the lens shade/hood in place.