Inexpensive Options for DSLR Follow Focus

[designbydave]

i might just give your design a whirl for what $100??? can't really be beat it seems... if it ends up not working out for me i am sure i could sell it for $75 or so...

My breakdown is this - If you are a professional, get a pro follow focus. I recommend Redrock Micro on the low end and Zacuto or Cinevate on the high end. If you are an amateur or just like to make movies for fun, the D|Focus will probably be fine for you.

[ca2504]

Hello all,

I recently bought a Canon EOS 7D and I'm looking for a steady system, since my budget is rather limited I am seriously considering the Modosteady 585 which also serves as Shoulder support and table tripod (not really interested in the last), but i' have some doubts about the weight of the 7D being excessive for the Modosteady.

Has anyone tried this combination so far? What can you tell us?

Thanks in advance,

[insanityfw]

Hello all,

I recently bought a Canon EOS 7D and I'm looking for a steady system, since my budget is rather limited I am seriously considering the Modosteady 585 which also serves as Shoulder support and table tripod (not really interested in the last), but i' have some doubts about the weight of the 7D being excessive for the Modosteady.

Has anyone tried this combination so far? What can you tell us?

Thanks in advance,

YOu might want to do a search, because it's been talked about a couple of places on the forum, but I have a modosteady and don't find it to be.....eeerrr...very steady I've used it as a shoulder with the HV20, 7D and Gh1 and the grip is just too small for my taste.

Lots of other, better options.

One thing would be to research the Bush Hawk. You can find them for sale on Amazon, etc.

[natxbrotha]

I use the redrock follow focus and it has lasted for years now with no issues. They make a good product... the cost might be a little higher than what you want to pay, but have you considered these things yet?

How long do you want your follow focus to last?
Do you get paid to do shoots?
Is something durable and robust important to you?
Do you need a 3D marking disc or not?
Are you going to be switching lenses a lot?
Do you want your rack focuses to be smooth and accurate?
Will you be using a gear for each lens?
Do you care if you hit your focus marks spot on every time?

A follow focus can be the most important piece of gear in your tool box and is worth the extra $$.

Good luck in whatever you decide to purchase.

[drdimento]

i think one of the biggest issues is how often does one need to use FF. if you are a indie filmmaker and weekend shooter using this apparatus, then personally i think the folks over at dslr solutions dot net have the answer, its cheap, its simple, you can pack it in your gadget bag, and have a lot of useful fun with it. personally i use it for my pro gigs. there are those that say it doesn't look professional but then they don't get any work so who are they to be telling me im not looking professional.

i do 150-180 projects a year and never once have i had a client tell me i don't look professional. i do hear them say "wow that's simple enough" or "wow that is really effective" about my $100 camera dolly (uses pvc pipe lying on the floor and skate board wheels) and my follow focus.

i paid over a $1,000 for my first follow focus (cinevate type) and will be selling it on ebay for anything i can get out of it (hope to get 200 or more) because in the time it takes to set the rig up and actually get to use it, i can set up AND use the dslr solutions rig and be in my car on the way home, let alone if the client says "lets shoot this mobile over here" the former rig is one major nightmare to work with weight wise.

the next closest to me would be the IDC rig but i'll be doggone if im gonna give some guy $589 to $800 + for some painted aluminum that is hardly more than friction rubber (that my friend said slips on his stiffer lenses) when the dslr solutions rig isn't much more than the price of IDC's shipping.

i use follow focus about 1-2x a week and by far it is the most comprehensive cost value of any piece of gear ive ever bought. in fact, i would go so far as to say this, if one is shopping for follow focus and has ANY question as to what kind of FF to get . . buy the dslr solutions rig and if you are not satisfied get the other, you certainly won't have lost anything and it will serve as a GREAT back up when the biggie solution either doesn't fit some lens OR it fails miserably on location. not i didn't say IF but said WHEN.

for me i LOVE simple AND i don't get paid nor have any interest in the dslr solutions rig and don't even know them other than being a customer. :-)

[gonzo_entertainment]

You get what you pay for. I have the Redrock V2 (can't remember for sure, but about $500 if I recall) and it's really JUST good enough to really be usable. It's going to need to be upgraded eventually.

[analog_addict]

The dslr solutions 'rig' is bad because you are still manually manipulating the lens causing shake and movement. A follow focus removes this problem and allows for smooth rack focuses without having your hand on the lens or a bit of metal attached to the lens.

Also I can't believe they charge $60 for something you could make yourself very easily for around $5

[drdimento]

....Also I can't believe they charge $60 for something you could make yourself very easily for around $5

Can surely understand that. I can't believe anyone can charge hundreds for a few pieces of aluminum and a little machine and when you look at the follow focus components talk about captive market selling