16x9 Inc has finally been receiving more shipments of the Bebob Foxi follow focus system. I received mine yesterday and thought I'd put up an initial impression for those who have been contemplating a purchase.
First I'd like to say that this is just an initial impression and I have not had time to really put it to test. I have not verified the accuracy of the focus repeatability. I'm only commenting on my initial impressions and opinions.
The unit comes with an offset block that allows you to attach it to the controller and helps separate it from the camera when attached to support rods. The kit also comes with an extra marking strip to replace the one that is included stock.
The foxi attaches to the LANC input via a coiled cable and allows manual control of both iris and focus. One of the nice things about it that the focus knob uses a 270 degree hard stop and allows you roll through the full focus range of the camera in single twist.
The focus knob uses a friction based resistance which gives a bit more fine control, however, I found that the resistance is bit too much for my liking and as far as I know, not adjustable. If you are pulling focus while panning or tilting by yourself, it is possible that turning could affect the smoothness of the shot depending on how fast you need to rack.
The question is whether the foxi is a replacement for a well engineered manual follow focus and the simple answer is that it is not. The Foxi uses an electronic system that drives the internal focusing servos. As such, it is limited by the speed and resolution of the analog input. A manually geared follow focus will give you finer control and provides more sensitivity to allow minor adjustments.
I haven't really played with the varizoom but I believe the foxi is a significant step up over it given the aforementioned features. Having a 270 degree throw just gives you more control.
At a price point of 465.00, it offers a good low cost alternative to a full follow focus system for the budget minded but I would definitely say it's not a replacement for a well made geared follow focus system by the professional manufacturers.
First I'd like to say that this is just an initial impression and I have not had time to really put it to test. I have not verified the accuracy of the focus repeatability. I'm only commenting on my initial impressions and opinions.
The unit comes with an offset block that allows you to attach it to the controller and helps separate it from the camera when attached to support rods. The kit also comes with an extra marking strip to replace the one that is included stock.
The foxi attaches to the LANC input via a coiled cable and allows manual control of both iris and focus. One of the nice things about it that the focus knob uses a 270 degree hard stop and allows you roll through the full focus range of the camera in single twist.
The focus knob uses a friction based resistance which gives a bit more fine control, however, I found that the resistance is bit too much for my liking and as far as I know, not adjustable. If you are pulling focus while panning or tilting by yourself, it is possible that turning could affect the smoothness of the shot depending on how fast you need to rack.
The question is whether the foxi is a replacement for a well engineered manual follow focus and the simple answer is that it is not. The Foxi uses an electronic system that drives the internal focusing servos. As such, it is limited by the speed and resolution of the analog input. A manually geared follow focus will give you finer control and provides more sensitivity to allow minor adjustments.
I haven't really played with the varizoom but I believe the foxi is a significant step up over it given the aforementioned features. Having a 270 degree throw just gives you more control.
At a price point of 465.00, it offers a good low cost alternative to a full follow focus system for the budget minded but I would definitely say it's not a replacement for a well made geared follow focus system by the professional manufacturers.
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