How to get unshaky focusing?

R

recman

Member
How should I do to not make the camera shake when Im focusing in recordings? I always end up with small shakes... :(
Focusing when holding the D90 handheld seems impossible, and on my tripod its hard as well.
Do You guys/girls use special tripods made for videorecording?
Is my tripod to weak (Manfrotto 785B) or is there any good tips on how to make it less shaky?
 
I would use a heavier tripod for sure. That tripod only weighs 1.9 lbs.

I use the Manfrotto 503 head with legs that comes out to weighing around 10 lbs.
 
Jim Klatt said:
I would use a heavier tripod for sure. That tripod only weighs 1.9 lbs.

I use the Manfrotto 503 head with legs that comes out to weighing around 10 lbs.
Click to expand...


Ok, as I tought then...the tripod is for my photography where it works fine, but I guess for videopurpose I need a heavier tripod.
 
I haven't tried this, but I've heard that some people put sandbag type things on the top of their camera as well, to help with the vibrations. Also, if your tripod has one of those hooks down the bottom to add weight - that'll probably help.

I'm just starting to get into video recording with the D90 and have just found out how useful a steadycam is as well! Right now I'm just using the tripod as a steadycam, but even that makes a huge difference when running down the hallway - the video hardly seems shaky!
 
tbone83 said:
I haven't tried this, but I've heard that some people put sandbag type things on the top of their camera as well, to help with the vibrations. Also, if your tripod has one of those hooks down the bottom to add weight - that'll probably help.

I'm just starting to get into video recording with the D90 and have just found out how useful a steadycam is as well! Right now I'm just using the tripod as a steadycam, but even that makes a huge difference when running down the hallway - the video hardly seems shaky!
Click to expand...


I have tried the "tripod-steadycam", and that works great recording when moving.
About the sandbag-thing, dont think that would help in my case, since it seems its the tripod-head that aint stable enough...need better stuff...
 
follow focus,

or a complete basic package that would include follow focus, matte box and maybe a shoulder mount, there are some of those available for d90 and 5dmkii.
 
that would make it more stable if you align and distribute the weight, some also comes with weight balance, and the follow focus would make it more stable and vibrate less or no vibration when you use the focus.
 
you need a follow focus or lots and lots of practice...pulling focus doesn't really have anything to do with your sticks or a shoulder mount. you hand is on the lens and it needs to be steady.
 
balancing the camera, supporting the camera and adjusting focus with the same hand might get tricky, that's where balancing and supporting using a dolly or a shoulder mount or some kind of steadicam comes in or would be a good idea, and they actually make those and are very balanced.
 
if you don't want to use a heavier tripod, use the remote control so you're not touching the camera at all
 
google it,

instead of rotating the focus ring were you have to twist your wrist, you attach the follow focus to be kind of vertical rotation instead, and also a bit out of the way, so you wont nudge the lens while adjusting the focus. but it's usually attached to the base plate, so you need a base plate, you can check out zacuto, they have dslr packages for d90 and 5dmkii so you can see the setup, you might find other kits that would work as well.
 
What remote control pulls focus?

Is there something for the D90 or are you talking about a proper remote follow focus ($$$)

S
 
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