I wouldn't even attempt to use a follow focus with any of the Panasonic or Olympus auto-focus lenses. Since the focus rings on these electronic lenses are not mechanically linked to the internal focusing mechanism, there is no way to calibrate the lens' focus setting to the position of a follow focus dial. Even if that were not an issue, these lenses change focus not by how far you turn the focus ring, but how quickly you turn the ring, which is not how a follow focus should behave. In short, you will not be able to set focus repeatably and reliably using a follow focus with Lumix lenses.
AF100 Rig Advice Needed!
- Thread starter ryansworld10
- Start date
ryansworld10
Member
Can you suggest some lenses I should get that wil work well with a follow focus?
I did some research recently on this topic and came up with a list of characteristics that make a lens video-friendly:
* Manual aperture ring
* Direct-coupled focus ring
* Proper focus ring rotation
* Non-rotating outer barrel (internal focus)
* Non-extending outer barrel (internal zoom/focus)
* Constant field of view
* Constant f-stop aperture
* Rotational zoom ring
Here's a link to more details and a list of recommended lenses:
http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/859/video-friendly-lenses-for-lumix-dslrs
Sol M.
Veteran
What "kit lens" are you referring to? I may be wrong, but the AF100 you linked to appear to be body only. What lens were you hoping to use with a follow focus?
BTW, the dfocus may work fine for its price, but my main issue with it has always been that it's gears are exposed to the elements. There are other follow focus units in the same price range as the dfocus such as the RJ follow focus and the Fotga (which I've used-- decent).
I use all manual Canon FD prime lenses. Incredible price:quality ratio. You can also look into older Nikon manual lenses.
ryansworld10
Member
If you look above the item, it says that it includes a free kit lens with it. You get the same lens at a cost if you buy one of the other AF100 kits
Sol M.
Veteran
Hmmm, that's funny, I don't see anything mentioning a free kit lens on the B&H page you linked to. Perhaps you meant to link to a different item? Anyone else seeing/not seeing the free kit lens offer?
I just don't want you to drop cash thinking you're getting a free lens and end up not receiving one.
I just don't want you to drop cash thinking you're getting a free lens and end up not receiving one.
ryansworld10
Member
Strange, it looks like the offer isn't there anymore. In that case I'll drop the 20mm and just get one solid lens
ryansworld10
Member
I will probably go for one wide angle prime, and a nice long telephoto (200+).
David W. Jones
Veteran
This field of view calculator may help you in selecting lenses for your proposed AF100.
http://www.abelcine.com/fov/
http://www.abelcine.com/fov/
ryansworld10
Member
List updated again!
Please note the contents of the starter kit before saying I'm missing the lens.
Also, I'm keeping the D|Focus in the build due to it being inexpensive and very good based on all the reviews I've seen. Don't tell me to drop it from the build now unless you can offer an alternative!
Please note the contents of the starter kit before saying I'm missing the lens.
Also, I'm keeping the D|Focus in the build due to it being inexpensive and very good based on all the reviews I've seen. Don't tell me to drop it from the build now unless you can offer an alternative!
LMAO!! how about..
"hi guys, i've updated my list, THANK YOU for your help so far, if there is anything you think may be better, could you let me know how PLEASE? I appreicate you taking time out to help me.. THANK YOU!!"
as an alternative to
"Don't tell me to drop it from the build now unless you can offer an alternative!"
"hi guys, i've updated my list, THANK YOU for your help so far, if there is anything you think may be better, could you let me know how PLEASE? I appreicate you taking time out to help me.. THANK YOU!!"
as an alternative to
"Don't tell me to drop it from the build now unless you can offer an alternative!"
stancemedia
Carbonite Member
+1. I've tried to do what I can in the thread seems to have not helped...
Sol M.
Veteran
You seem pretty much decided on what the right items are despite the advice of experienced users offering their help. I think it might be best to spend your $9k so you can have firsthand experience on these items as well.
P.S. With the budget you state, you could easily spend 1/3 on a rails rig and use the savings on a much better follow focus such as the TrusMT NF4 ($390) or the Shoot35 R2 ($465).
P.P.S. Keep in mind that there is a difference between quantity and quality of reviews of any item. The majority of positive reviews of any lower-priced item will come from users who have no prior experience with professional alternatives. What you really want to be looking for are the bad reviews, as those are the ones that are more than likely coming from someone with experience to compare with. There are hordes of reviews on the internet saying how good those WF717 tripod heads are, but anyone who has worked with Sachtler and Vinten tripods will find those heads woefully inadequate.
Everyone has a different frame of reference when reviewing an item, so it's important to know what to look for so that you can filter out the noise.
P.S. With the budget you state, you could easily spend 1/3 on a rails rig and use the savings on a much better follow focus such as the TrusMT NF4 ($390) or the Shoot35 R2 ($465).
P.P.S. Keep in mind that there is a difference between quantity and quality of reviews of any item. The majority of positive reviews of any lower-priced item will come from users who have no prior experience with professional alternatives. What you really want to be looking for are the bad reviews, as those are the ones that are more than likely coming from someone with experience to compare with. There are hordes of reviews on the internet saying how good those WF717 tripod heads are, but anyone who has worked with Sachtler and Vinten tripods will find those heads woefully inadequate.
Everyone has a different frame of reference when reviewing an item, so it's important to know what to look for so that you can filter out the noise.
ryansworld10
Member
Sorry but its kinda frustrating when people tell me somethings wrong with the research I've done, yet don't offer a specific alternative.
It's not so much that something's WRONG with your "research" - it's more that people with a lot more experience and knowledge than you are giving you good, solid sage advice. You should be open to it, and take it.
The more you get into this business/hobby, the more you'll understand that it's much wiser to build your kit more slowly, but with higher quality items that will last.
You should almost think of your current camera as the "accessory" to your lenses, sticks, mattebox, FF and audio kit - because those items will outlive your camera of choice (esp. if they are quality pieces).
Listen to these folks, and get the quality stuff with long term utility.
The more you get into this business/hobby, the more you'll understand that it's much wiser to build your kit more slowly, but with higher quality items that will last.
You should almost think of your current camera as the "accessory" to your lenses, sticks, mattebox, FF and audio kit - because those items will outlive your camera of choice (esp. if they are quality pieces).
Listen to these folks, and get the quality stuff with long term utility.
David W. Jones
Veteran
Let me throw this out there... You are asking for advice about purchasing gear.
Yet when we ask you questions like how you are going to be using the gear, so we may better inform you, you reply...
"I am going to be doing a lot of video work for my school, and I can't say exactly the style though".
What does that mean? Seriously, are you a teacher needing advice, high school student working with your school TV program recording sound bites, going to be recording school sporting events, drama club plays, a film student at a university? Do you really even need an AF100?
Why not just say what you want to do, and tell us your budget?
It really is that easy.
Good Luck!
Dave
Yet when we ask you questions like how you are going to be using the gear, so we may better inform you, you reply...
"I am going to be doing a lot of video work for my school, and I can't say exactly the style though".
What does that mean? Seriously, are you a teacher needing advice, high school student working with your school TV program recording sound bites, going to be recording school sporting events, drama club plays, a film student at a university? Do you really even need an AF100?
Why not just say what you want to do, and tell us your budget?
It really is that easy.
Good Luck!
Dave
ryansworld10
Member
My budget is about $8,000.
The work will involve shooting sports events, making promotional videos for school events, and recording interview style videos.
Thanks for all the help!
The work will involve shooting sports events, making promotional videos for school events, and recording interview style videos.
Thanks for all the help!
Greg Smith
Veteran
For shooting sports, the AF100 is not the greatest choice, frankly. Somebody with a wide-range (i.e. 10:1 or better) servo zoom on a small-sensor camera whose focus settings are not as critical can shoot rings around you while you're changing the lens and setting the focus on the AF. There are some kinds of sidelines and behind-the-scenes stuff in sports work that the AF100 can do well, but for mainstream, straightforward coverage of the action, an HMC80, HMC150 or AC130/160 will get the critical shots more reliably and easily.
Promotional videos, kind of a mixed bag. Again, if it involves covering unscripted events a lot, a small-sensor camera with a big lens makes more sense. If it's more scripted, controlled, contemplative, the AF100 is a good choice. You can probably control the scripts and overall approaches to these subjects to play to the strengths of your equipment in many cases.
Interviews, the AF100 will shine here.
The right tool for the job.
- Greg