Follow Focus for EFS 18-55mm

[The Alan]

I just bought a T2i and it came with the EFS 18-55mm lens. I am looking into getting a follow focus rig. I don't know what it is called, but when the zoom or focus is adjusted on my lens the focus moves in and out. I'm just wondering if a follow focus can work on that type of lens and if not is there any other recommendations?

 

[J Davis]

I think you would be wasting your money attempting to hook up anything like that to that lens.

I think following focus with still lenses is a bad idea but if you really must do it then get a manual focus nikon and a fotodiox adapter. Or spend extra and get the zeiss glass.

 

[Cieloent]

I just bought a T2i and it came with the EFS 18-55mm lens. I am looking into getting a follow focus rig. I don't know what it is called, but when the zoom or focus is adjusted on my lens the focus moves in and out. I'm just wondering if a follow focus can work on that type of lens and if not is there any other recommendations?

Seems to me like what you want is Auto Focus, which is something this camera and more specifically lens ( during video ) really do not do well. I would suggest selling your camera and buying a Gh1 with the kit lens as it auto focuses for you.

The Canon t2i is a manual camera so you basically have to adjust it constantly, all a follow focus does is make it so you don't have to actually touch your lens during a shot . Instead you spin this wheel / knob on the side to allow for smoother focus, but this has nothing to do with maintaining focus when you zoom during a shot, which you normally shouldn't be doing anyways.

 

[lowercase]

i think he means the lens physically moves in and out so the focus ring would be in different spots depending on where the zoom is set so the follow focus will no longer mesh with the gear.

 

[Hawk Teflon]

i think he means the lens physically moves in and out so the focus ring would be in different spots depending on where the zoom is set so the follow focus will no longer mesh with the gear.

+1.

Save yourself the headache and don't FF this lens. You want one (a lens) with a wider focus ring AND one that stays put!

 

[TooTallTim]

That lens is an absolute ***** to focus with accurately. +1 to whoever suggested the Nikon option.

 

[kgimedia]

I agree the kit lens it tough to pull off smooth focus, but that lends to very cool quick racks very much like the music videos the kids like these days. It can be used for an effect that all my smooth primes would fail miserably trying to accomplish. As usual there is no wrong or right just tools to accomplish a desired look.

 

[cyclonebill]

i think he means the lens physically moves in and out so the focus ring would be in different spots depending on where the zoom is set so the follow focus will no longer mesh with the gear.

I never thought of this. so does that mean a follow focus is essentially useless with a variable focal length lens?

 

[agcohn]

I never thought of this. so does that mean a follow focus is essentially useless with a variable focal length lens?

No. The problem with the kit lens is that the actual focus ring moves back and forth when you turn it. On more expensive lenses (most lenses), the focus ring stays in place, while the front element of the lens moves back and forth.