Is a Follow Focus Worthless With the Panasonic 12-35 & 35-100mm lenses?

J

Jonathan L Roberts

Active member
I looked for topics on this, but couldn't find any. I was wondering if using a follow focus is necessary for the Panasonic lenses like the 12-35mm and 35-100mm? I just wanna' avoid the shakiness when using the follow focus in manual mode. Would AF using video be necessary or should I shell out some cash for a follow focus? I wanna' get the D focus v3 for one camera and the v4 for another. Thank you.
 
Almost nothing is "necessary"

The 12-35 and 35-100 are both inertial focus-by-wire, so the amount focus will adjust varies by the speed at which you turn the focus ring... it's non-repeatable, so FF focus marks are pointless. However, if you merely want to reposition where and how you manipulate the focus ring, then a follow focus could be useful.
 
It also depends on what you're shooting and how quickly you need to swap lenses. For event work (weddings) I've found them to be more of a hindrance than anything.
 
d1rockwild said:
It also depends on what you're shooting and how quickly you need to swap lenses. For event work (weddings) I've found them to be more of a hindrance than anything.
Click to expand...

Lol, why you say that? I like them, but I have a gig soon for a nightclub and it gets really dark. I don't know if I should save-up for some Rokinon lenses, because of the lower light.
 
I say that because, well, for me, I have a bunch of different lenses with different diameters, so I always have to re-adjust my follow focus to fit a different lens. So this takes time which I'd rather avoid altogether.
 
If you're on legs and have the GH4 in a cage (Lanparte in my case) plus external monitor and matte box, the follow focus is very helpful. Personally I wouldn't be without it.

-pw
 
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