Lights, Camera, Action! The thrill of creating stunning films is always desirable from an outside perspective. This intricate process is often cumbersome for filmmakers, especially when they have to deal with moving subjects.
When shooting with most DSLRs, it can be challenging to keep a moving subject in focus. This loss of focus often results in incessant retakes that come with additional cost implications or outright poor final footage.
What if there is a way to mitigate focus issues in filmmaking so that more of the filmmaker’s creative energy is better spent in storytelling or even directing. Well, a tiny piece of equipment called a follow focus can save the day.
Before delving into why a follow focus is crucial for filming, we must understand what a follow focus really is. A follow focus is fundamentally a piece of equipment that latches onto your lens to enable you to operate the manual focus of said lens from a better position.
Although some may say that the autofocus in camera systems often satisfies all shooting scenarios, most professionals would argue otherwise. However, there are many instances where a filmmaker would want more control of the subject they are filming using manual focus.
Instead of adjusting the focus directly from the lens, a follow focus improves the precision and smoothness of your manual focus while shooting by enabling you to adjust the focus from a more convenient angle, irrespective of if you are shooting handheld or with a steady cam.
Choosing a follow focus does not necessarily need to be a nerve-wracking decision. It all goes down to the basics: what your exact shooting needs are, your degree of precision, and how much you are willing to spend.
To lend our professional expertise, filmmakers should take these considerations when choosing a follow focus.
1. Adaptability and Versatility
A filming gear should not be limited to a single use case; otherwise, it affects the filmmaker’s creativity, and the follow focus is no exception. That said, we recommend that you go for a follow focus that is positionally versatile, meaning that you can mount it from any position that enables you to achieve your desired result. But it should still be adaptable to a wide range of lenses.
2. Precise in Focus
What use is a mini follow focus if it can’t get you the precise level of focus while shooting? You need to select a device that considers exactness, whether through manual means or electronically, to deliver the best shots.
3. Build quality
Your purchase decision should consider a follow focus that can stand the test of time. A good follow focus should be able to withstand use and abuse and the daily stress of commercial shootings.
SmallRig mini follow focus 3010 is a portable yet robust solution that solves most manual focusing related issues, especially when capturing moving subjects. Some of the key features of the SmallRig mini follow focus include:
- An M0.8-43T Gear that easily latches onto your lens focus ring.
- A Φ15mm Rod that the mini follow focus is placed on
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- A rod clamp (with NATO rail) that serves the platform for the 15mm rod.
- Tie-style Focus Gear Ring for added versatility
- Adjustable AB marks for easy switch between AB focal length and full focal length.
The SmallRig mini follow focus 3010 is the best choice for creatives for the following reasons:
1. Extremely Versatile
The SmallRig mini follow focus is quite portable, especially with its small size; therefore, it can easily be used for all shooting scenarios and carried around. This equipment is compatible with most DSLR and mirrorless cameras and can fit into just about any position on your lens.
Besides being positionally adaptable, the SmallRig follow focus 3010’s versatility extends to its interchangeable gears that cater to various lens sizes, whether it is a super small prime lens or a bulky telephoto lens.
2. Precision Function
Remember how we earlier suggested that a follow focus system helps introduce smoothness and precision to your footage? Well, the SmallRig mini follow focus 3010 takes precision to another level with definite follow focus and zoom controls that add professionalism to your shots. This gear also features adjustable AB markings to facilitate switching between focal lengths.
Follow focus systems have been around for a long time, and many have been designed to make it easier for you to get that ‘perfect shot.’ However, if you are looking for something with superior build quality, adaptability, and precision, then the SmallRig mini follow focus 3010 is the product for you.
Taking up just a tiny footprint on any camera rig setup, this piece of equipment mounts on a variety of positions to improve the consistency and accuracy of your footage. Most importantly, the SmallRig mini follow focus 3010 has proprietary features that enable filmmakers to capture precise shots, whether shooting static or moving subjects.
The SmallRig mini follow focus 3010 is yet another product from SmallRig. This company strives to address the pain points of creatives through innovative products that are of the highest quality and standard.
SmallRig offers a wide range of products such as lenses, cages, stabilizers, and so forth that will add value to your existing equipment and take your creativity to the next level. Visit their website for more information.
