DSLR RIG REVIEW

by Sebastian Wöber January 23^rd, 2010

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Next thing, is the very innovative follow focus system. It’s a skateboard wheel that runs a flexible band to translate rotation to the lens.

This is an interesting concept, it is extremely cheap and it allows you to hold on to your handle while adjusting focus with your thumb. Being able to hold on to the handle is always a good thing, when you are pulling your own focus.

The downside is that this system will only work with modern photo lenses that have a very short focus travel range. Prime lenses by Zeiss for example as were used in this test, have a very long focus travel distance and thus will take several twists of the skateboard wheel. Which you can’t accomplish in this case, with just your thumb.

Also we found that this system had a lot of drag, thus making it hard to accomplish a good focus pull with our thumbs, even on the Canon lens.

Although the most weight of this baby is sitting at the front this rig, it is still easy to balance because it is so lightweight thus making it easy to create nice handheld motion. That’s a good thing and most of the rigs we tested didn’t accomplish that task.

We didn’t like that the shoulder pad is just a rod, since this gives no sideways stability at all. You basically carry the rig in your hands at all times and cannot rest it. If this method of working a lot with your body tension is how you work, then this rig is for you. It’s not our style, but it is possible, considering the weight.