Focus distance indicator when shooting

[Christoffer Glans]

Is it possible to have the focus distance displayed when filming with Canon EF? That way, the 1st AC can see the distance when setting up focus points.

 

[Trent Lillehaugen]

This information should be shown on the overlay by default, are you not seeing it?

 

[Christoffer Glans]

Actually not yet, I've worked with PL lenses mostly and when I worked as a 1st AC I never looked at the monitor. Right now I'm waiting for my Epic with an EF mount and I was wondering this because focus is my main concern for working with these lenses. But what you mean is that I can see the focus distance displayed on the monitor so if I measure 3,4 meters it will show 3,4 meters?

 

[Trent Lillehaugen]

Yes, the focus distance (or range) is shown on the overlay. However, depending on the lens the precision reported may or may not be enough for your needs. That is, some lenses report back pretty course focus distances. You will need to test with the lenses you plan on union and evaluate them yourself.

 

[Christoffer Glans]

Is it possible to tweak and change the distance numbers on the display to calibrate for such differences?

 

[Trent Lillehaugen]

Is it possible to tweak and change the distance numbers on the display to calibrate for such differences?

It's the precision I'm talking about, not the accuracy. That is, some lenses report back a wide range for the focus distance for any given position of the lens. These 'bands' are lens specific.

For example, as I move through the focus with the lens I have on my camera now, it reports back the following focus distances:
25cm
26cm - 27cm
27cm - 28cm
28cm - 29cm
29cm - 32cm
32cm - 35cm
35cm - 39cm
39cm - 45cm
...
94cm - 1.66m
1.66m - 4.88m
4.88m - inf
inf


As you can see, for this lens, there are some fairly large bands near infinity. Obviously, you are the judge whether this will fit your needs or not.

 

[Christoffer Glans]

Are there certain brands that does this or is it common among most still 35mm lenses?
I own two Canon L glasses the 24-70 2.8L II and the 17-40 4L. Then I have the 35mm 1.4 ART Sigma prime, 50mm (cheap) 1.8 canon prime and the 85mm 1.8 canon prime.

Are any of those "bad"?