Conor_
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2025
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Hello,
Would love to know how any of you solo shooters out there solve the problem of focusing when you don't have an AC to pull focus.
The high-end ultrasonic distance measuring kits (Focusbug Cine RT, Cinetape etc.) are expensive, and require constant vigilance to adjust focus according to the readings. Top-spec lens motors are expensive, especially from brands like Heden and cmotion. There is the option of integrating the Cinetape with the Teradek RT system, feeding the readings from the Cinetape to the Teradek lens motors, but this will cost well over $10,000.
At the lower end, I'm not convinced by the Lidar based DJI Focus Pro - seems very glitchy and prone to missing your subject unless they are dead centre of the frame. The Teradek TOF Rangefinder has a very narrow field of view (3 degrees), so again is very likely to miss your subject and give an incorrect reading. PD Movie Lidar/lens motors units are supposed to be very unreliable with poor build quality.
The only follow focus system that seems to achieve mirrorless camera autofocus calibre is the Preston Lightranger 2 + Preston lens motors, but this will cost around $15,000.
I'm very curious to hear what setups Komodo owners are using to nail focus when flying the camera on a gimbal, for example. Or in run and gun scenarios.
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Would love to know how any of you solo shooters out there solve the problem of focusing when you don't have an AC to pull focus.
The high-end ultrasonic distance measuring kits (Focusbug Cine RT, Cinetape etc.) are expensive, and require constant vigilance to adjust focus according to the readings. Top-spec lens motors are expensive, especially from brands like Heden and cmotion. There is the option of integrating the Cinetape with the Teradek RT system, feeding the readings from the Cinetape to the Teradek lens motors, but this will cost well over $10,000.
At the lower end, I'm not convinced by the Lidar based DJI Focus Pro - seems very glitchy and prone to missing your subject unless they are dead centre of the frame. The Teradek TOF Rangefinder has a very narrow field of view (3 degrees), so again is very likely to miss your subject and give an incorrect reading. PD Movie Lidar/lens motors units are supposed to be very unreliable with poor build quality.
The only follow focus system that seems to achieve mirrorless camera autofocus calibre is the Preston Lightranger 2 + Preston lens motors, but this will cost around $15,000.
I'm very curious to hear what setups Komodo owners are using to nail focus when flying the camera on a gimbal, for example. Or in run and gun scenarios.
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
