Focusing with jibs and cranes

[Carlos Reyes]

I just got a kessler crane have been messing around with focus set to infinity but was wondering how one pulls off more complicated shots. i.e. focus pulls, sweeping in to a close up etc. Also, I'm noticing a fair amount of distortion on my wide angle if I dont move the crane very slowly, what focal lengths (in your opinion) work nice for crane shots. Any advice would be greatly apreciated!

 

[Terry VerHaar]

Is this with a Scarlet or Epic?

 

[Tim Sutherland]

Focus would normally be done with a remote focus unit such as a Preston FIZ or Bartec Remote Focus. Focal length depends on the shot but you would generally want to be on at least a 35-50mm if not longer for a close up.

Tim

 

[Nick Gardner]

A wireless FF makes life a lot easier. Failing that a long whip and stairs made out of apple boxes for the AC work fairly well. Depth of field charts are your friend.

Nick

 

[Conrad Hunziker]

I generally like wider lenses for jib work. I feel my jib work is more dynamic with wider angles. But if you are pushing into a person, then combine it with a hidden zoom to end (or start) with a more appealing focal length.

 

[PatrickFaith]

One thing I find useful are some charts in the back of the ASC manual ... which tell you angle rate by lens size for 24 fps(I wish they updated the ASC manual btw, the appendixes in the back are the only thing I find useful in the current ASC manual ... it's really out of date for digital cinema). So if your at 100mm you need to go real slow on the jib (specially if you have a pan/tilt thing at the end of the jib) or the screen "jumps", but if your at 21mm the rotational rates can be real quick. I have a tendency to like to go long with too much jib movement, and it's impossible to fix in post. Also 21mm is much more "forgiving" on jib movement then a 100mm (again for a total pro ... probably doesn't matter, but for my low budget shooting it's something I keep in mind). Some jib guys are magical on how smooth they can be though, with any lens.

 

[Kirk.Attard]

I think it depends from the jib a bit as well. Never used a Kessler before but with our jib I cant pull off longer than 50mm usually. A longer lens will give you more sense of motion of course once you get close to the objects and tilt down. But I use the jib more wide shots usually anyway so its not a big problem. Would like to try some longer lenses on a small jib indoors for an upcoming music video though.

 

[Carlos Reyes]

Hey all thanks for all the info! Gonna be referring to the ASC appendix and depth of field charts until I can save up for a wireless FF. Getting better shots with my 30mm so far, the tokina 11-16 might be a little to wide until I get the hang of it.

 

[Jason Comparetto]

Some would argue that you get more perceptible travel from a wider lens

 

[Kevin Rasmussen]

Hey all thanks for all the info! Gonna be referring to the ASC appendix and depth of field charts until I can save up for a wireless FF. Getting better shots with my 30mm so far, the tokina 11-16 might be a little to wide until I get the hang of it.

Call/ask some local 1st AC's in your area. Many own their own remote FF units and you may be able to find a kind soul willing to cut you a deal or offer a trade!

 

[Rob Ruffo]

Actually the Kessler is rock solid even at 85. It's like the Red, just cause it's cheap doesn't mean it can't outperform.

But... You really need a remote follow focus. At 1080p or 2K, there is no such thing as "everything in focus".

 

[PatrickFaith]

Actually the Kessler is rock solid even at 85. It's like the Red, just cause it's cheap doesn't mean it can't outperform.
You really need a remote follow focus. At 1080p or 2K, there is no such thing as "everything in focus".

Your right Rob, I was a bit too wimpy with what I thought the max weight is for the Kessler. I have been putting more weight on my kessler jib and pan/tilt head ... etc ... at they are doing fine (i was worried at first, but i think the extra inertia makes things even smoother).

I also btw have started using the fstop follow focus on my kessler rigs, I use it with my ipad which gives a bit more control. Good review, which I used to figure out my purchase is in the thread:

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?65930-Seeing-focus-with-the-wireless-FSTOP-and-iPhone

I also started using a heden motor, and it drives my zeiss compact prime very powerfully/smoothly at the heden's lowest torque setting (the compact primes are kind of heavy on focusing, compared to my normal canon lenses ... but man ... that heden motor is great).