Tag Archives: Remote Follow Focus

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pdmovie wireless remote focuspdmovie receiver focus video

If you're looking for an affordable yet feature packed Wireless Follow Focus system then you may have seen the PDMovie Remote Air. Available in a few different packages, B&H currently has at least one of the PDMovie Wireless Follow Focus kits in stock, and here's an overview video via iKan Corp.

Different bundles are available for Single Channel (1 motor), Dual Channel (2 motors), and packages with Standard Motors and High Torque motors. Find out more details about the PDMovie Remote Air WFF at B&H (click here).

PDMovie Remote Air Wireless Follow Focus iKan FF WFF
find-price-button PD Movie Remote Air Wireless Follow Focus Systems

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Punch in, set focus, change aperture, and start/stop video with your Canon DSLRs from a remote video handle. Here's a look at the new Aputure VG-1 V-Grip USB Follow Focus Video Remote Handle.

For those unfamiliar, the Canon DSLRs can communicate certain camera settings through the USB port. USB remotes have been around for quite some time, but not many are designed in a comfortable handle-like form factor, and certainly none in this price range.

Aputure V-Grip Handle
Aputure VG-1 V-Grip USB Remote Follow Focus Video Trigger mounted on 15mm Shoulder Rig

The Aputure VG-1 can control focus from an Auto Focus Canon EF lens (not manual lenses), and at times can appear smooth, but this will vary on different auto focus lenses. It uses a type of 'stepping' to get from point A to point B. To help achieve a smoother transition, you can change the size of the steps within the VG-1 remote..

Aputure VG-1 USB Follow Focus REmote HandleAputure Canon USB Follow Focus Remote Rig Handle 15mmAputure USB Remote Canon DSLR Follow Focus Camera
find-price-button Aputure V-Grip VG-1 Remote USB Follow Focus Handle

The VG-1 handle connects via USB, and for extended runs you can pick up an inexpensive USB cable with a repeater (like this). The ideal use of these remotes is when operating a camera from a distance, such as a 30 foot crane, or on a stabilizer where both hands are occupied (fig rig, 3 Axis Gimbals), or to replace one handle on your shoulder rig. Check out the product page for more information about the new Aputure VG-1 V-Grip USB Remote Handle (found here).

new Aputure V-Grip VG-1 Remote USB Follow Focus Handle
find-price-button Aputure V-Grip VG-1 Remote USB Follow Focus Handle

For USA residents, the VG-1 Remote is also available via Amazon (found here)
Aputure VG-1 VGrip Remote USB Follow Focus
find-price-button Aputure V-Grip VG-1 Remote USB Follow Focus Handle

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Years ago Intuit released a belt driven remote follow focus system (seen in video above). The product looked like an excellent idea, but the retail price listed for $3,999 US (seen here). Needless to say it didn't exactly fly off the shelves.

FFR900_GEARSOpteka FFR900 Motorized Follow Focus Remote
find-price-button Opteka FFR-900 DSLR Remote Motorized Follow Focus Zoom Control System

Opteka has revised this basic idea and now offers an FFR-900 Motorized Belt Driven Follow Focus System. The FFR-900 doesn't just offer one, but two motors that clamp to 15mm rails to control both focus and zoom on your DSLR lens. Rocker switches to control the motors are mounted to 15mm hand grips, and sensitivity (i'm guessing speed) of the system can be adjusted in a rear controller. The motorized FF is powered through standard Canon LP-E6 batteries (batteries and charger included).

FFR900_HANDLES_500xFFR900_CONTROL
Opteka FFR-900 Rocker Switch Handles & Main Controller

From what I can tell, the motors can be controlled by the main controller, and the rocker switched handles don't need to be plugged in. This could be a handy solution for Steadicam work, but keep in mind that it's basic forward and reverse DC motors. This will work if you're moving around and your focus points continuously change, but unlike a real motorized follow focus system, you can't program multiple focus points in and jump back and forth which is ideal for stationary tripod shots.

While the Intuit version is sold for $3,999 the Opteka FFR-900 is sold for just $399 and is bundled with a modified CXS-300 shoulder support rig. What do you guys think? Is this a Hit or Miss? For additional information, the Opteka FFR-900 Remote Follow Focus system can be found via eBay (click here).
FFR900_back
find-price-button Opteka FFR-900 DSLR Remote Motorized Follow Focus Zoom Control System

For USA residents, the FFR-900 is also available via Amazon (found here).