Photography

FocusMaker brings follow focus to any DSLR lens

FocusMaker brings follow focus to any DSLR lens
FocusMaker attaches to the focus ring of any DSLR lens
FocusMaker attaches to the focus ring of any DSLR lens
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FocusMaker attaches to the focus ring of any DSLR lens
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FocusMaker attaches to the focus ring of any DSLR lens
FocusMaker primarily consists of a sight, which attaches to a non-moving part of your DSLR lean, and a ruler which straps around the focus ring of your lens
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FocusMaker primarily consists of a sight, which attaches to a non-moving part of your DSLR lean, and a ruler which straps around the focus ring of your lens
The company behind the FocusMaker, says it tried to keep the device compact and lightweight so that it could be carried around in a kit bag
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The company behind the FocusMaker, says it tried to keep the device compact and lightweight so that it could be carried around in a kit bag
Looking through the sight, FocusMaker users move the handle to smoothly change the focus between predetermined points
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Looking through the sight, FocusMaker users move the handle to smoothly change the focus between predetermined points
FocusMaker is said to make transitioning between shallow depth of field shots - and accurately hitting them - a lot easier
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FocusMaker is said to make transitioning between shallow depth of field shots - and accurately hitting them - a lot easier
Users clip multiple markers onto the FocusMaker ruler at the points they'll want to focus
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Users clip multiple markers onto the FocusMaker ruler at the points they'll want to focus
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If you've ever tried changing focus between subjects while shooting a video with your DSLR, you'll know that auto-focus will often leave you with a stuttering and noisy clip, while using your hand on the lens in manual focus can be tricky. Follow focus systems try to make this easier and better by adding a handle to change focus smoothly, and marker points to move between. The newly-launched FocusMaker is the latest example, which promises the fastest and most accurate focusing of any affordable rack focus system.

While traditional follow focus systems are big expensive affairs which can cost several hundred dollars, making them only really suitable for professionals, we've already seen several options for more budget-minded videographers including the DSLR follow focus and the Lens/Focus Shifter which attach to a DSLR lens. The FocusMaker does the same, but aims to bring a more professional look and feel, while retaining an affordable price.

The FocusMaker primarily consists of a sight, which attaches to a non-moving part of your DSLR lean, and a ruler which straps around the focus ring of your lens. Because these parts strap around the lens, they can fit pretty much any DSLR lens out there.

Users then clip multiple markers onto the ruler at the points they'll want to focus, before adding the handle. Looking through the sight, they can then move the handle to smoothly change the focus between the predetermined points. This makes transitioning between shallow depth of field shots, and accurately hitting them, a lot easier.

While the FocusMaker is slightly more expensive than other follow focus systems which also bill themselves as "affordable", it does have a considerably more professional look (you probably wouldn't want to turn up on a paid shoot with some of the other budget options).

It also boasts a number of features which add to its usability. Holes in the ruler mean users can see through it without have to peer over the top, and there's the nifty ability to position the markers in active or passive mode. In active mode the end of the marker protrudes enough to act as a stop when it makes contact with the sight, for far and near focus end stops, while in passive it allows free movement, making it ideal for lining up intermediate focus points.

ID/FX, the Danish company behind the FocusMaker, says it tried to keep the device compact and lightweight so that it could be carried around in a kit bag, while retaining precise focus capability. The FocusMaker is available online for US$90.

Source: FocusMaker

Here's a quick video introducing the FocusMaker.

FocusMaker Intro

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4 comments
4 comments
Iván Imhof
Not bad, but overpriced.
Michael Mantion
$90 for a piece of plastic? I will keep using my 2 dollar Jar opener until the chinese knock off shows up on deal extreme for $8.
Richard Unger
This is very clever and I can see a market but no one would pay $90 for it. Its a $20 tool for low budget people, seriously its just not viable at the costs. But hey what would be better a piece of the cake or the bakery, sell thousands at a low cost or a few at a high cost.
Richard Taranto
I just received mine. The beauty is in its simplicity so for me the price is worth it. I get the result I need without a cumbersome device