The follow focus system is a set of components that work together to help you make video capture more precise and easier. Its main function is to let the focus follow the action. On the other hand, the technique of following the action using a follow focus system is called racking focus or pull focus.

How to use manual follow focus, and why do you need a manual follow focus? This article will provide you with a guide. Keep reading!

Importance of Manual Follow Focus

A follow focus is made up of many different components that work together to make smooth focusing possible. With the follow focus system, you can keep the lens focused while following the action and get better zoom control than the lens' unaided focus ring. Whether working on the video with basic gear or high-end equipment, using a follow focus will improve your footage and save precious time. The following are a few key reasons:

1. Improved Videography

Autofocusing systems are better suited to still photography than videography. Even if you're using a high-end Canon, Sony, or Nikon DSLR or a top-of-the-line ARRI cine camera, manual focus is more precise and predictable than autofocus. That's why manual focus is still the industry standard for filmmakers. In addition, choosing a manual follow focus is especially important if you're shooting macro shots or anything with a shallow depth of field or low light.

2. Suitable for Shooting with a Shallow Depth of Field

For example, many cinematographers prefer to shoot with a shallower depth of field at wider apertures. However, wide apertures have a very narrow tolerance range for sharp focusing. Therefore, if you plan to shoot with a wide aperture, the follow focus will help you accurately achieve sharp focus on every shot.

3. Smoother Workflow

Manual focus also takes time and precision. So if you want to shoot efficiently, a focus follow will help you with tricky shots, maintaining precise focus, and shifting focus from one subject to another.

4. Steps to Get a Sharp Video in Manual Follow Focus

First of all, you need to look for the Greek letter (Φ) on the camera. You won't see it on digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs), because DSLRs have autofocus and live-view manual focus. Once you find the Φ mark, you need to measure the distance from that mark to the focal point using a measuring device. For example, if you're following a person in the video, you usually measure from Φ to the eye.

Turn the focus knob until the distance is displayed on the lens. Then, mark this point on the white disc with an erasable marker. If you have more than one focus, measure each location and mark them one by one. In general, you can label subjects with numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) in the order in which they move in the video.

All in all, the work of focusing is not entirely mechanical. From one focus mark to the next, you must focus on the subject accurately and efficiently throughout the shooting process.

SmallRig mini Follow Focus 3010C

SmallRig mini Follow Focus 3010C is designed for easy and fast focus control in video shooting. It is fixed on the left side of the lens by Φ15mm Rod 1050 and Rod Clamp (with NATO rail) 3011. On the other hand, this product can be mounted at different angles, providing precise adjustment and a convenient shooting experience in both handheld and tripod scenarios. The following are the detailed feature of the product:

1. Portable and compact;
2. Precise follow focus and zoom control, comfortable dampening feel;
3. Ergonomic design with independent modules;
4. Adjustable AB marks for easy switch between AB focal length and full focal length;
5. Multiple interchangeable gears (standard 0.8 MOD), compatible with various lens sizes;
6. Easy to disassemble and replace;
7. Anti-slip and sweat-proof focus knob (imitating sports car hub);

Why Choose SmallRig

SmallRig has been committed to supporting your content creation by developing, designing, producing, and selling high-quality cinematic and photographic equipment. Our collections can provide a one-stop solution for your photography and videography.

We provide photography accessories widely used in recording live broadcasts, vlogs, short videos, wedding videos, professional advertisements, documentaries, blockbusters, and more. In addition, our photography and videography accessories are sold in more than 90 countries and regions worldwide.

Together, we will help you achieve your dreams of becoming an even more outstanding content creator! Check out our products and view more about the website!