You can't use optical zoom to confirm focus. Most (90%) of digital SLR lenses are not parfocal. Digital punch-in is the only way for focus confirmation. Nice video. Great work.
This. Optical punch in only works with drop-in teleconverters and completely parfocal lens designs, things only available in rare photographic lenses and prohibitively expensive cinema lenses, respectively. Just digital punch in + focus peaking if available.
Zooming in to check focus doesn't work with DSLR zoom lenses, they're not designed to do that. WIth DSLR lenses, the focus shifts around as you zoom AND as you change the aperture. That's why cinema lenses cost so much, they are designed to overcome this problem. The only way to check focus with a DSLR is by magnifying the image on the LCD.
I was about to buy the jar grip, but then I came up with an even CHEAPER solution for this. It involves 2 zip ties, and I made a video of it. Keep up the great work guys, I love your videos! :)
In the film industry, you get what you pay for. I bought one of those jar openers and used it on my latest shoot. It worked alright. No where near as reliable as proper equipment.
fadecomic That's exactly right. I actually modified my cheap (but sturdy) Kamerar follow focus in order to adjust its pitch with just the turn of a wing nut. Then I added a Genustech Matte Box Lite, which attaches to the lens itself using an adapter ring, which in turn allows me to easily remove the follow focus from the rail system (because the matte box is not attached to the rail). The only downside is that I've actually had to purchase the gear ring shown in this video, because the Kamerar follow focus gear couldn't reach my Sigma 50mm's aperture ring, although that problem doesn't present itself with longer lenses. Basically I spent two hundred dollars on a follow focus, and then another four hundred (or so) on the entire matte box set up. So, six hundred dollars for a small, quick, and portable setup; as opposed to maybe fifteen hundred dollars (and up) for some over priced kit.
it's called "taking advantage of people for a luxury product" the follow focus is something you can do without.. but hey if u really really want it.. their gonna make u pay for it! lol
***** You're right. A follow focus is mostly for pulling multiple pre-set focus points, like with scripted films (short or feature). You can do without a follow focus if you're just running and gunning, not to mention it makes your rig considerably lighter. I got the cheapest one I could find that was still good quality, I rarely use it, though. I think companies charge exorbitant amounts of money for somewhat simple pieces of equipment because it's an emerging market, the supply hasn't caught up with the demand, so prices are going to stay high until someone has the balls to take a chance and cut price a serious contender. The follow focus D-gear from letusdirect was about fifty dollars. I got it in the mail yesterday, and it's literally just a piece of plastic. Something reminiscent of what you might find in a Lego box. I understand plastic keeps weight down, but fifty dollars? Really?
My god. You have no idea how much you guys help me learn. Outside of how much you save my pockets. I'm constantly inspired by your work and tutorials. Thanks so much. I'll definitely look into the 5$ jar opener. Hopefully the legit version graces me sooner than later.
Here are 3 different types of FF I've tried, in 3 different price ranges. : - low budget : D-Focus v3 : pretty good Follow focus for about 150$ - very low budget : Focusshifter (an awesome kickstarter project) - a little "plasticky" but really useful for a one man band - no budget : clamp, elastic band and bolt. Look it up, works ok...
Vasily mat When you see that it means there not in stock so rather than removing the item in inventory they price it in a way it wont sell then when they have more in stock they price it correctly.
wow i am actually debating whether to get this plus some cool focus stuffz or a rode ntg 2 for audio soultion and at the end the end of the vid he literally said to go with the audio solution.
I used a T2i for years and loved it. Its an awesome deal because the T3i and T4i are out driving the T2i's price down, but they have the same sensor, so they're not worth it (Unless you REALLY need that flip screen). Mine held out just fine until I bought a 5DMkII.
Because it's a specialised piece of equipment that is specifically designed to work with PL lenses. If something is specialised it'll cost a lot more even if the component parts don't add up to that price. $800 is a mid priced one. For top of the range or remote focus you're talking $1500. If you're working as a first AC though it's a necessary expense and one that you'll quickly make the money back on.
Gaius Concord you won't like a 3D printed follow focus, it should be made out of aluminum, brass and some stainless steel screw and locks. It won't be logical to make a follow focus, that shakes, squeeze and crackle a lot, because that is the exect things we want to avoid.
Back in the day when I had a Nikkor 70-210 f4-5.6 on my film bodies. I would zoom in to check focus, tweak it, then zoom back out. I found out the hard way that not all lenses keep the same focus point throughout the zoom range.
You can hack a follow focus/marker combo with a couple of 'Celery Rubber Bands' Put one on the focus after pushing a nail (snip the point off first DUH) to use as the 'rod' like the jar opener end acts as the 'stick'… add a second rubber band next to it for marking focal points and does an 'okay' job like the jar opener AND still works on smaller photog lenses … which the jar openers sometimes don't.
Plenty of things do have an eyepiece, if you're pointing specifically at DSLR's, which always have had this limitation then, look at normal video cameras and normal pro cameras still with have eyepieces. As far as expense, I was speaking about optical viewfinders, if we're talking about electronic like a small LCD + Diopter, then yes it's not that big of a deal, and that's how most viewfinders are designed. Optical requires a lot of work to make it work right with mirrors and prisms and such.
Just a note about zooming in to check focus ; you can't guarantee that your subject will be in focus using a zoom lens on a dslr, it's preferable to use the digital zoom, unless of course, your're using a cine lens.
@5:00 - jumping to max zoom to find your focus then zooming back out again isn't always advisable. You need to check with your particular lens as numerous DSLR lenses need refocusing after a focal length adjustment. The stock 18-55mm glass which came with my 600D refuses to stay focused after I adjust focal length making it impossible to prefocus with zoom. Good idea with the jar opener though, hadn't thought of that and it's a clever dampener! I've become used to needing super steady hands...
trying so hard to be amusing to the point of turn-off before I scream at unfunny US humor. Much better to get your point across without all the nonsense. Informational just the same!
Same here, the 18-55 doesn't stay in focus. My way around this is the digital zoom in the 600D, you can use this to pre focus and set focus points before you shoot.
Man. Thanks so much for this. Working towards a production in August, first one I'm ever directing/writing via mini-webisode-magnitude, and I'm highly uneducated, but this channel has been a HUGE help to me. Thanks for sharing and for your hard work. Definitely investing in a Follow-Focus (at least a $5 one.)
For every Canon User, since i got Magic Lantern FW on my 500D, i have pretty nice red dots for focused area on my display, makes the whole thing alot easier!
I do not work for Sony and not connected with them in any way but the a 37 is a great entry level camera and tells you automagicaly when your in focus so you don't need to measure!
that is correct. generally more expensive lens (eg canon L series) will not loose focus when the zoom level is changed. however, cheaper zooms normally do.
hi there James, thanks for the comment. and you know what, your thought is exactly my thought. i think i'll go for the T3i with 50mm lens. i watched your videos and they were great ! one more thing, can you recommend me some nice low-budget external mics ? like around a hundred bucks. thanks anyway James.
The jar opener loosens quickly and slides around the lens. I tried it a while ago and had high hopes for it since I'm super cheap, but you only get a few good pulls out of it before it needs to be tightened again. That said, I've been very happy with the $125 follow focus I bought on Amazon. Many companies sell the same model. I think mine is the ephoto branded version.
I would strongly recommend using digital zoom over lens zooming to check focus. many cheap lens' have different focus dynamics (right word?) at the ends of the zoom range. For canon DSLR users, magic lantern is a must. The amount of features I have come to rely on while filming is just silly. Focus peaking and 100% magic zoom window mean I know exactly whats in focus all the time
you can't zoom in to focus with all lenses, many lower end lenses change focus when zooming in. Its a good tip as long as your lens is compatible, definitely do some testing as YMMV.
Great episode. Just an FIY, with many lenses, your focus changes as you zoom so zooming in to focus is not the right method. the correct method would be to use the digital zoom.
The bit at 5:00 about zooming in, focusing, then zooming back out, only works on parfocal lenses. Not all zooms created for photography (as opposed to film & video) are parfocal (in fact, most of them aren't in my experience).
I won't skip the commercial because i want to support film riot. The information they divulge is priceless in the real world, and many pay thousands to get it in film schools. A few seconds of sponsor time is a minuscule price to pay. I'll actually get a domain.com hosting once my current one expires, just to support this amazing show.
Same here with my 500D and standard EF 18-55mm - im using different lenses from walimex 24mm/35mm/85mm fixed focal lenses and its completely different with each ;) so i think this jar opener could help. A rig with those nice gears would be superb i think...
Thanks for not just saying "don't do X" but for actually explaining why it might not be a good idea. I hate people who just come to videos and dispute things with absolutely no explination, comments like that just breed confusion instead of actually being helpful.
Interestingly over here in the UK, the Jar Opener by the same company is more expensive than a Follow Focus that is essentially the Jar Opener but made specifically to fit around a lens
I picked up these jar openers at Bed, Bath, & Beyond several months ago. They work great! Well, at least for my purposes; I've never had the luxury of using a real follow focus system. :) I operated the camera and pulled focus simultaneously with these jar openers in my film "The Political Optometrst". And yes, I know there are several scenes out-of-focus. :)
Hi filmriot, and the youtube community. I think the jar opener works great for larger lenses, but my favorite lens (and by far the cheapest) is my Canon 50mm. The focus ring is at a really awkward position at the front, which is angled down and is maybe a few centimeters wide. The best idea I've I've came up with is an elastic band tightened by string at one end, but it comes off a lot. Do you (or the youtube community reading this) have any suggestions? Thanks.
Ryan, another way to zoom in to make sure that something is in focus (on a dslr) then there is a button on the side panel where it enlarges the image, not changing the zoom length. Like so Ryan can see.
I use a smartphone connected to cameera USB with an app. It's not as good as a follow focus, but you can hold your finger on the area of the video you want in focus. You get auto focus jitter, but it's better than no focus!
I think hes saying sometimes zooming in and focus with the lens, vs temporarly using the digital zoom in to fix focus then zoom out. The lens one may not work on all lenses, but the digital will (for focusing by zooming)
Not to be THAT guy, and I don't know if this has been said yet, but zooming to check your focus will only work on lenses that are parfocal (I'm sure you guys know this, just throwing it out there), which means that it holds its focus point throughout the entire zoom range. A lot of lenses, especially lower cost ones, are not parfocal, and physically zooming the lens to the telephoto end to check the focus will not work, because as soon as you zoom in or out again, it will go out of focus.
They look better at the same price point. Better DOF too, so you can get a more filmic look. Any of the Canon DSLRs would be good. Just go with the one in your price range.
If the system Ryan showed you is too expensive, check out the 50 dollar follow focus. Works pretty much the same way only not quite as fancy, but still works well
Well you can go with the Rode Video mic which usually goes for around 150; this is a directional shotgun mic and it's what I currently use. Or, you can go with the Zoom H1, which usually goes for about 100; this is an external audio recorder that is omni directional. If you're just starting out it might be better to go with the Rode because it mounts nicely on top for the T3i and you don't have to sync the audio in post. Then later on you can buy a nice Zoom H4n (I'm about to get one :D)
The 5D is overall a higher quality camera, but if have the choice of getting a crazy expensive camera and stock len vs a less expensive camera and better lenses I'd go with the better glass. Good glass investments will outlast your camera bodies, and they will have a huge impact on your image. Mexapix and big sesors are nice, but what good do they do if you're throwing light on them through cheap, less than ideal glass?
I personally use the Canon Rebel T3i and I love it! Since the release of the T4i, I'm sure the price of the T3i has dropped considerably and with that price drop you can invest in a 50mm f1.8 lens and you have yourself a great setup for a beginning film maker; my videos are all shot with that setup (I'm very much an amateur, so you can be the judge). So if you like how it looks and it's in your budget then I highly recommend it. Hope this helped and I wish you good luck :). ~TheJamesTheatre
Who do you mean they? DLSR's are popular for being cheap, but the only way you can get an eyepiece for it is a viewfinder to attach to the screen. LCD's are cheaper to design than a live video eyepiece. Higher end camera do it just fine.
6:43 - What you actually came here for: the $5 follow focus.
+softladification Thanks a lot. This guy love to talk :(
Thank you
+softladification Thanks!
+softladification Thanks! have a nice day
Oh gods! Thank you, I was that close to just clicking away.
You can't use optical zoom to confirm focus. Most (90%) of digital SLR lenses are not parfocal. Digital punch-in is the only way for focus confirmation. Nice video. Great work.
This. Optical punch in only works with drop-in teleconverters and completely parfocal lens designs, things only available in rare photographic lenses and prohibitively expensive cinema lenses, respectively.
Just digital punch in + focus peaking if available.
Zooming in to check focus doesn't work with DSLR zoom lenses, they're not designed to do that. WIth DSLR lenses, the focus shifts around as you zoom AND as you change the aperture. That's why cinema lenses cost so much, they are designed to overcome this problem. The only way to check focus with a DSLR is by magnifying the image on the LCD.
Are you sure? I've been using all the canon L lenses and have never had a problem with it
Cannon L’s are very expensive lenses and that do not have most of the flaws of regular lenses.
I was about to buy the jar grip, but then I came up with an even CHEAPER solution for this. It involves 2 zip ties, and I made a video of it. Keep up the great work guys, I love your videos! :)
3:30- "Seems small, but when you're moving it fast, it seems pretty huge" That's what she said.. I can't be the only one who noticed.
What's wrong with it?
***** you are so stupid
uhhh,,,, what? Am I the only one not getting this?
***** lol
+Masayuki Fujita see it in a more perverted way
$800 for a follow focus? They're taking supply-and-demand to a new level! Fucking ridiculous.
In the film industry, you get what you pay for. I bought one of those jar openers and used it on my latest shoot. It worked alright. No where near as reliable as proper equipment.
Yeah, but like Elephants Fly said, it's definitely priced on demand, because the materials cost for a few plastic gears and some bolts can't be $800.
fadecomic That's exactly right. I actually modified my cheap (but sturdy) Kamerar follow focus in order to adjust its pitch with just the turn of a wing nut. Then I added a Genustech Matte Box Lite, which attaches to the lens itself using an adapter ring, which in turn allows me to easily remove the follow focus from the rail system (because the matte box is not attached to the rail). The only downside is that I've actually had to purchase the gear ring shown in this video, because the Kamerar follow focus gear couldn't reach my Sigma 50mm's aperture ring, although that problem doesn't present itself with longer lenses.
Basically I spent two hundred dollars on a follow focus, and then another four hundred (or so) on the entire matte box set up. So, six hundred dollars for a small, quick, and portable setup; as opposed to maybe fifteen hundred dollars (and up) for some over priced kit.
it's called "taking advantage of people for a luxury product" the follow focus is something you can do without.. but hey if u really really want it.. their gonna make u pay for it! lol
***** You're right. A follow focus is mostly for pulling multiple pre-set focus points, like with scripted films (short or feature). You can do without a follow focus if you're just running and gunning, not to mention it makes your rig considerably lighter. I got the cheapest one I could find that was still good quality, I rarely use it, though.
I think companies charge exorbitant amounts of money for somewhat simple pieces of equipment because it's an emerging market, the supply hasn't caught up with the demand, so prices are going to stay high until someone has the balls to take a chance and cut price a serious contender.
The follow focus D-gear from letusdirect was about fifty dollars. I got it in the mail yesterday, and it's literally just a piece of plastic. Something reminiscent of what you might find in a Lego box. I understand plastic keeps weight down, but fifty dollars? Really?
you can zoom in and get Focus reliably only if a lens is Parfocal. Kind of a big detail to leave out
+Allen Achterberg Your absolutely right and Parfocal lenses are vary rare in still (photo) lenses.
Vhhjkk+thinkwithpictures
The best DIY's are with Filmriot, every time I search for something I'm coming to you guys.
I luv the fast talking, keep it up, time is money !
It's been a few months since I watched FilmRiot--I'm so glad you guys are still doing the same incredible work that you always do!
This was the best intro ever
My god. You have no idea how much you guys help me learn. Outside of how much you save my pockets. I'm constantly inspired by your work and tutorials. Thanks so much. I'll definitely look into the 5$ jar opener. Hopefully the legit version graces me sooner than later.
Haha, the video at the beginning needs some serious youtube surfing to find out the joke.
Randomnick123 it’s a good meme
Here are 3 different types of FF I've tried, in 3 different price ranges. :
- low budget : D-Focus v3 : pretty good Follow focus for about 150$
- very low budget : Focusshifter (an awesome kickstarter project) - a little "plasticky" but really useful for a one man band
- no budget : clamp, elastic band and bolt. Look it up, works ok...
he talks so fast, I only understand höbläbloblablubbablaäbubblabläubabblabubb at the beginning xD
he s simply on drugs ! coffein pills !
He speaks too much. God! Just for a jar opener ? It is not worth it!
Play it at .75%
oh wow josh nailed that cry!! LMAO!!!
someone was trying to sell the jar openers on amazon for $1000 (used)
lol
Vasily mat When you see that it means there not in stock so rather than removing the item in inventory they price it in a way it wont sell then when they have more in stock they price it correctly.
oh ok
I just ordered my first DSLR and all of a sudden these DIY really mean alot!
I tried to change the resolution 2 times on this video on the parts that were out of focus. I thought the auto TH-cam resolution set it to 144p
Lol
Glad you gave Knoptop a shout-out. That man is the man, man!
I still watch it on 2017😮
True. My 18-55 IS II does get out of focus too when changing focal lengths.
I always use the Camera's digital zoom to focus.
wow i am actually debating whether to get this plus some cool focus stuffz or a rode ntg 2 for audio soultion and at the end the end of the vid he literally said to go with the audio solution.
I used a T2i for years and loved it. Its an awesome deal because the T3i and T4i are out driving the T2i's price down, but they have the same sensor, so they're not worth it (Unless you REALLY need that flip screen). Mine held out just fine until I bought a 5DMkII.
1000th comment maybe mom will finally love me!
aww. bless you
dont get your hopes up
i wish my mom loved me......
300 episodes of FilmRiot! Booya granma!!!
All the best to you guys and keep up the great show!
Why is a follow focus $800
because the price of plastic and a few screws went up 1000% lol NOT
Because it's a specialised piece of equipment that is specifically designed to work with PL lenses. If something is specialised it'll cost a lot more even if the component parts don't add up to that price. $800 is a mid priced one. For top of the range or remote focus you're talking $1500. If you're working as a first AC though it's a necessary expense and one that you'll quickly make the money back on.
Thomas Milder Because a 3D printer is $1000 and we don't know how to use CAD.
Gaius Concord you won't like a 3D printed follow focus, it should be made out of aluminum, brass and some stainless steel screw and locks. It won't be logical to make a follow focus, that shakes, squeeze and crackle a lot, because that is the exect things we want to avoid.
Back in the day when I had a Nikkor 70-210 f4-5.6 on my film bodies. I would zoom in to check focus, tweak it, then zoom back out. I found out the hard way that not all lenses keep the same focus point throughout the zoom range.
you should speak a little bit slower :)
You can hack a follow focus/marker combo with a couple of 'Celery Rubber Bands' Put one on the focus after pushing a nail (snip the point off first DUH) to use as the 'rod' like the jar opener end acts as the 'stick'… add a second rubber band next to it for marking focal points and does an 'okay' job like the jar opener AND still works on smaller photog lenses … which the jar openers sometimes don't.
Jar opener, or a $0.15 zap strap. :/
Holy Shit Bucket Thats is the best idea EVER!!!!
We must share this to the WORLD!
good idea, but I would be concerned with getting sharp objects near my lenses/camera
This guy talks fast, but I like him. He gets the info across and doesn't waste my time.
make a video "how to make 360° video"
On the UK Amazon site, this jar opener is actually advertised as a jar opener/grip for follow focus!
Hhahahaha, what the heck was that intro? :D
AlexTrikTV its a paraody of another video haah
Plenty of things do have an eyepiece, if you're pointing specifically at DSLR's, which always have had this limitation then, look at normal video cameras and normal pro cameras still with have eyepieces.
As far as expense, I was speaking about optical viewfinders, if we're talking about electronic like a small LCD + Diopter, then yes it's not that big of a deal, and that's how most viewfinders are designed. Optical requires a lot of work to make it work right with mirrors and prisms and such.
the answer of the title is at... 80% (6:58) of the video... wtf !! annoying...
Just a note about zooming in to check focus ; you can't guarantee that your subject will be in focus using a zoom lens on a dslr, it's preferable to use the digital zoom, unless of course, your're using a cine lens.
damn you click bait title!
I look forward to Mondays and Thursdays, now. Thanks to Film Riot.
You should speak slowly if you want non english speakers understanding your videos.
There's no time limit on youtube.
HAPPY 300th VIDEO FILMRIOT
Just annoying - had to stop watching after 1:03 ...
StonyRC They were mimicking a scene from an intervention show.
still annoying.. not funny at all
@5:00 - jumping to max zoom to find your focus then zooming back out again isn't always advisable. You need to check with your particular lens as numerous DSLR lenses need refocusing after a focal length adjustment. The stock 18-55mm glass which came with my 600D refuses to stay focused after I adjust focal length making it impossible to prefocus with zoom.
Good idea with the jar opener though, hadn't thought of that and it's a clever dampener! I've become used to needing super steady hands...
trying so hard to be amusing to the point of turn-off before I scream at unfunny US humor. Much better to get your point across without all the nonsense. Informational just the same!
Same here, the 18-55 doesn't stay in focus. My way around this is the digital zoom in the 600D, you can use this to pre focus and set focus points before you shoot.
Stop trying to be funny and cute. You're not good at it. At all.
That's means someday he'll be a great dad...
arlo4823 Stop being a negative douchebag.
Nice video! I've been looking for a good follow focus for cheap! You guys are the only reason i'm happy on Thursdays!
This guy is super ANNOYING!!
Kristóf Nagy and yet you take the time to comment shows you actually care well done you though
This will come in handy! Thanks for sharing an awesome way to pull focus while moving.
come to the damn point and save us the bullshit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ammar Keylani Is anyone stopping you from skipping ahead? No! So stop being a douchebag
Man. Thanks so much for this. Working towards a production in August, first one I'm ever directing/writing via mini-webisode-magnitude, and I'm highly uneducated, but this channel has been a HUGE help to me. Thanks for sharing and for your hard work. Definitely investing in a Follow-Focus (at least a $5 one.)
For every Canon User, since i got Magic Lantern FW on my 500D, i have pretty nice red dots for focused area on my display, makes the whole thing alot easier!
I do not work for Sony and not connected with them in any way but the a 37 is a great entry level camera and tells you automagicaly when your in focus so you don't need to measure!
that is correct. generally more expensive lens (eg canon L series) will not loose focus when the zoom level is changed. however, cheaper zooms normally do.
Hi!
Michael Stark's the one who did it.. Their previous vfx-artist, and it's done in Autodesk 3DsMax so I don't think they'll be able to cover that.
hi there James, thanks for the comment. and you know what, your thought is exactly my thought. i think i'll go for the T3i with 50mm lens. i watched your videos and they were great !
one more thing, can you recommend me some nice low-budget external mics ? like around a hundred bucks. thanks anyway James.
The jar opener loosens quickly and slides around the lens. I tried it a while ago and had high hopes for it since I'm super cheap, but you only get a few good pulls out of it before it needs to be tightened again. That said, I've been very happy with the $125 follow focus I bought on Amazon. Many companies sell the same model. I think mine is the ephoto branded version.
You should check out all the follow focuses on kickstarter! I think you'd find the SnapFocus system especially exciting.
I would strongly recommend using digital zoom over lens zooming to check focus. many cheap lens' have different focus dynamics (right word?) at the ends of the zoom range.
For canon DSLR users, magic lantern is a must. The amount of features I have come to rely on while filming is just silly. Focus peaking and 100% magic zoom window mean I know exactly whats in focus all the time
you can't zoom in to focus with all lenses, many lower end lenses change focus when zooming in. Its a good tip as long as your lens is compatible, definitely do some testing as YMMV.
Great episode.
Just an FIY, with many lenses, your focus changes as you zoom so zooming in to focus is not the right method. the correct method would be to use the digital zoom.
The intro was just CLASSIC!!!
The bit at 5:00 about zooming in, focusing, then zooming back out, only works on parfocal lenses. Not all zooms created for photography (as opposed to film & video) are parfocal (in fact, most of them aren't in my experience).
Knoptop is a great channel. In addition to good low-budget DIY builds and filmmaking techniques, the dude is super funny. :)
I won't skip the commercial because i want to support film riot. The information they divulge is priceless in the real world, and many pay thousands to get it in film schools. A few seconds of sponsor time is a minuscule price to pay. I'll actually get a domain.com hosting once my current one expires, just to support this amazing show.
Same here with my 500D and standard EF 18-55mm - im using different lenses from walimex 24mm/35mm/85mm fixed focal lenses and its completely different with each ;) so i think this jar opener could help. A rig with those nice gears would be superb i think...
Thanks for not just saying "don't do X" but for actually explaining why it might not be a good idea. I hate people who just come to videos and dispute things with absolutely no explination, comments like that just breed confusion instead of actually being helpful.
Happy 300th Video Film Riot!
Interestingly over here in the UK, the Jar Opener by the same company is more expensive than a Follow Focus that is essentially the Jar Opener but made specifically to fit around a lens
NEVER STOP MAKING VIDEOS!!!!!
I picked up these jar openers at Bed, Bath, & Beyond several months ago. They work great! Well, at least for my purposes; I've never had the luxury of using a real follow focus system. :)
I operated the camera and pulled focus simultaneously with these jar openers in my film "The Political Optometrst". And yes, I know there are several scenes out-of-focus. :)
Hi filmriot, and the youtube community.
I think the jar opener works great for larger lenses, but my favorite lens (and by far the cheapest) is my Canon 50mm. The focus ring is at a really awkward position at the front, which is angled down and is maybe a few centimeters wide. The best idea I've I've came up with is an elastic band tightened by string at one end, but it comes off a lot.
Do you (or the youtube community reading this) have any suggestions? Thanks.
Ryan, another way to zoom in to make sure that something is in focus (on a dslr) then there is a button on the side panel where it enlarges the image, not changing the zoom length. Like so Ryan can see.
I actually found you guys from Knoptop earlier this year! Both are great channels!
You have a great point. I tend to mess with my focus on my camera just filming nothing. this taught me A LOT.
I agree, my original point was that in many cases you can't check your focus by zooming in because of how many lenses work.
Best intro EVER.
The jar opener doesn't work if you lenses has some drag on it. The rubber slips on the lens and the plastic fastener does not stay tight enough.
Same happened to me. Even if the focus ring has little drag it will happen, just take a few more seconds to loose.
I use a smartphone connected to cameera USB with an app. It's not as good as a follow focus, but you can hold your finger on the area of the video you want in focus. You get auto focus jitter, but it's better than no focus!
I think hes saying sometimes zooming in and focus with the lens, vs temporarly using the digital zoom in to fix focus then zoom out. The lens one may not work on all lenses, but the digital will (for focusing by zooming)
Not to be THAT guy, and I don't know if this has been said yet, but zooming to check your focus will only work on lenses that are parfocal (I'm sure you guys know this, just throwing it out there), which means that it holds its focus point throughout the entire zoom range. A lot of lenses, especially lower cost ones, are not parfocal, and physically zooming the lens to the telephoto end to check the focus will not work, because as soon as you zoom in or out again, it will go out of focus.
Awesome techniques! Thanks!
I found this from Knoptop, love this channel.
They look better at the same price point. Better DOF too, so you can get a more filmic look. Any of the Canon DSLRs would be good. Just go with the one in your price range.
If the system Ryan showed you is too expensive, check out the 50 dollar follow focus. Works pretty much the same way only not quite as fancy, but still works well
When you zoom your lens in, focus, and zoom out it changes the focus. You should use the magnify button on your DSLR.
it's almost $80 CDN here in Canada, plus when I do a search on these it always comes up with other film gear.
Well you can go with the Rode Video mic which usually goes for around 150; this is a directional shotgun mic and it's what I currently use. Or, you can go with the Zoom H1, which usually goes for about 100; this is an external audio recorder that is omni directional. If you're just starting out it might be better to go with the Rode because it mounts nicely on top for the T3i and you don't have to sync the audio in post. Then later on you can buy a nice Zoom H4n (I'm about to get one :D)
omg, omg, omg, oh...my...god. Thank you so much! I have been trying to figure this out for like months, this is amazing.
Thank you so much guys.
It would super effing rock if you guys made a show that gave a behind the scenes look at shooting an episode of film riot!
LOVE YALL
Happy 300th video guys! To another great 300!
You can get a Type of lens called i think it's a Constant Zoom but yeah, It adjusts the focus when you change the zoom.
The 5D is overall a higher quality camera, but if have the choice of getting a crazy expensive camera and stock len vs a less expensive camera and better lenses I'd go with the better glass. Good glass investments will outlast your camera bodies, and they will have a huge impact on your image. Mexapix and big sesors are nice, but what good do they do if you're throwing light on them through cheap, less than ideal glass?
Oh filmriot I love you guys.
I personally use the Canon Rebel T3i and I love it! Since the release of the T4i, I'm sure the price of the T3i has dropped considerably and with that price drop you can invest in a 50mm f1.8 lens and you have yourself a great setup for a beginning film maker; my videos are all shot with that setup (I'm very much an amateur, so you can be the judge). So if you like how it looks and it's in your budget then I highly recommend it. Hope this helped and I wish you good luck :).
~TheJamesTheatre
They are now $5-$8 each and it appears they are all being bought by photographers. Some Walmarts have them for just under $2 each.
The tip around five minutes doesn't always work, many zoom lenses don't focus on the same distance as you zoom in. The trick only applies to cinezooms
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Who do you mean they? DLSR's are popular for being cheap, but the only way you can get an eyepiece for it is a viewfinder to attach to the screen. LCD's are cheaper to design than a live video eyepiece.
Higher end camera do it just fine.
Thanks, FilmRiot ! I am watching from China