SteadiHub
2013Follow Focus forum

Selecting a follow focus system for a beginner cinematographer

13 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • A follow focus system should be chosen for reliability rather than economy, as the assistant camera depends on it functioning consistently during production.
  • Bartech systems are recognized as durable, maintain resale value, and are widely accepted on professional sets.
  • The Hocus Focus Axis 1 system was emerging as a competitive alternative with good early reviews and comparable pricing to digital Bartech units.
  • Renting follow focus equipment on a project basis may be preferable to purchasing an unfamiliar or budget brand system.
  • Assistant camera operators prefer working with standard, industry-recognized follow focus systems rather than uncommon brands.

Depends on

  • The original poster's experience was limited to observing a Bartech system two years prior; no hands-on operator experience was mentioned.
  • Reviews of the Redrock Micro system mentioned in the thread were described as mixed but no specific technical details were provided.
  • The Axis 1 system was described as new at the time of discussion with limited long-term performance data available.
  • Pricing information was not detailed beyond general cost comparisons.

Gear in this thread

Zephyrcatalog

Parts

Follow Focus

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