2010Follow Focus forum
Wireless follow focus systems for RED camera on steadicam
16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Dedicated FIZ units that control focus, iris, and zoom simultaneously are available from rental houses starting around $380 per day, with prices negotiable.
- Multi-channel wireless follow focus systems allow independent control of different functions, while single-channel units limit simultaneous motor operation.
- A full-size steadicam rig with RED camera, zoom lens, and three-motor follow focus system requires significant payload capacity and operator experience.
- Two-motor or single-motor follow focus solutions can be adequate for many situations, especially when using prime lenses and planning shots to maintain consistent exposure.
- Hiring an experienced steadicam operator who brings their own follow focus system is often more cost-effective and reliable than attempting the setup without professional expertise.
- Budget-friendly follow focus units like BFD systems can be layered together to add functionality if needed.
Depends on
- Discussion is from 2010 and equipment options may have changed.
- Rental availability and pricing are location-dependent.
- The decision between single, dual, or triple motor systems depends on specific shot requirements and whether all three functions must change simultaneously.
- No definitive answer provided on whether combining zoom, focus, and iris changes in single shots is common practice.
Gear in this thread
Parts
Same gear or parts
- 2026Pulling focus and zoom yourself while operating, especially on live showsOperator practice
- 2026Swapping an ARRI ALEXA 35 between tripod/studio and Steadicam® mounting: baseplate choice and fastest workflow.FacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2025History of wireless focus and lens control systems for Steadicam®: from cable-based Cinema Products and Seitz to Preston digital, and European solutions by Chrosziel, cmotion, and ARRI.FacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2025LC-1 (Lens Control-1) follow focus system: wired architecture, motors, and early operational experience (1990s).FacebookThe Steadicam Group