2015Follow Focus forum
Performance and practicality assessment of the Cinegears Express Plus single-channel digital focus system
What the thread found
- The Cinegears system weighs approximately 370 grams and functions as a lightweight pilot focus solution.
- Motor speed reaches nearly 3 revolutions per second at maximum with acceleration ramping for smooth operation.
- System response lag is present but considered acceptable for smaller diameter lenses with shorter focus throw.
- Focus precision is stable with no drift, and programmed settings are retained after power-off.
- Motor noise becomes audible during fast movements, with minor clicking sounds from gearbox play at extreme speed changes.
- Gearbox play measures less than 0.5 millimeters of translation on the lens gear.
- The remote control is compact and lightweight enough to mount on gimbal handles using a supplied clamp.
- Four programmable focus stops can be set via the remote control, or the remote functions as a manual thumb wheel.
- The system works with manual focus lenses like Samyang VDSLR glass that lack a hard infinity stop, using auto-mapping to accommodate the limitation.
- Only one of five available gears is aluminum construction, with the remaining four made from plastic.
- The integrated motor-receiver design is more compact than competitor systems with separate receivers.
Depends on
- Motor speed may feel insufficient for large-diameter cinema lenses with longer focus throws.
- Manual mapping feature is noted as overly complicated because stops cannot be adjusted using the remote control.
- Gearbox play, while currently minimal, could worsen over time and require customer service evaluation.
- Remote control placement on gimbal handles can become cramped and obstruct the top stage in some configurations.
- Long-term durability of plastic gears remains untested.
- Compatibility and performance specifically tested only with smaller diameter Samyang manual focus lenses.