Anyone who’s watched one of my camera review / unboxing videos (PhotographyREVIEW.com YouTube Channel) knows I’m a thoroughly mediocre video maker. I’ve picked up a little k-nowledge making crappy box opening videos, though. One thing that’s very clear is you can’t focus smoothly using the focus ring on a digital SLR lens. That’s why videographers who know what they’re doing invest in slick “follow focus” systems. The problem is, a decent follow focus system starts at $500 or $600 – and that’s just for one lens. So I was pretty excited when I stumbled across the Focus Shifter Facebook page. The Focus Shifter is so simple and elegant compared to a traditional geared follow focus system. And it’s cheap! You can be up and running with the Focus Shifter for as little as $50. I’m sure there are plenty of reasons why a geared follow focus system is better. But there are fifty reasons why I’m planning to buy the Focus Shifter instead.
The Focus Shifter is available direct, online from the Focus Shifter Web site. It’s made by Microfacturing, a team of creative guys from Atlanta, Georgia. According to their About page, they do their best to manufacturer everything in-house and everything they sell is made in the USA. The Focus Shifter costs US $49.99 for one lens or, if you have multiple lenses, you can get two for $89.99 or three for $124.99.
Related Content:
Digital Video Forum
Digital SLR Forum
Focus Shifter Web Site
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