FocusShifter Follow Focus System Review

A lot of the gear that I review is pretty expensive, but it’s good to know that there are some relatively inexpensive gear accessories that can make a big difference in your life.  If you like to shoot DSLR video you probably know that in many situations manual focus works best.  It gives you more finite control over what is in focus and the speed of transition in getting from one focus point to another.  Servo Autofocus in video mode has really improved on many cameras (the DPAF in the new Canon 80D is pretty fantastic – see my review here), and having a touchscreen to select where you want the camera to focus is fantastic.  But nothing really compares to a well executed manual focus pull that delivers a more organic, artistic result.  And, of course, some of the best lenses for video (and best lenses, period), are manual focus only.  For under $50 the crowd funded (Kickstarter) FocusShifter really helps you to nail focus every time.

Here are a few helpful links:

1. FocusShifter Website
2. List of lenses tested to be compatible with the FocusShifter
3. Kickstarter Campaign Page
4. To Purchase One ($49)

In the video below I demonstrate what all comes with the FocusShifter system, how it works, and give my opinion of it all.

If you plan to do some video work and don’t have something like the FocusShifter, I think it is well worth taking a look at.  It can be easily packed along and can really help you to achieve beautiful results when used correctly.

Gear Used:

FocusShifter Follow Focus for DSLR
Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera (Body Only)
Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD (in Canada) (Use code AMPLIS52016DA to get 5% off)
Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD (USA and World)
Canon EOS 80D
EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Adobe Lightroom CC Software for Mac and Windows (Boxed Version)
Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud 1-Year Subscription
Alien Skin Exposure X (Use Code “dustinabbott” to get 10% anything and everything)

Purchasing your gear through B&H and these links helps fund this website and keeps the articles coming. Thank you for your support.

Great News! I can now offer a 5% discount on all purchases at Amplis Foto, Canada’s Leading Photographic Supplier. Please enter discount code: AMPLIS52016DA in your cart. It is good for everything in your cart, and is stackable with other coupons, too! It will take 5% off your entire order! Proceeds go towards keeping this site going and providing you with new reviews!

Check me out on:

Google+: | Facebook: | Twitter: | Flickr: | 500px: | Sign Up for My Newsletter :