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Tilta
Hard Shell Waterproof Safety Case for Dual-sided Cine Follow Focus Kit
Regular price $89.00Unit price
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Up to $8.00 offKondor Blue
15mm Single Rod Holder for Follow Focus
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Follow Focus Systems for Cinema & Video Production
Precise focus pulling is the difference between a professional cinema look and amateur video. Impulse Camera Store carries mechanical follow focus systems, wireless lens control systems, and digital follow focus motors from Tilta, SmallRig, Bright Tangerine, and other professional brands. Whether you're running a compact mirrorless rig on a gimbal, building a traditional rod-based cinema setup, or operating a remote camera system, a follow focus system gives your AC the control needed to execute clean, repeatable focus moves on every take.
Buying Guide: Follow Focus Systems
Mechanical Follow Focus
Traditional mechanical follow focus systems mount to 15mm or 19mm studio rods and drive the lens focus ring via a gear or friction drive. A white marking disk lets the focus puller notate marks for critical distances. These systems are reliable, require no charging, and work with any lens that has a gear ring or smooth focus barrel. Best for rod-based rigs where the camera position is fixed.
Wireless Follow Focus Systems
Wireless lens control motors — like the Tilta Nucleus-Nano and Nucleus-M — attach directly to the lens focus ring and receive commands from a handheld wheel controller. This allows the focus puller to stand away from the camera, essential for gimbal work, camera car shots, and any run-and-gun scenario where the camera is moving unpredictably. RF protocols are preferred for reliability on busy sets.
Gear Rings & Lens Adapters
Most cinema lenses have built-in 0.8 mod gear rings. Photo lenses typically do not — they require a stick-on or clamping gear ring matched to their focus barrel diameter. Measure your lens focus ring diameter carefully before purchasing gear rings. Many follow focus systems include a friction drive option that works without a gear ring on any smooth barrel.
Digital Follow Focus
PL-mount cinema lenses with LDS or /i Technology can interface with follow focus systems that read and record lens metadata — focus distance, T-stop, focal length — for VFX tracking and lens data logging. This level of integration is primarily relevant for narrative film and high-end commercial production.
What is the difference between a mechanical and wireless follow focus?
A mechanical follow focus mounts to the camera rig via rods and drives the lens directly through a gear or friction mechanism. A wireless system uses a motor that attaches to the lens and is controlled via a separate wheel unit — allowing the operator to stand away from the camera. Wireless is essential for gimbal work and any moving-camera scenario.
Will a follow focus work with my mirrorless lenses?
Yes, with some preparation. Photo lenses have smooth or ribbed focus barrels that may require friction drive or a stick-on gear ring. Cinema lenses have standardized 0.8 mod gear rings built in. For wireless motors, check that the motor's torque is sufficient to drive your lens — some large photo lenses with stiff focus rings need higher-torque motors.
What is the Tilta Nucleus-Nano and who is it for?
The Tilta Nucleus-Nano is a compact, lightweight wireless lens control system designed for mirrorless camera rigs and gimbals. It's a popular entry-level wireless follow focus for solo operators and small crews working with lighter camera and lens combinations. It supports both follow focus and iris control on compatible lenses.
Do I need a follow focus for gimbal shooting?
A wired mechanical follow focus won't work on a gimbal since the operator isn't holding the camera. For gimbal work, a wireless follow focus motor — like the Tilta Nucleus-Nano — is the standard solution. Many modern gimbals have motor ports that can power and communicate with compatible lens control systems directly.
What rod diameter does a follow focus mount to?
Most ENG and cinema follow focus systems mount to 15mm LWS (lightweight support) rods. High-end studio and feature film setups use 19mm studio rods. Check your existing rod system before purchasing a follow focus — the two sizes are not cross-compatible without adapters. Most mirrorless and indie cinema rigs use 15mm rods.
Visit Us in Milwaukee — Impulse Camera Store serves Milwaukee-area video professionals and cinematographers. Stop in to see our follow focus selection or email sales@impulsemke.com to discuss your rig setup and lens compatibility.
