Focus gear rings, also known as follow-focus rings or lens
gears, are circular bands that attach to your camera lenses. Filmmakers,
videographers, and photographers who need precise and repeatable manual focus
control tend to use focus-ring camera setups.
These rings are essential for achieving smooth and accurate
focusing while recording video or capturing images, especially when using
follow-focus systems or lens-control motors.
How to Use Focus Rings
Focus gear rings work by providing a tactile and
standardized surface for attaching external follow-focus mechanisms or
lens-control motors. The focus gear ring is typically made of a durable
material like rubber or silicone, and it features gear teeth on the outer
surface.
You slide the ring onto your lens, ensuring it fits snugly
and aligns with the lens's manual focusing ring. Once attached, the focus
ring’s teeth provide a consistent and textured surface that can be engaged by
the teeth on an external-follow focus system or motor.
Precision Focusing Control
By rotating the follow-focus wheel or using an electronic
remote control unit, you can precisely adjust the focus of your lens. The gear
system on the focus gear ring ensures that the focus movement is smooth,
repeatable, and free from the jerky or jumpy inconsistencies that can occur
when manually turning the lens's focus ring.
Stock Up on Focus Rings
The number of focus gear rings you need depends on the
number of lenses in your kit and your shooting requirements. It’s a good idea
to keep your focus rings in place on your lenses so you can make quick lens
switches. You should have as many focus rings as you have lenses.
You can choose to purchase focus gear rings individually for
each lens or invest in a set of rings that covers a range of lens sizes.
Purchasing focus gear rings in kits is often more cost-effective and convenient
if you frequently use different lenses. Kits also help ensure that all of your
focus rings are compatible with your follow-focus system.
Compatibility
While some focus rings are universal thanks to their
stretchy silicone material, rigid focus rings are often specific to a camera
brand and lens model. Be sure to double-check compatibility with your gear
before purchasing focus gear rings.
Industry-Approved Focus Ring Camera Systems
Any time you invest in videography gear, we recommend
checking out the options available from the top brands in the industry. And
when you’re considering adding a focus gear ring to your kit, you can find
high-quality options from brands like SmallRig,
Chrosziel,
and Tilta
right here at Adorama.
