GEAR MINI TESTS
CUSTOM KIT The system comes with everything needed to add a follow focus to select Samyang lenses
“It’s easy to use, simple to adjust and gives precise control” In use, this is a smooth and well- damped unit that feels much better than its low price might suggest. There are adjustable A and B stops so you can rack focus between the two points, too. It’s all simple to set up and adjust, and ultimately gives very precise control. If you own a Samyang Sony E-mount VDSLR MK2 or AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE, it makes for a great purchase that’s light, compact and easy to use. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 8/10 Great product, but fits limited optics Pros: Inexpensive, good build quality, smooth Cons: Only suitable for 62mm lenses SPECIFICATIONS Fitment: 62mm lens diameter for Samyang Sony E-mount VDSLR MK2 and AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE Gear ring diameter: 81-83mm Gear size: M0.8-43T/43T/38T Rod dimensions (dxl): 15x10mm Focus: A and B stops
SAMYANG CINE KIT £348/$TBC samyanglens.com
the baseplate, small rod and follow focus mechanics are fastened to that. It’s less complicated, quicker to fit and is a unique solution. It’s built for Samyang by SmallRig, which knows a thing or two about camera accessories, and it shows. Build quality is very good. The obvious issue is that it only officially fits the previously mentioned lenses, with their 62mm diameter near the lens mount. We tried it on a Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master – a strikingly similar lens to the Samyang version – and it fit reasonably well, though not perfectly. If you are thinking of purchasing one for non-approved lenses, try before you buy. On the approved Samyang lens, fitting was a breeze. The lens clamp attached to the small baseplate, then it fit perfectly around the lens throat and was snuggled down with no fuss. The follow focus mechanism is then attached to the 15mm diameter rod which goes inside the baseplate. It’s then a matter of adjusting the sliding arms to get the position dead on for your lens. And it fits to the right or left side, whichever you prefer.
There’s nothing quite like the tactile feel and accuracy of focusing a lens using a large follow focus wheel that falls naturally in your hand. Lots of manufacturers offer these, but some are vastly pricey and you need to buy some sort of camera cage or large baseplate with rods when using them on mirrorless cameras. Then you need to make sure you have the right size of adjustable arms and follow focus gears to fit your specific lenses. But for owners of Samyang’s Sony E-mount VDSLR MK2 lenses or the brand’s newest AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE, there’s a simpler and comparatively inexpensive option. The £348/$TBC Samyang Cine Kit clamps around the lens instead of onto rails or a rig; then
SNUG FIT The approved 62mm optics are a perfect match, but a limiting factor
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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