One plus for the SmallRig: one can temporarily disable even screwed A/B-Stops by flipping the nose which stops them up. Does not work on the Tilta, because it is not flippable. On SmallRig you don't have to screw the stops loose for a fast turn, just flip the stop nose. But: SmallRig says there are no spare screws. As all of SmallRigs gear there are NO spare parts available. Don't know how if Tilta's support is better. I think the focus rings are compatible because of the same gear specs.
Interesting. I tried testing a friends Tilta mini follow focus and when hitting the hard stops at the end of my lenses the entire rubber part of the wheel was capable of rotating and did. And for me that immediately made me not want to use it anymore. Hence trying to find info about the SmallRig. Now it sounds like both options aren’t so great. I was trying to avoid paying the exorbitant cost of a Wooden Zip Focus, but maybe there is no other choice.
Thanks for the comparison. Do either of these have more reach or adjustability? My camera is elevated on my shoulder rig, which puts more distance between the 15mm rods and the lens. Top mounting is a nice option, but my shoulder rig doesn't accommodate that. BTW, Tilta has a new model (FF-T07) which has updated the hard stops to be easily disabled.
Hey man. Great Video but I have one question: I bought a smallrig one myself and when I turn the wheel from one into the Other direction, there is like a little wiggle. Like 1 or 2 mm that I have to turn before the mechanism is starting to work. Is that by default with every unit or is mine like kinda defect?
Very good quality review. But I could lose something: Is it possible to reverse the direction of rotation related to the lens? Basically, I need the lens to rotate counterclockwise when I turn the knob clockwise... ??? Thanks!
Scott thanks for your comparison, I would like to know if it has a "strong resistance" when you turn the wheel. I'll explain, I have a sony 24 105, it's quite used and when I put the lens looking down, the lens falls a little to the end. I would like you to advise me if you think that installing this FOLLOW FOCUS would help it to not fall. The correct thing would be to repair it but I would like you to give me what you think. Thanks!
Smallrig wins for better more functional hard stops and alternative gears that could work better with cine lenses. Haven’t tried them yet but I’m very happy with the Tilta as well, especially since I don’t use the hard stops most of the time. If you’re happy with it, no need to go for another one
I have no idea whats going on, but those seamless FF rings were available on B&H as a Tilta product for $2 a pop, so I bought 2x ea. Now, they are an 'extremely similar' product from Smallrig for $2 a pop and the Tilta ones are NLA....
Good review, I really love using the Tilta, the one arm connection is fine. I agree those hard stops are a pain, for most handheld there isn't much need for them. I've found the Tilta Focus Gear Rings are much better than adjustable and at on two quid (£2) pretty cheap and you leave them on each lens so it's ready to go.
Hi. Thanks for the great review. Did you find the stopping points more reliable on either? I've seen that sometimes there is a bit of additional movement on some models. Thanks
If I had to say one way or the other I might say there's like 0.001% more play in the Tilta actually... at least in my experience... but neither have caused me any issues.
Hi, enjoyed your video...well presented thank you. I have a long lens which is the nikon 180-400 f4e fl ed. Are these okay to use with it or do you recomend something different for longer lenses. thanks
Thanks to your video i know i can use a monitor mount nato rail with the rail that comes with the follow focus, you used a top handle (1:29) but i guess is the same
This is great thanks! I was wondering: would either of these work with larger lenses (think 300mm) or do they only really work with smaller, lighter ones?
I think it would depend more on the reistance of the focus rings, not the focal length. Also depending how long the focus throw is, a smaller or larger gear might help to pull focus more accurately but I don't see why they wouldn't work in general :)
I love focus pulling. On the sets I've been, focus pulling seemed like so much fun to me and I'd love to apply it in my own projects as well (using either a follow focus or a wireless). The thing is though, I only have 2 cheap lenses for my A7iii. The 28mm F2, and the 50mm F1.8. The follow focus having hard stops would be perfect, if these lenses don't rely on how fast you turn the focus wheel... I could travel the same distance physically with the lens, but depending on the speed in which I turn it ends up at a different focus point. So in order to properly pull focus with a follow or wireless I'd need to buy cine lenses which are way more expensive than the lenses I currently own. Might need to sell a kidney
There are actually some Sony lenses (and Canon, actually) recently that do have repeatable focus throws, or a setting to make it that way, even though they're electronically controlled.
I just got my first vintag lens a few days ago and really like the tactile feel. Maybe get a Helios 44-2 or something similar to get that mechanic focus ring. I got the Pentacon 50mm 1.8 and an adapter for around 50 USD!
Thanks! Shouldn't be a problem... cinema cameras will often have motors/follow focus units for focus, zoom and iris, so it should be a similar setup. Depending on the lens the only issue I could imagine is how smoothly the lens zooms.
Thanks very much :) It's a very hard decision. I'm used to the tilta so I like it more, but if I got the Smallrig first I'd feel very satisfied too. Having both now, I could close my eyes and grab one when going on a shoot and I'll be happy whichever I end up with.
I’d say if you want to take advantage of the hard stops, go with Smallrig. And they also make different sized gears which could possibly make it work much better with cine lenses/a longer focus throw. But the Tilta feels better. Depends on your priorities mostly I think.
The smallrig screws work themselves out over time, you won't even notice losing them. Smallrig charges you $5 per screw and $10 shipping. Should be covered by manufacturers warranty.
I have the same question. Has anyone already found out whether they are suitable or not? Or maybe replaceable gears from other brands (Fotga for example) are suitable for Tilta Mini FF?
Hi! Unfortunately I don't think you can really do anything that effects how it feels... that may change over time as it gets broken in perhaps? But there's no resistance/tension adjustment or anything like that.
Great comparison video. Does your Smallrig FF have backlash or slop in the gear? Mine did and I returned it. It had a couple of millimeters of play before it engaged. The Titla has zero backlash. Here is a video I did showing the problem. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-inLSvsu5z-0.html
I can’t say it’s perfect but it’s nothing like in your video, something looks almost loose in your video, not sure if it actually is broken? But it’s not perfect either so maybe just the extreme end of their tolerances? 🤨
