FocusShifter is a uniquely simple follow focus system. It securely attaches to any DSLR or mirrorless camera lens with no additional equipment required. Seamlessly shift between hard or soft stops using the included compact marker board. Perfect for indie filmmakers, run-and-gun videographers, photojournalists, students, or anyone wanting to upgrade their capabilities. FocusShifter is an affordable tool for enhancing your technical finesse behind the lens while adding new dimension to your creative work.
Nail your Focus
FocusShifter’s simplistic design lets you focus on your art, not the equipment. Capture ultra smooth focus pulls with precision using FocusShifter. Comfortably use the lens without twisting your hand into uncomfortable positions, bumping the camera, or getting your hand in the shot. Use with narrow focus rings to keep your fingers from falling into frame. The included marker board allows you to visualize your focus points OR add the hard stop clips to rack focus while keeping your eyes on the shot. No additional equipment or operators are needed, making FocusShifter perfect for everyone from people getting their start, to small production teams, to seasoned pros.
Fast and Easy SetupFocusShifter is easy to install. FocusShifter and the marker board attach quickly and easily to any lens. Once the FocusShifter is adjusted to your lens, it takes just a few seconds to setup and takedown. Keep FocusShifter attached to your lens when transporting for even faster set-up. Perfect for run-and-gun videography and photojournalism. FocusShifter is compatible with most DSLR, Micro 4/3, and other interchangeable camera lenses with a focus ring outer diameter between 56mm and 98mm. You can also use FocusShifter to improve manual focus speed and accuracy when taking photographs. Easily make fine adjustments with shallow depth of field lenses. Add a second Shifter to use on the zoom ring!
Marker boardHit your focus marks every time with precision. Use the marker board to visualize your focus points.
Hard stopsAdd the hard stop clips to rack focus while keeping your eyes on the shot.
Adjustable to fit most lenses.FocusShifter is compatible with most DSLR, Micro 4/3, and other interchangeable camera lenses with a focus ring outer diameter between 56mm (2.20in) and 98mm (3.86in).
The Follow Focus, Simplified.We set out on a mission to simplify the follow focus, making it easy to setup and use. FocusShifter is designed, prototyped and manufactured by Engineerable, a product design and manufacturing studio based in Atlanta, GA and led by Daniel Bauen. We specialize in innovations that enhance the functionality and versatility of products serving creative industries. We deliver simplicity, durability and quality in our products so you can stay focused on your art. Engineerable takes great pride in assembling its products in the USA.
About the StartupDescribe your product in 3 words.
DSLR Follow Focus
How did you come up with the idea for this product?
Looking to make a video for a product idea, we were introduced to Jake Snowden, a diy videographer and film student. After conversations with Jake about how expensive and specialized film and video equipment has become and brainstorming diy solutions for the industry, we began to narrow-in on an idea for a simple follow focus. After several prototypes and iterations were 3-D printed and field tested, we sought start-up funding for production of injection molded parts. FocusShifter was successfully funded on KickStarter in 2012 and again with an improvement to the design (added counterbalance) in 2013 and 2016.
What makes your product special?
FocusShifter is unique in its simplicity. It is fast and easy to set-up and use and attaches directly to your DSLR camera lens. There is no need for rails or other equipment. FocusShifter allows seamless shifting between focal points using hard or soft stops, but without the expense of a standard follow focus. FocusShifter is built for durability using high quality parts assembled in the USA.
What has been the best part of your startup experience?
Interacting with our customers has been, by far, the best part of our start-up experience. We have particularly enjoyed seeing the creative work of FocusShifter users and hearing stories from them about how FocusShifter has helped them with their projects. We’ve also enjoyed listening and sharing ideas about improvements that have been made to FocusShifter since we first launched (i.e. the balance counterweight and hard stops).