Grandpa Loc: Sacramento, CA

I have a Canon T1i and when I am shooting video with a 55-250mm lens when I zoom in it is out of focus. How do I stay in focus when zooming in and out?

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

Sorry, I just checked in here today, as there has been almost no activitiy and I am considering asking Admin to eliminate the forum. Your thoughts on this issue, welcomed.

I attended a DSLR workshop recently that recommended always using manual focus. Hard to do. In real-life movie making, the cameraman has an assistant whose job it is to focus the camera. A focus puller, is the job title. Some situations, low light for example, can confuse the auto focus sensor. Chaos as it jumps around trying to find the subject you intend.

You will see in many films, when the camera zooms in or out, focus is gradually attained. When consistently done, it can appear as a style choice. I suspect when you see just sharpness from scene to scene, the look is achieved in editing.

Good question. Hope this helps.

Grandpa Loc: Sacramento, CA

Thank you. It does help. Now I just need to practice before my Granddaughter's Christmas show at school.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Focus to include the entire show then sit back and enjoy the performance.

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

I also remember from the Canon DSLR Video event I attended the presenter mentioning focusing aids.

I looked for specific aids for this and found something called "Adjustable Follow Focus Lens Gear Ring for DSLR Lens."

Search this term on Amazon and you will find several types listed accompanied by user reviews. They are geared to resist and avoid slippage. Cost is modest. I just ordered three and intend to try them for still shooting as well.

The Canon rep also suggested trying appropriately sized cable ties, leaving a long end as the "puller."

These devices, once again, emphasizing the need to turn auto focus OFF for video.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Great suggestions and if you are into DIY these might be fun too http://filmmakeriq.com/2011/04/22-diy-dslr-camera-rigs/

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

Thanks for the link St3 = great resource to explore. I'll want to go back and watch those videos.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

If you find any you especially like please share.

gessman Loc: Colorado

At Bed, Bath, and Beyond they sell some rubber jar opening "wrenches" that you can zoom and focus with. They're about $2.50 and they give you just enough play so the action isn't too jerky.

I prefer to shut down when I need to zoom or focus, do so, then restart, pulling the clips together with a fading transition when editing. It offers much smoother and more enjoyable video rather than zooming and focusing on the fly. Upon release of the 5D2 Canon advised to neither focus or zoom with it. I could never do so without a lot of camera shake which wasn't very much fun to watch in playback. Shortly after the 5D2 release, all kinds of add-on gear started being invented that would help you achieve focus and zooming.

Something you could aim for might be to buy a t4i with the new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. The t4i and the three STM lens are the only Canon gear that offers "follow focus." The other two STM lens are a 40mm f/2 STM and an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

As a now retired broadcast television videographer I'd say zooming during video is a very poor technique at best. What it does end up doing is making your audience queasy.

Good luck