What is a focal reducer and is it worth it? Here’s the video that tells you like it is:

Which is the best focal reducer?

1. My pick: Metabones Speedbooster (Amazon, B&H)

Advantages:

  1. First (in recent times) to make these
  2. Have a lot of options for different formats and lenses
  3. Weather sealing
  4. Rugged and well-built, zero play
  5. Proven track record with regular firmware updates
  6. Twist lock in some models
  7. Autofocus in some models

2. If you want something more: Aputure LensRegain (Amazon, B&H)

Advantages:

  1. Control aperture and focus (manual only) via a grip you can attach to the tripod handle
  2. Set A and B stops for focus pulls
  3. Wireless with good battery life
  4. Lock iris
  5. Control record on/off
  6. Both transmitter and grip are paired in the factory and I’ve had zero issues.

Disadvantages:

  • Not great build quality
  • My LED on the transmitter has died already. Am not sure how reliable they are in the field (mine hasn’t even left my office!)
  • Only useful if you’re standing behind the tripod for long events.

 

Related Articles

  1. What is Focal Length in Cinematography?
  2. The Focal Lengths and Lenses used by Great Directors
  3. How I understand the Focal Length of a Lens (Part Two): Focal Lengths
  4. What is the Flange Focal Distance and How to Find More Lenses for Your Camera
  5. What Lens to Get? Part Two: FOV and Focal Lengths

5 replies on “What is a Focal Reducer (Speedbooster, LensRegain) and Do You Really Need One?”

  1. Some History: The focal reducer (for cameras) was patented by Kodak for their very early DSLR cameras. They sold the patent to generate funds a few years ago and that’s why we are seeing the boom of focal reducers used in cameras since Metabones started producing them (the best ones IMHO).

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