Zacuto ZipGear Universal (any lens)
Key Features
- Offers universal compatibility, fitting virtually any lens regardless of its diameter.
- Features the industry-standard 0.8 MOD gear pitch for broad follow focus system compatibility.
- The flexible strap is easily cut to precisely match the circumference of any lens barrel.
- Enables quick and straightforward installation, taking approximately one minute per lens.
- Constructed from durable plastic with a secure locking housing for reliable, repeated use.
- Crucially allows seamless use of non-geared lenses with professional follow focus systems.
Description
Zacuto ZipGear Universal (any lens)
The Zacuto ZipGear Universal (any lens) is a highly practical and widely used accessory in filmmaking and videography. Its primary purpose is to add a standard gear ring to almost any camera lens, enabling it to work seamlessly with a follow focus system. This is especially useful for still photography lenses (DSLR/mirrorless lenses) or vintage prime lenses that don’t have built-in cine-style gear teeth.
The Zacuto ZipGear Universal consists of a flexible, toothed strap made of durable plastic material, typically about 13.5 inches (or sometimes 16 inches) in length, and a small locking housing (often made of metal or robust composite). The strap has a standard 0.8 pitch, which is the common gear tooth spacing used in professional cinema follow focus systems.
To install, the operator simply wraps the ZipGear strap around the focus or zoom ring of their lens. The “universal” aspect comes from the fact that it can then be cut to the precise circumference of that lens ring. The two ends of the cut strap are then inserted into the gear locking housing, which is tightened to secure the ZipGear firmly onto the lens. This quick and easy installation (often quoted as taking about one minute) instantly transforms a “gearless” lens into one that can be precisely controlled by a follow focus unit, allowing for smooth and repeatable focus pulls or zoom transitions.
Key Features of the Zacuto ZipGear Universal (any lens):
- Universal Compatibility: Designed to fit virtually any lens, regardless of its diameter, including prime, zoom, still, or cine lenses without built-in gears.
- Standard 0.8 Pitch: Features the industry-standard 0.8 MOD (Module) gear pitch, ensuring compatibility with most professional follow focus units.
- Customizable Length: The flexible strap can be easily cut to the exact circumference of the lens barrel, providing a snug and precise fit.
- Quick & Easy Installation: Simple wrap-around, cut-to-size, and tighten mechanism allows for rapid setup in about one minute.
- Durable Construction: Made from robust plastic with a secure locking housing, designed for reliable and repeated use on set.
- Enables Follow Focus on Any Lens: Crucially allows filmmakers to utilize their existing non-geared lenses with professional follow focus systems for precise and smooth focus pulls.