Matte boxes and FIZ

Filter size and tray count. 4x5.65" is the working standard. Count how many filters you stack at once — a two-stage box holds two trays, and adding a third later means a new box.

Clamp-on or rod-mounted. Clamp-on (SmallRig's Mini Matte Box and Mini Matte Box Pro) attaches to the lens thread, is fast and light, and suits small rigs. Swing-away boxes on 15 mm LWS rods let you change lenses without removing the box.

Rod standard. 15 mm LWS for mirrorless and small cinema rigs, 19 mm studio for heavy builds. Lens supports and follow focus have to match.

Choosing follow focus

Manual or wireless. A manual unit — the mini Follow Focus and mini Follow Focus F40 — is cheaper and has zero latency, but the operator has to be at the camera. Wireless handwheel controllers put the puller at a distance, which is what a gimbal or a jib requires.

Gear ring fit. Every lens needs a 0.8 MOD gear ring or a seamless focus gear. Check the barrel diameter.

Broadcast lens controllers — zoom demands and focus demands for box lenses — are also here, and are usually quoted as part of a system.