I'm purchasing a T2i within the next couple weeks, and I was wondering about the feasibility of of using it with something along the lines of the Trovato Tote Jib. Will a typical follow focus allow me to control the focus from a slight distance, what would I need to control the camera? Is it even possible?

Thanks.

Cole,
I shot the following with a T2i on a Kessler KC-8 crane: YouTube - Runway Racers (teaser) - Supercars racing to breakneck speeds in Miami (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaZa2GKqMJ0)

There wasn't any remote control for that shoot, but next time I will use a netbook with the Canon EOS utility.

most remote jib heads can be set up with lens controls - motors with gears. you'll need rods under it, and gears on your lens, but otherwise an almost standard setup. for zoom, use a second focus motor. as for iris you'll have to use the control software if your lens doesn't have an iris ring AND the lens needs to be modified. the tiny ball bearing that makes the click stops work has to be removed which means taking apart the back of the lens. not too big a deal if you have the right tools and some patience... and practice on a cheap lens first just in case :/

depends on which end of the jib you want to control from. I use my igus 5' slider/dolly as a jib. it gets mounted to my 501hdv tripod, has a counterbalance and a 701hdv head for the camera. The slider platform gets locked down and basically I control the whole jib from the 701 arm and can use my follow focus just fine. For the longer jibs, I think you could have a second person use a whip on the follow focus which would keep it smooth. Otherwise, you're into big money for a motorized remote follow focus. Red Rock is coming out with one though...hopefully a bit more affordable. http://www.redrockmicro.com/microRemote.html

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the info, I think I understand the different possibilities.