Teradek has announced the TOF.1 Rangefinder for the RT Wireless Lens Control Systems. The TOF.1 is being touted as an affordable, lightweight infrared rangefinder that is compatible with Teradek’s RT Wireless Lens Control Systems.
Range Finder with AF
The TOF.1 gives focus pullers accurate, real-time distance measurements between a camera’s focal plane and the subject being filmed. Range finders have been around for a long time, but one of the features that look to be interesting with the TOF.1 is a new autofocus function that can continuously track a subject and instantaneously adjust the lens motor.
Once TOF.1 is properly calibrated with MDR.X, the autofocus is activated with a simple on/off toggle. A specific focus tracking point is selected by the operator, and subject proximity information from TOF.1 is utilized for instantaneous adjustments by the lens motor to maintain constant critical focus. A proprietary smoothing algorithm is claimed to prevent excessive jitter within the lens motor.
This is a pretty impressive feature and it will be interesting to see just how well it works in the field.
Product Highlights
- Line-of-sight accuracy up to 80ft (25.4m)
- IR sensor with a 3° field of view
- Refresh rate of 60 measurements per second
- Distance Readouts on MDR.X, CTRL.1, and CTRL.3
- Autofocus functionality with Teradek RT
- Single cable for Power+Control
- Detachable Laser Sight for pinpoint accuracy
- Customizable Distance Overlays on SmallHD monitors
Features
TOF.1 features an IR sensor array that can detect objects within a line-of-sight distance up to 80ft (25.4m). An included detachable Laser Sight can be centered to the sensor’s field of view to achieve very good accuracy. LED infrared beams measure the distance of subjects within a 3 degree field of view of TOF.1’s proximity sensor, at a direct line-of-sight range of up to 100ft. The overall radius of the sensor’s field of view will narrow or widen as a subject moves toward/away from the camera, allowing a long range of focal detection from macro close-ups to farther distances.
Both power and control are provided with a single control cable to the MDR.X Lens Control Receiver, and TOF.1’s distance readouts are displayed on paired CTRL.1 or CTRL.3 wireless handheld lens controllers, as well as on connected SmallHD monitors. There is a sensor refresh rate of 60 measurements per second, which means every subject movement is registered and proximity readouts are provided in real-time.
You can connect either lens controller with any compatible SmallHD monitor and activate PageOS 4 RT Overlays to view on-screen distance readouts, which can be adjusted in size for a customized monitoring workflow.
Small & Lightweight
The TOF.1 features a ¼”-20 Mounting Point and it tips the scales at just 125g (4.5oz). It has physical dimensions of 58mm x 58mm x 34 mm (2.3in x 2.3in x 1.3in).
Addition to an already impressive system
I reviewed the Teradek RT CTRL.3 Deluxe Kit last year. This kit consisted of an MDR.X receiver, three MOTR.X motors, and a CTRL.3 with lens mapping and lens data overlays on SmallHD monitors.
Price & Availability
The TOF.1 is now shipping and it is priced at $3,490 USD.
