Measuring & Profile Guide

Precision starts with accurate measurements. Every Kugglab gear is individually engineered for a seamless friction fit with zero tools or set screws.

1. Choose Your Profile

  • Slim Cine Focus Gear: Minimal bulk and lowest weight. Hugs the focus ring closely, making it ideal for compact handheld rigs, gimbals, and travel kits.
  • 80OD Standard Focus Gear: Standardized 80 mm outer diameter. Unifies gear positions across your lens set so you can swap glass without repositioning your focus motor.
  • 90OD Standard Focus Gear: Standardized 90 mm outer diameter. Engineered for wide barrels and large-diameter optics to keep motor positions unified across heavier setups.
  • Custom CAD Focus Gear: Tailored internal profiles for stepped, tapered, or irregular focus rings, as well as non-standard ring widths.

2. Tools Required

  • Digital or Vernier Calipers: Always measure with calipers to achieve sub-millimeter precision.
  • Do not use rulers, tape measures, or fabric tapes. They lack the mechanical accuracy required for an engineered friction fit.

3. Step-by-Step Measuring Process

  1. Locate the Focus Ring:
    Identify the ribbed metal or rubber section of your lens where the gear ring will seat.
  2. Measure the Outer Diameter:
    Place the caliper jaws across the widest point of the grip. Close the jaws gently until they rest flush against the surface. Never compress rubber grips with the jaws.
  3. Measure Multiple Angles:
    Rotate the lens 90 degrees and take 2 to 3 separate readings around the circumference to account for slight manufacturing variations.
  4. Enter the Exact Measurement:
    Record the average value in millimeters to one decimal place (e.g. 62.3 mm). Enter this exact number on the product page. Never add or subtract tolerances yourself.

4. How We Handle Tolerances

  • Calibrated Mechanical Fit: Enter your exact measured value. Our production process calculates the precise mechanical offset required to deliver a seamless, secure fit directly on your lens.
  • Symmetrical Installation: Dual-sided lead-in edges allow the ring to slide smoothly onto the focus ring from either direction using firm hand pressure. No tools, set screws, or adhesives needed.
  • Zero Force Required: Our rings are engineered with an integrated friction fit. The gear should slide onto the barrel with firm, even hand pressure. Never force a ring onto a lens if the diameter feels too tight; contact us immediately if the fit is incorrect.
  • Wireless Motor Torque: Always perform initial motor calibration at low torque settings and set electronic hard stops if your vintage lens lacks mechanical infinity/close-focus stops. Kugglab is not responsible for internal lens wear or damage caused by excessive motor torque.

5. Stepped Barrels & Irregular Optics

If your lens has a conical taper, stepped diameter, or protruding focus pin, select Custom CAD Focus Gear. Describe your dimensions and requirements in the order field, and reply to your order confirmation email with 1 to 2 reference photos of your lens barrel.

Unsure about your measurements or unique lens geometry? Contact us directly at hello@kugglab.com before ordering and we will gladly review your setup.

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