I'm sure this is not new territory, but just to clarify: are there devices that control both zoom and focus, and are available for the XL1s? If so, do they work with the manual lens? I'd like something to mount on the pan arm of my tripod

I have been called the "poster boy" for remote zoom and focus controls, and yes, they are readily available for the XL1S and other Canon & Sony DV camcorders.

Go to my articles menu at www.dvinfo.net and look under camera accessories.

Also look over several articles on the XL1 Watchdog at www.dvinfo.net/xl1.htm

The VariZoom controllers are the best. Nothing much wrong with the Canon ZR1000 except it's plastic. Hope this helps, see also several threads in the Lens & Optics section of this forum.

Yeah, I realized it was a fairly moronic question when I looked it up right after posting. I'm curious though, how does the focus control on the varizoom device actually work? I know the way the zoom works on those, but focus? Just curious

The various review articles on the Watchdog go into some detail about the focus control... but basically one button pushes the focal plane away from you, the other button brings the focal plane closer. The rate of change is a medium speed, fast enough to see it happen but slow enough to stop it when you want to. Hope this helps,

So would it allow for, say, a rack focus?

Yes. For more info, just read the articles pointed out above. Hope this helps,

varizoom rules!

Thanks good sir.

Sorry, one more thing. I don't recall reading whether the controller was compatible with the 16x manual lens.

here's what I found on the 16x manual question:

http://www.varizoom.com/pages/xl1_setup.htm

looks like it fills the bill.

Ford Minton
DV Gearwhore

Yes, that page describes the separate focus controller required for the 16x manual lens. Additional;ly you'll need a Pro-L or PG-L zoom controller. The focus controls on the Pro-L and PG-L will not work with the 16x manual since there's no focus motor on that lens. The web page Fred points out explains how it works.

Thanks

While not mentioned here, the Canon zoom controller can also be used for focusing. While the Varizoom controllers are good, the Canon controller offers the same functionality for significantly less money. And both are very usable. My partner prefers the Varizoom while I perfer the Canon.

IMHO
The ergo on the canon controller could be better, I like the interface on Varizoom a bit better. Though I agree the price on the Canon is much easier on wallet.