Im looking to control focus and so on through an external controller, does anyone have any suggestions?

Do a Google search of dvinfo (search box is at the bottom of the page) for "zr 2000 zoom remote control"
(which is the one of two the manual recommends) and you will find some useful links.

I don't have that camera but I use a Manfrotto 521 PRO i with an XH-A1. Works fine.

I have a Canon HF-S200 which I use with a Manfrotto 523PROi LANC controller. Works great. Focus, Zoom, even the Push-to-AF function works as expected.