Maybe it's because I spend so much time living under a rock that I miss these gems, and this one seems to date back to 2005 fercryingoutloud, but those wedded to tripod shooting should give this thing some thought:

Manfrotto Remote Control Splitter Box - Fig Rig (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8709.56.76926.0.0/521SB/_/Remote_Control_Splitter_Box)

I can't claim exclusivity as it's been mentioned a couple of times over in the Fig Rig section (in 2005!) but I would have thought Manfrotto would have figured it would work as well for tripods as the Fig Rig.

I can't see any problems using it with any make of Lanc as the commands are proprietry to Sony, though if anyone knows differently, do let us know.

Now, the thing is, could I work the zoom using my left thumb whilst using the focus controls with my right?

Hmm, may take a bit more talent than being able to walk and chew gum at the same time, but I'm sure I could pick it up.

It never ceases to amaze me what one trips over when trawling the web.

I must say it takes a certain Latin talent for lateral thinking to dissociate this thing entirely from the remote controls section - truly bizarre!

CS

I think it may depend on whether your camera is capable of receiving two sets of commands at the same time. I get a feeling that you'll be able to zoom, or focus, but not both simultaneously.

I may be wrong, but I'll wait for someone else to splash the cash to find out!

You may well be right, but then.................

As Lanc is powered from the camera and thus this "box" has access to power, it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to configure a circuit out of low power CMOS or somesuch to simply block whichever line doesn't grab it first.

At the speed this system operates (9600 bps?), any blocking would only need to be for about 14 clock cycles (if that) for a message to clear and then let the other line have it, totally imperceptable to human reaction speeds.

Hey presto, two into one does go! Nope, not simultaneous, but could the average human actually tell?

I'll await further input from someone in the know with interest.


CS