Hi all,

When doing documentary work with the C100, I often find myself really missing having a power zoom lens. I can never get steady zooms with my manual lenses.

I've been Googling but I can't see any EF power zoom lenses on the market (that are affordable at least, I do see some that run into the tens of thousands of dollars).

Does anyone know of any, or any other method to achieve smooth zooming with a manual lens?

Thanks in advance.

Have you looked at a follow focus setup?

Thanks for the suggestion. No I haven't yet. I'm trying to keep my rig as compact as possible, but that might not be practical at this point.

I'll definitely have a look into the option though.

Unfortunately there are few options in the few thousand dollar price range.

Jody,

This is the best solution and it's really inexpensive (only $10-$16 on ebay), Here's a picture of my C100 with the device! I use it with my Canon 24-105 L lens. Works Perfect! Nice Smooth Zoom! (Link below shows product on ebay).

Follow Focus Alternative for All DSLR Camera'S | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Follow-Focus-Alternative-for-all-DSLR-Cameras-/271005029657?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f19289519)

We should stock that as the Troy Moss Signature... get a bunch of them with your name on them...

Jody,

This is the best solution and it's really inexpensive (only $10-$16 on ebay), Here's a picture of my C100 with the device! I use it with my Canon 24-105 L lens. Works Perfect! Nice Smooth Zoom! (Link below shows product on ebay).

Follow Focus Alternative for All DSLR Camera'S | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Follow-Focus-Alternative-for-all-DSLR-Cameras-/271005029657?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f19289519)

Thanks for the links/photo.

Is it really that much smoother than zooming manually? I guess for the price there's no harm in trying it out!

Yes, it's much smoother! Yes, you definitely can't go wrong for the price. I've recommended this (and similar products) to several other shooters and they continually thank me. It really works. Several other models and variations of this on eBay and the internet, just do a search!

This manual zoom lever system is something we used on film camera zooms for years. With practice you can get very smooth zooms. I use a couple of the less likely to break Varavon ones on the FS700 with manual zoom lenses. Good value for money and results. Available from BH and all over eBay.

Sling Follow Focus | Varavon (http://varavon.com/collections/accessories/products/sling-follow-focus)

Chris Young
CYV Productions
Sydney

There was the "Handi Zoom" that was announced just before NAB 2012 by Viz Tools, but I haven't seen any updates since, so I'm guessing it is never coming to market.

Not sure if it was cost, interest, or if it just didn't really work as dreamed up. Would've loved if it had made it out of R&D though.

NAB 2012: VizTools Handizoom -- HDSLR becomes a camcorder - YouTube

~5 minutes in, 2nd video from Dan Chung, the new Zacutio handgrip which when used with a zoom ring motor can provide a power zoom: News Shooter | Zacuto Gratical HD EVF pre-ordering opens with $200 discount (http://www.newsshooter.com/2014/11/20/zacuto-gratical-hd-evf-pre-ordering-opens-with-200-discount/) .

I just bought the lever setup on Ebay. For less than $20, you can't go wrong.