Canon has NO references to this controller online...none. Sites that sell it have minimal information.

Where can you find a manual online? Specially, how do you focus? It is not obvious from the pictures, which don't show any focusing knob, rocker, or buttons.

It is fairly cool unit, with an auto focus/manual focus switch, auto focus button, zoom rate knob, and peaking and magnify buttons. It seems the only thing missing is an iris control?

Thanks,

David

I am usually a big fan of Canon products. When I had the opportunity to get a controller, I opted not to get the Varizoom Rocker controller I was looking at in favor of the Canon ZR-2000.

I decided this because of it allowed me to access many of the features of my new A1, which the Varizoom didn't. Especially Auto/manual focus, Peak and some others.

Boy am I wondering if I didn't make a mistake. Talk about your cheap hunk of plastic. This thing has got to be the absolutley worse product I have ever purchased from Canon. It feels like it will break if you just look at it wrong. At $399 I am really feeling the pain.

Has anybody used one of these in the field? Did it hold up? I swear the switches are only a few flicks from snapping off. The casing is so poorly fitted together it creaks.

I can still return it if I don't use it. Your info is greatly appreciated.

I use the ZR-1000 and it works great for me. Sorry about your bad luck.

I use the ZR-1000 and it works great for me. Sorry about your bad luck.

Is yours flimsy?

Well, I decided to bite the bullet and keep this thing. I will let you know if it holds up or falls apart.

I found the ZR-2000 to be a bit slow on response when recently used with a Canon XH-A1. I preferred to operate using the on camera controls rather than the ZR-2000. Also not a very robust controller.

Well, I decided to bite the bullet and keep this thing. I will let you know if it holds up or falls apart.

How's the ZR-2000 after using it for awhile?

My mini review...

It doesn't totally suck. In fact, if it weren't for the cheap build of the thing I would give it high marks.

The manual/Aufto focus switch and push button focus are something I use all the time. Switching mag/peak on/off is also a great plus. The speed dial/zoom is cool after you get used to it. The toggle is responsive. REC is instant.

The mounting truly sucks.

Still, if you own an A1,H1 or G1 you will really find this to have all your cool new features at your finger tips.

I just went to the Canon USA site and try to find some info on the ZR-2000, but I couldn't find any info. In the Canon XH-A1 accessories it list the ZR-2000 with no info underneath.

The operations of this controller are self-explanatory. It really doesn't need a manual. There's a very limited instruction sheet included when you buy it. Otherwise, just plug it into the camera and use it. The various features (focus, zoom, etc.) are clearly marked on the controller. It ain't rocket science.

I've been going through old posts but can't find this.

Does the Canon ZR-2000 Zoom Remote Control NOT have a manual focus control ability? It looks like you can put it in auto focus or push the AF button from this LANC, but you can't actually focus remotely? Can anyone tell me if that's the case?

Also, anyone found a LANC for the A1 they really like? Thanks.

Moved from Canon XH to Remote Lens Controllers.

I'm not sure what leads you to think that the ZR2000 doesn't have remote focus control capability -- because it does. See attached photo below. Once the camera is switched to manual focus control, focus is adjusted remotely by using the focus control wheel on the right side of the ZR2000. Hope this helps,

Hey thank you, Chris. I was just going off photos I was able to see of it on various sites, and never saw the one you just posted. Appreciate it, and assuming it does the job well, and unless someone wants to suggest a better alternative, that's what I'll be getting. Cheers.

It's the only LANC remote currently available that lets you use certain Canon-specific camera features, such as peaking and magnifying, for example. If you need remote access to those focus assist tools, then the ZR2000 is the right remote to get.

On the other hand... I'm not at all a fan of the plastic body. I used to work for VariZoom, and their controllers -- milled out of a solid chunk of aluminum -- are strong enough to use as hammers. The Canons are fairly delicate. Plus, the ZR2000 has a wimpy tripod clamp on the back. It won't open up wide enough for most pro-level pan handles. It'll fit the smaller diameter handles just fine, but be prepared to re-engineer the clamp if you're using an "industrial strength" pan handle.

Couple more ZR2000 pics... click to see 'em big...

Thanks again, Chris. This is the info I'm looking for. Does the Varizoom -- I'm assuming it would be the VZRock LE Compact -- does it have a variable speed control function as well as remote focus?

I have had a varizoom controller on my JVC DV5000, works great with a dial to control zoom speed (and have the separate varizoom focus control, too). Last for years.

Update: Just ordered the varizoom.

Chris, in your experience, how easy is it to get reasonable results out of the focus wheel on the ZR2000? Could you actually do an in-vision pull focus with it?

And I'm a bit confused as to whether there are any other controllers that offer a manual focus that actually works with the XH-A1?

The Canon should fit around my Vinten Vision 3 pan handle right? What do you think of it's chances of fitting a DV Rig Pro/DV Multirig Pro handle setup?

Finally, if I were to get a 540 line, 1024x600 lcd resolution portable DVD player as a jib/outdoor monitor, basically the highest res you can get for these, do you think it would be sufficient for achieving focus in tandem given the ZR-2000's access to the onboard peak/magnifying/instant auto focus aids?

The problem, of course, would be that these top of the line portable DVD players still only accept composite input, whilst offering component output...bummer.

Anyway, I'm on the fence, because I already own a Studio ONE LCD lanc for Canon cameras that I like, simply because I like having an indepent read out and dials for telephoto and wide zoom speeds--plus I'm just used to its layout by now.

It's also pretty robustly built, never crushed it in one of my clumsier Norbit moments that's for sure...that, and the biggest sentimental benefit of all, I already own it.

Cody, can you use the focus wheel to do usable focus pulls?

Cody, can you use the focus wheel to do usable focus pulls?

I have not tried that yet. When I do I will be shure to let you know.

Thanks Cody. My decision over which control to buy will be based on whether you can pull focus with the canon controller.

My mini review...

Still, if you own an A1,H1 or G1 you will really find this to have all your cool new features at your finger tips.

What about using the ZR-2000 with Sony cameras, the Z1U in particular? Do you know which controls work?

Thanks

Just answered my own question at my local retailer by trying the ZR-2000 with my Z1U. The only controls that work are on/off, data screen on/off and variable zoom. The following do not work with the Z1U: Push-auto focus, manual/auto focus switch, AE, magnify, and peaking.

So I bought the Manfrotto 321 Pro and am delighted. Has a great feel and solid construction. All of its controls work. I was especially interested in having push-auto focus. The unique extra controls on the Canon would have been nice to have, but were not critical to my purchase decision. And the Manfrotto is designed to nicely fit on a pro pan handle and comes with rubber cushioning to avoid scraping the paint (unlike the Canon). And the Manfrotto was $100 cheaper.

Anyone tried the ZR-2000 with their A1 yet? I bought the ZR-1000 and tried it out but I wasn't satisfied with the results - it's virtually impossible to feather into a nice slow zoom. I'm not sure if it's a limitation of the zoom motor on the A1 or a limitation of the ZR-1000. I noticed the ZR-2000 has more than double the number of zoom speeds on the dial, so I wonder if it might be better equipped to ramp up to a nice slow zoom on the A1. Thanks.

I have one, but I've never tried that, to be honest. I'll dink around with it and let you know.

Yeah thanks I'd very curious to know if you can get a nice slow start and finish on a zoom.

Even, while you're playing with it, can you please check if it has a "push auto focus" function that works with the A1? Thanks.

Richard

i've had no problems with the zr-1000.
what's the issue?

The issue is that I can't seem to feather into a zoom without getting extraordinarily lucky. The controller just seems uneven in ramping up and down on zooms. Are you able to get a nice smooth start and finish on your zooms? I'm used to using large cameras with pro rear zoom controls by Canon And Fujinon - so maybe I'm expecting too much from this little device, or maybe it's a limitation of the camera itself.

yes, very smooth on 1-5. it works just as well with the A1 as it does with the
Xl1-s and GL2.

i take it you are on a tripod? so, just make sure auto-focus and anti-shake are both off. on slow zooms its going to look for objects at different focal lengths and also compensate.

on the remote, it's not on the "v" setting right? i've also got zoom speed on the cam switched to "c." ( that may not matter at all.)

you may also just have a faulty remote.

yes, very smooth on 1-5. it works just as well with the A1 as it does with the
Xl1-s and GL2.

i take it you are on a tripod? so, just make sure auto-focus and anti-shake are both off. on slow zooms its going to look for objects at different focal lengths and also compensate.

on the remote, it's not on the "v" setting right? i've also got zoom speed on the cam switched to "c." ( that may not matter at all.)

you may also just have a faulty remote.

I think we may be talking about different things. The zoom speed itself is fine, no complaints - the problem is when I'm in a wide shot and want to tighten up, normally the idea is to gently ease into the zoom, with the ZR-1000 I found it almost impossible. The move begins suddenly and ends suddenly - there is no ramp up or ramp down. This is essential for broadcast quality moves, so I'm still wondering if the A1 is incapable, or the ZR-1000 is incapable?

Well, I've done a little testing, and on 16x it definitely seems to jump into the zoom quickly. How about starting with 1x and then turning the knob to whatever zoom speed you need? That seems fairly smooth. I'm no expert, so more testing might be required.

I just came across this thread & can't imagine it just died where it did. I believe Kipjaz was obviously talking about the zoom in variable mode, not constant. Any speed setting in constant mode will abruptly start or stop. Variable obviously wouldn't.

I too would like to know anyone's experiences with the ZR-2000, pro & con.

Bill

Yep, variable mode is a must. I'm beginning to think not many people are using the ZR-2000 in this way, so perhaps no one can really comment. I returned my ZR-1000 as it was unusable for any critical moves.

Kipjaz, I could be wrong, but I think it's relative to the zoom speed setting you have on the A1. Meaning if you have the A1 set to C (constant), you're going to get that abrupt start/stop on any controller. If the A1 is set to VAR, you should get what you expect. But, this still may not work well with the older 1000 unit, but may with the 2000.

Maybe a quick call to someone that has both the A1 & ZR-2000 in stock and/or display, could shed some light.

Bill

How are they holding up?

Does VAR zoom setting allow you to slooowly and smoothly creep out of a full-wide or full-tele shot into a slow zoom?

I'm going to echo Shaun's question... is a zoom creep > ramp to faster zoom possible with the ZR-2000? in order to do this, do you need to manually dial up the zoom speed selector as you zoom, or is it possible by "feathering" the zoom rocker directly? also, is it dependent on the camera setting or no?

Also, I'd love to hear somebody weigh in on the sturdiness factor, specifically anyone who has been using this in the field... everybody is commenting on the plastic/delicate build of it... how's it fare in real world use?

has anybody machined an aluminum case for it? I'm sure there's a market for it! ;)

Cheers!

-joe

Does anyone have any feedback on how well the focus wheel on the ZR-2000 works with the A1? Is it as accurate/responsive as the focus ring on the lens?

Thanks :)

Dave

*bump*

just wanted to re-iterate my above questions about sturdiness and zoom creep abilities...

can anybody weigh in who has used this controller for a while? cheers!

-joe

Please can anyone tell me if the ZR-2000 is any good for focus pulling?

I don't want a controller for zoom control just focus

Please can anyone offer any insight?

Does anyone have any feedback on how well the focus wheel on the ZR-2000 works with the A1? Is it as accurate/responsive as the focus ring on the lens?

Thanks :)

Dave