For those who were following a previous thread concerning controllers, you may have noted that I remarked that I purchased a Zoe and would review it. Rather than post a review here, I am preparing a more formal review page for the main section of DVInfo. Watch for an announcement of this review here soon. I am also separately reviewing Varizoom's new VZ Rock controller in the same fashion. That review should be available nearly simultaneously.

Thanks Ken! I can hardly wait!... Maybe I can FINALLY make a decision on one of these things.

I read a review of it somewhere else... maybe a magazine? Sounds very nice, but as I recall it was quite pricey. Will also be interested in your impressions.

<<<-- Originally posted by Boyd Ostroff : I read a review of it somewhere else -->>>

Well I looked around a bit, and actually it was Wayne that reviewed it.

Indeed, Wayne did a good, informative review of the Zoe. But I think he inadvertently omitted a couple of gotcha's...

Well, I'm certain he will be looking forward to your corrections.

Not corrections. Merely additions, Wayne.

Ken... so how's it coming? I want to finally order one of these things next week and I'm anxious to read your insights...

I'd heard about a little glitch in one of the controllers you're testing... I heard that when you zoom all the way in to the "stop", if you will, that a spark of high-voltage electricity makes it through the focus button and that it just happens to be at the precise frequency of the nerve system which controls the adult male bladder... I heard that if you zoom in too far that it's possible you may "dribble" on your wireless receivers mounted on the tripod... is this true?

Huh, that must be why Zoe includes a freebie box of Depends with every order. I wondered about that.

The review is completed and will be up as soon as we can get the Watchdog page prettied-up. BTW, I've been in controller land for the past few weeks. I am also reviewing the VZ Rock controller. I'm going to need a thumb brace when this is all over.

I have temporarily posted the text of the review in this thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10369). The full illustrated version of the review will be up on the Watchdog in a few days.

I'll field any additional questions you may have in this thread.

I hope you find the write-up helpful.

Thanks for your review Ken...

Now I'm going to bug you for your take on the VZ-Rock...

And once you get that one out I want Manfrotto to send you a 522 so we can settle this...

B&H pushed the Manfrotto 522 from $276 to $292... so I guess somebody said something good about 'em.

They also sell the "Rock" for $299 but it's the goofy polished silver one... I'd rather pay $319 for the "non-limited" model which is black.

If your review of the Rock is similar to the review of the Zoe, then I'll take a chance on the Manfrotto sight-unseen.

Thanks for taking the time to write this up. Good job.

Thanks Ken
Both reviews are well written and to the point. You've certainly saved me some leg work.

Thanks for the additional input on the Zoe controller Ken! I own two of these, as well as a Varizoom Pro L http://www.varizoom.com/controllers/prol.php and a Canon ZR-1000. I tend to use the Varizoom mostly as it has the most control over speed and it is extremely well engineered and heavy duty. One feature on the Zoe controller that I do not see as much benefit is the On/ Off button. It's too easy to hit that button and as you pointed out, it will completely turn off the GL or XL cameras. The rocker on the Zoe does have a nice pro feel, but I found the mounting system on the Zoe could be beefed up a little bit. Also, it does not have enough "clearance" under the rocker when you mount it on certain tripods, which sometimes can make the rocker stick during a zoom move.

I am picking up a Varizoom Rock next week, definitely looking forward to using that unit. I think the best value is offered by Varizoom, although the Bogen model does look good too. Overall, I use the Varizoom most of the time with my main camera rig and will typically use the ZR-1000 or Zoe on any additional angle camera if needed.

- don

Matt,

Looks like you may have already made a purchase? I have a Bogen 522C. I will have time to post coments on it in a couple of days if anyone is interested. Let me know.

Steve

Steve, I would like to hear what you have to say about the Bogen model.

I've been using a VZPro-LX for about 18 months and I think I'm on the third one now. I've experienced problems with all of them and while Varizoom has been helpful in replacing the unit twice, they have also told me that the intermittent button problem discussed here (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3104) can be expected. I've been told that a new Pro-LX model might be available with a rocker instead of the pushbuttons, but no word on when and I need a reliable controller now.

Your experience with the 522 will be helpful.

Speaking from my own end user experience, I just wanted to add that in the three years I have owned my Varizoom PRO-L, it has worked 100% flawlessly for me, no problems at all. This includes travelling all over the US, in different outdoor shooting temperatures from the icy cold January winter of Sioux Falls, SD to the hot summer sun of LA... I expect my new VariZoom Rock to live up to that same standard. Some manufacturers just excel at certain things in this industry and when it comes to LANC zoom & focus controls, that would be VariZoom.

When you have to spend as much hard-earned dough as I do on equipment from year to year, it's always comforting to deal with a company so proactively committed to their product and customers as VariZoom.

- don

Ed,

I just posted my thoughts on the 522C as a new thread here in this section.

Steve