Lanc Controller for the Canon XH A1

[Stuart Graham]

Hey Guys

I need a Lanc controller to function as a pull focus so that the cameraman doesn't have to worry about focusing during tracking shots. then one of the crew members can pull focus for him and watch the focus distances on the LCD screen. I want precise focus control, zoom control doesn't concern us as much. The controller doesn't have to attach to the tripod handle and I want it to be wire control, not infra-red.

Does anyone else use a Lanc controller for this purpose with the XH A1?

Which Lanc controller would you recommend getting for focusing?

Ideally it would have an adjustable focusing speed.

Thanks!

[Marc Theiler]

Greetings from Alaska. New to the board and its mind blowing. I am a fishing/hunting/outdoor guide up here and just started getting into videoing my outdoor adventures. I will have many questions as I have already spent 50 plus hours reviewing this site.

I have a Canon XH-A1. I am having a hard time finding the perfect controller setup for my Manfrotto 055CXPro3, 701HDV.


I have been looking at the 523Pro, and the Varizoom VZ-Rock.


Will these units adequately control the focus and zoom for my Canon XH-A1? Is there a better unit that will deliver better performance?


Appreciate your advice, help, and time.


Marc

[Stuart Graham]

Hi Marc

I'm in the same boat, I particularly want good focus control. There is another thread here that might interest you:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/remote-le...non-xh-a1.html

[Marc Theiler]

Originally Posted by Stuart Graham

Hi Marc

I'm in the same boat, I particularly want good focus control. There is another thread here that might interest you:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/remote-le...non-xh-a1.html

Thanks for the link to the thread, but I've already read every post within that thread and didn't really get to draw much of a conclusion from that entire thread. That's why I thought I'd post my own and see if anyone has any new fresh ideas.

[Battle Vaughan]

We use the Canon controller, works nicely. Canon | ZR-1000 Zoom Remote Control | 3089A002 | B&H Photo Video

/Battle Vaughan/miamiherald.com video team

[Marc Theiler]

Any other suggestions?

[Stuart Graham]

There's the Bebob DVXL Universal remote zoom/focus controller, haven't used it though

[Chris Soucy]

If you're using the Canon XH A1, the only way to go is the ZR 2000.

It even, apparently, works the focus pretty good, something the ZR 1000 doesn't.

Not quite sure what else you're asking for here?


CS

[Stuart Graham]

Ooh, thanks Chris, I'll check that one out, I thought there was only a ZR-1000.

[Tomasz Bochenek]

Manfrotto's introduced new line of controllers working much better with Canon HDV (XL-H1, XH-A1, XH-G1 and later). More information in the thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/remote-le...manfrotto.html

One gets PAF, MF/AF mode switch and variable speed focus control (pressure sensitive with zoom rocker).

TB

[Tim Palmer-Benson]

I have the old style controller on a Fig Rig...will the new one fit properly on the steering wheel?

[Tomasz Bochenek]

Originally Posted by Tim Palmer-Benson

I have the old style controller on a Fig Rig...will the new one fit properly on the steering wheel?

The housing is the same, so without any problem you can use both 521i and 521PROi on the FigRig.

TB

[Edwin Wijnands]

I see this is a pretty old thread, but i'm probably buying me a figrig for my XH-A1 and I was wondering what you're experiences were (if any) with the controllers you were talking about here since it's likely I'll be buying one as well. I really like the ZR-2000 since it has the advanced focus features (magnifying/peaking), but it is a bit pricy. Or maybe i'm just cheap (don't hold it against me, i am dutch after all :P)

Anyway, let me know if you can.

[Stuart Graham]

Hi Edwin. I bought a Varizoom VZ Stealth LANC controller for use with my XH A1. Most of the controls work on it. Including record/stop. And it gives beautifully smooth stops and starts to zooms. The focus buttons work as well.

[Tomasz Bochenek]

Originally Posted by Marc Theiler

Any other suggestions?

You could also consider new Manfrotto/Bogen remotes, which include specific Canon LANC extension, which enable advanced functions like push auto focus, or variable speed focus. You can find more information there: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/remote-l...manfrotto.html

TB