Lanc Controller for the Canon XH A1 at DVinfo.net

Cody Lucido · November 6th, 2006, 02:06 PM

Hello,

I have read through lots of threads but don't feel satisfied with my research results, so I want to pose this to the forum.

I realy want a tripd mounted zoom/focus controller for my new A1. I want a rocker style zoom and would really like as many compatible features as possible.

It seems that only a few can deliver full functionality to the Canon A1.

They are:

VZ-Rock (Varizoom)
VR-2000 (Canon)

Is this correct?

I also saw the nifty controller (I think Panasonic) that replaces the whole tripod arm.

Since I am ready to buy, any advice would be wonderful. Thanks all.

Holly Rognan · November 6th, 2006, 02:29 PM

I am not sure if you want to go this route but it is a cheap alternative.

Check out ebay and buy one of those crappy remote tripods. The are crappy tripods, but the remotes are very useful.

I just took apart the handle and rigged it to my bogen handle
(it took some work) and the end result is a very nice remote with variable zoom. I would suggest it if you have the time. It only cost me a total of $39 with shipping

Hope this helps.

Chris Hurd · November 6th, 2006, 02:48 PM

The Canon ZR-2000 is going to give you the greatest degree of flexibility since a number of XH features such as the focus controls (peaking, magnifying) are available only on it and not on any other controller. I've never been a fan of how plastic it is though.

You can't go wrong with the controllers from Bogen, VariZoom and Bebob (Zoe). As always in this business, you get what you pay for. Searching through this forum should turn up quite a bit of feedback on all of these various models... anything listed as Canon compatible will work with the XH G1 or A1.

Wade Hanchey · November 22nd, 2006, 04:41 PM

I'm interested in a controller as well. Varizoom's site says the focus control features of the Rock do not have full functionality with the XL1 and XL2. Anyone know if this applies to the A1?

Wade Hanchey · November 23rd, 2006, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holly Rognan

I just took apart the handle and rigged it to my bogen handle
(it took some work) and the end result is a very nice remote with variable zoom. I would suggest it if you have the time. It only cost me a total of $39 with shipping.

Holly,

Are you using this on your A1? If so, what control do you have of focus.

Thanks

Wade Hanchey · December 4th, 2006, 06:05 PM

I just got the Zoe-DVXL and can't figure out how to use the focus features. Is there anything I have to set up on the camera to recognize or allow the control from the Zoe?

Chris Hurd · December 4th, 2006, 06:18 PM

Yes, you'll need to make sure that you're shooting in any Program Mode except Green Box (Easy Recording), and also make sure that the AF/M switch is set to M for manual focus control. Otherwise the controller has no effect.

Wade Hanchey · December 4th, 2006, 07:07 PM

OK. It's working somewhat. With the camera switched to manual, I am able to focus with the Zoe. Two features are not working though. I am not able to switch between auto and manual from the Zoe, nor am I able to activate the push IAF from the Zoe. Do you think that's normal? There is a note on Varizoom's website saying something about focus compatibility of the Rock controller with the XL1 and XL2. Could it be a similar compatibility issue between the Zoe and the A1?

Karl Heiner · December 4th, 2006, 08:55 PM

have a bogen 523 for my xl1-s.
the bogen web site has a nicle little chart

http://www.bogenimaging.us/

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ist&sku=357848

Greg Clark · December 7th, 2006, 11:52 AM

What alternatives for the Canon A1 do I have?

Wade Hanchey · December 7th, 2006, 06:12 PM

Anything using the LANC interface. Libec, Manfrotto, Bebob, and of course Canon.

John K. Anderson · January 12th, 2007, 09:30 PM

I have ordered the Spiderbrace 2 for my XH A1. Now I am interested in getting a Lanc controller that works with the A1 and fits the Spiderbrace 2. Canon lists the ZR-2000 ( 360.00 ) for the A1. Will the ZR-1000 (175.00 ) or the Manfrotto 521 ( 170.00 ) work with the A1 and fit the handle?? Libec ZC-3DV is simple with just zoom and record buttons. Who is using a Spiderbrace 2 with a Lanc controller out there? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

Joe Bryan · January 12th, 2007, 09:47 PM

I'm using Libec. Not fancy but works for cheap.

Anthony Leong · January 12th, 2007, 10:11 PM

I have the Spiderbrace and the Canon A1. I bought the Varizoom Rock LE for my Spiderbrace, I just never got the chance to test the Rock LE out yet.

James Harring · January 20th, 2007, 05:39 AM

Can highly recommend bebob DVXL. Can limit zoom speed, and rocker is absolutly the way ALL zoom rockers should work. The feel of it is excellent. Focus toggle, @ other stuff too.
I bought the version that supports Sony/Canon/Pana, so it will outlast my camcorder. Just $20 more @ B&H.

November 6th, 2006, 02:06 PM	#1
Cody Lucido Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 206	Best Controller for the Canon XH A1... Hello, I have read through lots of threads but don't feel satisfied with my research results, so I want to pose this to the forum. I realy want a tripd mounted zoom/focus controller for my new A1. I want a rocker style zoom and would really like as many compatible features as possible. It seems that only a few can deliver full functionality to the Canon A1. They are: VZ-Rock (Varizoom) VR-2000 (Canon) Is this correct? I also saw the nifty controller (I think Panasonic) that replaces the whole tripod arm. Since I am ready to buy, any advice would be wonderful. Thanks all. __________________ www.CodemanStudios.com

November 6th, 2006, 02:48 PM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	The Canon ZR-2000 is going to give you the greatest degree of flexibility since a number of XH features such as the focus controls (peaking, magnifying) are available only on it and not on any other controller. I've never been a fan of how plastic it is though. You can't go wrong with the controllers from Bogen, VariZoom and Bebob (Zoe). As always in this business, you get what you pay for. Searching through this forum should turn up quite a bit of feedback on all of these various models... anything listed as Canon compatible will work with the XH G1 or A1. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

December 4th, 2006, 06:18 PM	#7
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Yes, you'll need to make sure that you're shooting in any Program Mode except Green Box (Easy Recording), and also make sure that the AF/M switch is set to M for manual focus control. Otherwise the controller has no effect. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

December 7th, 2006, 11:52 AM	#10
Greg Clark Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Surprise Arizona Posts: 297	Alternative to the rocker What alternatives for the Canon A1 do I have?

January 12th, 2007, 09:30 PM	#12
John K. Anderson Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 26	Lanc Controller for the Canon XH A1 I have ordered the Spiderbrace 2 for my XH A1. Now I am interested in getting a Lanc controller that works with the A1 and fits the Spiderbrace 2. Canon lists the ZR-2000 ( 360.00 ) for the A1. Will the ZR-1000 (175.00 ) or the Manfrotto 521 ( 170.00 ) work with the A1 and fit the handle?? Libec ZC-3DV is simple with just zoom and record buttons. Who is using a Spiderbrace 2 with a Lanc controller out there? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

November 6th, 2006, 02:29 PM	#2
Holly Rognan Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Coalville America Posts: 244	I am not sure if you want to go this route but it is a cheap alternative. Check out ebay and buy one of those crappy remote tripods. The are crappy tripods, but the remotes are very useful. I just took apart the handle and rigged it to my bogen handle (it took some work) and the end result is a very nice remote with variable zoom. I would suggest it if you have the time. It only cost me a total of $39 with shipping Hope this helps.

November 22nd, 2006, 04:41 PM	#4
Wade Hanchey Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 117	I'm interested in a controller as well. Varizoom's site says the focus control features of the Rock do not have full functionality with the XL1 and XL2. Anyone know if this applies to the A1?

December 4th, 2006, 06:05 PM	#6
Wade Hanchey Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 117	I just got the Zoe-DVXL and can't figure out how to use the focus features. Is there anything I have to set up on the camera to recognize or allow the control from the Zoe?

December 4th, 2006, 07:07 PM	#8
Wade Hanchey Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 117	OK. It's working somewhat. With the camera switched to manual, I am able to focus with the Zoe. Two features are not working though. I am not able to switch between auto and manual from the Zoe, nor am I able to activate the push IAF from the Zoe. Do you think that's normal? There is a note on Varizoom's website saying something about focus compatibility of the Rock controller with the XL1 and XL2. Could it be a similar compatibility issue between the Zoe and the A1?

December 4th, 2006, 08:55 PM	#9
Karl Heiner Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: california Posts: 342	have a bogen 523 for my xl1-s. the bogen web site has a nicle little chart http://www.bogenimaging.us/ http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ist&sku=357848

December 7th, 2006, 06:12 PM	#11
Wade Hanchey Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 117	Anything using the LANC interface. Libec, Manfrotto, Bebob, and of course Canon.

January 12th, 2007, 09:47 PM	#13
Joe Bryan Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 31	I'm using Libec. Not fancy but works for cheap.

January 12th, 2007, 10:11 PM	#14
Anthony Leong Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: United States Posts: 93	I have the Spiderbrace and the Canon A1. I bought the Varizoom Rock LE for my Spiderbrace, I just never got the chance to test the Rock LE out yet.

January 20th, 2007, 05:39 AM	#15
James Harring Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 210	Lan-c Can highly recommend bebob DVXL. Can limit zoom speed, and rocker is absolutly the way ALL zoom rockers should work. The feel of it is excellent. Focus toggle, @ other stuff too. I bought the version that supports Sony/Canon/Pana, so it will outlast my camcorder. Just $20 more @ B&H.