Best LANC contoller for V1U? at DVinfo.net

Sam Renkin · August 22nd, 2008, 02:13 PM

Hello everyone, I'm considering the purchase of one of three LANC controllers for my V1 and I'd like to know from your experience how they perform. I'm especially interested in the Varizoom EZ-Rock which has a pressure-sensitive variable zoom speed, but there seems to be little information about it here?

They're all similar in price ($200-250). Can you tell me of any known issues or shortcomings? Thanks!

Varizoom EZ-Rock
Sony RM-1BP
Bogen 521/521 Pro

John Cline · August 22nd, 2008, 06:00 PM

I've got the Bogen 521pro and it works very well.

I also have a few Libec ZC-3DV controllers, they only have a record button and a zoom rocker, but many times, that's all I need. They're only $110 at B&H Photo.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...m_Control.html

Lorne Mathre · August 28th, 2008, 10:48 PM

I've got the Bogen 521 as well and it works great with my FX-1, but for some reason it constantly powers down my v1u. I actually just discovered this problem as I bought the camera used and tested it out, but never checked the lanc. Funny thing is, I have a Varizoom as well and it didn't shut the camera down at all. Not sure if this helps, but if anyone has experienced problems with the V1u and bogen 521 please reply.

Adam Gold · August 28th, 2008, 11:20 PM

This is a well-known bug, and much-discussed on these forums. Contact Bogen/Manfrotto and they will fix. Currently shipping units do not have this problem, apparently.

Lorne Mathre · August 28th, 2008, 11:24 PM

Adam,
Thank you. No sooner did I submit my reply I scrolled down about 5 or 10 more subjects and there was another LANC discussion and the 521pro was mentioned again. I just emailed manfrotto so hopefully will hear back soon. Thanks for the heads up.

Andrew Kufahl · August 28th, 2008, 11:42 PM

I have both the VZ-Rock and a V1. It definitely isn't a bad lanc in my opinion, but honestly its the only one I've ever owned/used, so I have nothing to compare it to. In my opinion, the price is a little steep, but I'm sure I ended-up getting it because of its feature-set/cost when compared to other lancs.

My biggest problem with it is that when I'm zoomed all the way in, and go to zoom out, my camera still shakes a little. One of the main reasons I purchased a lanc was to prevent that from happening, so it's a little annoying. However, that could possibly be more of tripod issue than a lanc issue.

It seems to me that the lanc doesn't do too many amazing things for me. The reason I don't use it more often is because I can use the controls on the camera easier, more precisely, and more quickly than with the lanc. But I think that's more because of my shooting style, as I usually setup my shots prior to recording, and any record-time adjustments I make are normally executed using the shot transition feature(s).

If you are a tripod-run-and-gun type of shooter, or you do a lot of zooming/focusing while recording, then I'd have to say it may very well be a good purchase for you.

Hugh Mobley · August 29th, 2008, 12:22 AM

take a look at the lanc contollers Studio 1 productions has, I have two and never had any issues, work great

August 22nd, 2008, 02:13 PM	#1
Sam Renkin Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 211	Best LANC contoller for V1U? Hello everyone, I'm considering the purchase of one of three LANC controllers for my V1 and I'd like to know from your experience how they perform. I'm especially interested in the Varizoom EZ-Rock which has a pressure-sensitive variable zoom speed, but there seems to be little information about it here? They're all similar in price ($200-250). Can you tell me of any known issues or shortcomings? Thanks! Varizoom EZ-Rock Sony RM-1BP Bogen 521/521 Pro

August 28th, 2008, 10:48 PM	#3
Lorne Mathre Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 56	lanc I've got the Bogen 521 as well and it works great with my FX-1, but for some reason it constantly powers down my v1u. I actually just discovered this problem as I bought the camera used and tested it out, but never checked the lanc. Funny thing is, I have a Varizoom as well and it didn't shut the camera down at all. Not sure if this helps, but if anyone has experienced problems with the V1u and bogen 521 please reply.

August 28th, 2008, 11:24 PM	#5
Lorne Mathre Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 56	thanks Adam, Thank you. No sooner did I submit my reply I scrolled down about 5 or 10 more subjects and there was another LANC discussion and the 521pro was mentioned again. I just emailed manfrotto so hopefully will hear back soon. Thanks for the heads up.

August 29th, 2008, 12:22 AM	#7
Hugh Mobley Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Placentia, Calif Posts: 549	take a look at the lanc contollers Studio 1 productions has, I have two and never had any issues, work great __________________ Hugh Mobley www.petplanetvideos.com http://exposureroom.com/members/hmobley.aspx/

August 22nd, 2008, 06:00 PM	#2
John Cline Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico USA Posts: 333	I've got the Bogen 521pro and it works very well. I also have a few Libec ZC-3DV controllers, they only have a record button and a zoom rocker, but many times, that's all I need. They're only $110 at B&H Photo. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...m_Control.html

August 28th, 2008, 11:20 PM	#4
Adam Gold Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Woodinville, WA USA Posts: 3,467	This is a well-known bug, and much-discussed on these forums. Contact Bogen/Manfrotto and they will fix. Currently shipping units do not have this problem, apparently.

August 28th, 2008, 11:42 PM	#6
Andrew Kufahl Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Menasha, WI Posts: 88	I have both the VZ-Rock and a V1. It definitely isn't a bad lanc in my opinion, but honestly its the only one I've ever owned/used, so I have nothing to compare it to. In my opinion, the price is a little steep, but I'm sure I ended-up getting it because of its feature-set/cost when compared to other lancs. My biggest problem with it is that when I'm zoomed all the way in, and go to zoom out, my camera still shakes a little. One of the main reasons I purchased a lanc was to prevent that from happening, so it's a little annoying. However, that could possibly be more of tripod issue than a lanc issue. It seems to me that the lanc doesn't do too many amazing things for me. The reason I don't use it more often is because I can use the controls on the camera easier, more precisely, and more quickly than with the lanc. But I think that's more because of my shooting style, as I usually setup my shots prior to recording, and any record-time adjustments I make are normally executed using the shot transition feature(s). If you are a tripod-run-and-gun type of shooter, or you do a lot of zooming/focusing while recording, then I'd have to say it may very well be a good purchase for you.