zoom controller at DVinfo.net

Aldo Visaggio · February 28th, 2006, 04:41 PM

I would appreciate if someone can recommend a good zoom controller ( for pd150 ) with variable speed.
Many Thanks

Don Bloom · February 28th, 2006, 04:54 PM

I got a Varizoom Stealth when they first came out a few years ago and with a bit of practice got it to ramp nice and slow or fast like a shuttle shot on a pro lens. I like it but I don't use it alot anymore (I don't use the camera too much anymore either) but with some practice it has worked out fine for me.
Don

Mike Rehmus · February 28th, 2006, 05:00 PM

My Stealth has been a problem starting about 6 months after I bought it. Varizoom has replaced the boards, replaced the cable, all to no avail. It works OK for a short period and then fails.

I'd recommend another model as I'm not the first to experience this problem with this controller.

Bill Rankin · February 28th, 2006, 08:57 PM

I recently purchased the bogen 523pro with the arm and it has worked well for me so far.

my two cents.

Boyd Ostroff · February 28th, 2006, 09:01 PM

I've had a Varizoom Pro-L and it's worked fine for about 3 years: http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzprol.html

Chris Barcellos · February 28th, 2006, 09:38 PM

On the more economical level, checkout Zoom Commander. Has two adjustable variable zoom cbutton sets, focus control, etc. I use it on my VX 2000

See:http://www.signvideo.com/zoom-comman...ler_II_pro.htm

Aldo Visaggio · March 1st, 2006, 06:32 AM

thanks for all the info!

Tom Hardwick · March 9th, 2006, 03:26 AM

I had a Stealth and a Rock for test for the British magazine Computer Video. Both zoom controllers gave very jerky slow zooms, inching forward in tiny little steps, often without my hand on the rocker even. This applied whether they were plugged into the VX2k, PDX10, TR2000 and TRV900, so I gave them a thumbs down.

The Zoe LANC remote works beautifully though, and has a little wheel that limits your top speed to whatever you like. Good in stressful situations, where even if you push too hard on the rocker, your speed controller will have set a top speed determined by you beforehand.

Another nice feature of the Zoe is the 'push auto' focus feature. This works exactly like the button on the VX's lens barrel, and is a real boon. Now for tom's wish: that the next LANC controller will allow smooth and seamless control over the aperture (exposure) dial. When that becomes available I'll be much happier using a FigRig.

tom.

George Creasman · March 9th, 2006, 09:54 AM

I have used the varizoom rock for almost a year, very smooth and absolutely no problems...Tom, it sounds like you got a couple of duds to test, that's too bad, I know several people that use varizoom lanc/control gear regularly and are well pleased. I have also read forums where people stated that they really like Zoe (I have no experience with these)... if possible try out several and see what "fits" you best!

George

Michael Liebergot · March 9th, 2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Creasman

I have used the varizoom rock for almost a year, very smooth and absolutely no problems...Tom, it sounds like you got a couple of duds to test, that's too bad, I know several people that use varizoom lanc/control gear regularly and are well pleased. I have also read forums where people stated that they really like Zoe (I have no experience with these)... if possible try out several and see what "fits" you best!

George

George, just a quick question as to what cameras you are using with the VZRock. I am using Sony cams (VX2100 and PD170) and I haven't been able t get the auto focus to work.
I like using it like the push auto on the cam for quick run and gun shooting during weddings, like processional walking down the isle.

Vincent Croce · March 22nd, 2006, 08:49 AM

Got the VZRockLE mounted on a Spiderbrace with my PD170s and don't have any of the problems listed in this thread. Zoom is smooth as silk, focus works perfectly--great product for the PD170, IMO...

Tom Hardwick · March 22nd, 2006, 09:00 AM

Good, I'm glad to hear they've got the problems sorted Vincent. Thing is Varizoom were very angry with me for daring to expose the Rock and Stealth's failings, even though (as I pointed out to them) I was simply doing their prototype testing.

tom.

George Creasman · March 22nd, 2006, 01:27 PM

Michael.. I use mine on a PD170 and it has worked as advertised, no problems at all.

Mike Rehmus · March 22nd, 2006, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Rehmus

My Stealth has been a problem starting about 6 months after I bought it. Varizoom has replaced the boards, replaced the cable, all to no avail. It works OK for a short period and then fails.

I'd recommend another model as I'm not the first to experience this problem with this controller.

Varizoom contacted me and are sending me a new Rock and a replacement Stealth. We'll see how they act when I get them. I can try them on a pair of PD150's, a VX-1000, a PC-110 and a few old 8 mm cameras. Report when I get them.

Vincent Croce · March 22nd, 2006, 05:03 PM

Tom-
Like you said, you were just doing their prototype testing for them ;)
Your honest but scathing critique probably led to the smooth working version that I got my hands on...
So, thanks buddy!
Vin

February 28th, 2006, 04:41 PM	#1
Aldo Visaggio Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 82	zoom controller I would appreciate if someone can recommend a good zoom controller ( for pd150 ) with variable speed. Many Thanks

February 28th, 2006, 05:00 PM	#3
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	My Stealth has been a problem starting about 6 months after I bought it. Varizoom has replaced the boards, replaced the cable, all to no avail. It works OK for a short period and then fails. I'd recommend another model as I'm not the first to experience this problem with this controller. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

February 28th, 2006, 08:57 PM	#4
Bill Rankin Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 433	zoom controller I recently purchased the bogen 523pro with the arm and it has worked well for me so far. my two cents. __________________ Bill Rankin

February 28th, 2006, 09:38 PM	#6
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	On the more economical level, checkout Zoom Commander. Has two adjustable variable zoom cbutton sets, focus control, etc. I use it on my VX 2000 See:http://www.signvideo.com/zoom-comman...ler_II_pro.htm __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

March 22nd, 2006, 05:03 PM	#15
Vincent Croce Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 263	they should be thanking you... Tom- Like you said, you were just doing their prototype testing for them ;) Your honest but scathing critique probably led to the smooth working version that I got my hands on... So, thanks buddy! Vin

February 28th, 2006, 04:54 PM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	I got a Varizoom Stealth when they first came out a few years ago and with a bit of practice got it to ramp nice and slow or fast like a shuttle shot on a pro lens. I like it but I don't use it alot anymore (I don't use the camera too much anymore either) but with some practice it has worked out fine for me. Don

February 28th, 2006, 09:01 PM	#5
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,801	I've had a Varizoom Pro-L and it's worked fine for about 3 years: http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzprol.html

March 1st, 2006, 06:32 AM	#7
Aldo Visaggio Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 82	thanks for all the info!

March 9th, 2006, 03:26 AM	#8
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	I had a Stealth and a Rock for test for the British magazine Computer Video. Both zoom controllers gave very jerky slow zooms, inching forward in tiny little steps, often without my hand on the rocker even. This applied whether they were plugged into the VX2k, PDX10, TR2000 and TRV900, so I gave them a thumbs down. The Zoe LANC remote works beautifully though, and has a little wheel that limits your top speed to whatever you like. Good in stressful situations, where even if you push too hard on the rocker, your speed controller will have set a top speed determined by you beforehand. Another nice feature of the Zoe is the 'push auto' focus feature. This works exactly like the button on the VX's lens barrel, and is a real boon. Now for tom's wish: that the next LANC controller will allow smooth and seamless control over the aperture (exposure) dial. When that becomes available I'll be much happier using a FigRig. tom.

March 9th, 2006, 09:54 AM	#9
George Creasman New Boot Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Birmingham, AL. Posts: 11	I have used the varizoom rock for almost a year, very smooth and absolutely no problems...Tom, it sounds like you got a couple of duds to test, that's too bad, I know several people that use varizoom lanc/control gear regularly and are well pleased. I have also read forums where people stated that they really like Zoe (I have no experience with these)... if possible try out several and see what "fits" you best! George

March 22nd, 2006, 08:49 AM	#11
Vincent Croce Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 263	Got the VZRockLE mounted on a Spiderbrace with my PD170s and don't have any of the problems listed in this thread. Zoom is smooth as silk, focus works perfectly--great product for the PD170, IMO...

March 22nd, 2006, 09:00 AM	#12
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Good, I'm glad to hear they've got the problems sorted Vincent. Thing is Varizoom were very angry with me for daring to expose the Rock and Stealth's failings, even though (as I pointed out to them) I was simply doing their prototype testing. tom.

March 22nd, 2006, 01:27 PM	#13
George Creasman New Boot Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Birmingham, AL. Posts: 11	Michael.. I use mine on a PD170 and it has worked as advertised, no problems at all.