Jim,

Do we really need the cage in order to use the red on a crane/jib ? With the RED, I dont think we can control focus/zoom/iris while the cam is on a crane/jib ?

This is not a problem for ENG lenses. I will miss that varizoom rocker controller on my HVX200.

There are manufacturers such as Heden, Preston and Arri who have a range of motors and controls to allow you to operate these functions when using film cameras on Steadicam, Hot Heads other remote heads. Since, the RED also uses film style lenses these remotes can be used on the RED.

http://www.heden-engineering.com/default.asp

http://www.prestoncinema.com/index.html

http://www.arri.com/entry/camera.htm

Check under lenses and accessories

As Brian mentioned, Preston is the biggest name in lens control technology in the U.S. A system that will give you wireless remote control of focus, iris and zoom will set you back over $20K (my personal setup is closer to $30K--outch!--, with additional controllers, Microforce etc).

A more budget conscious alternative is the Bartech (http://www.bartechengineering.com/). About half the cost of a Preston, with proven technology but less features.

Servo-driving cine lenses is much more challenging than video lenses, especially old ones. Elements travel further and often require much more torque to work smoothly. Accuracy is also much more important (the "fudge" factor with video lenses, particularly small format cameras, goes away with 35mm optics where being off by a fraction of an inch spells big problems).

I know of a number of companies who are developing low-cost wireless systems for 35mm optics, as a response to the popularity of the lens adaptors for small cameras and these will be able to work with RED also (see the Redrock Micro site for one). It will be interesting to see what the market bears for this sort of thing.

Price wise much will depend on the market size and accuracy being demanded. What might be fine for the 35mm adapters might be found wanting on a 4k camera. Unfortunately, it's usually the last few percentage points in quality that can knock the price up.

Cutting down on some of the non essential features is one way of keeping the price down.

Don't forget the upcoming RED Motor, which will be controllable either with the RED Supergrip or the Impero wireless controller from Viewfactor Studios (http://www.viewfactor.net).