How do I motorize zoom on a 100-400v2? at DVinfo.net

Larry Johnson · December 4th, 2016, 01:50 PM

I don't know a great deal about video equipment. Is it possible to set up the canon 100-400 v2 with a smooth, silent motorized zoom control? Variable speeds? What gear would be needed. All I have now is the camera, tripod and video head. Not interested in homemade DIY setups.

And does anyone's instant email notifications work. I never get an email to subscribed threads.

Seth Bloombaum · December 4th, 2016, 02:26 PM

I've repurposed mechanical follow focus controls, attaching them to lens zoom rings instead of focus rings..

There are motorized follow focus systems. I've never used them, and don't know if they'll give the fine control to ramp the acceleration and decceleration of a zoom, or control the overall speed. Mostly that's the province of fixed lens camcorders and ENG lenses with full servo controls.

Edward Carlson · December 4th, 2016, 03:36 PM

The Preston Micro Force is designed for exactly this. If you're buying new, you want the DM1X motor (4205) which has the most torque, or the DM2 (4201,) and the Micro Force Digital 2 controller (1210,) as well as the appropriate cables for your camera and battery setup (1227 is the Anton Bauer P-tap cable.)

If you're buying used there are analog motors and an analog controller, just make sure you match them (analog controller won't work on digital motors.)

Larry Johnson · December 4th, 2016, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Carlson

The Preston Micro Force is designed for exactly this. If you're buying new, you want the DM1X motor (4205) which has the most torque, or the DM2 (4201,) and the Micro Force Digital 2 controller (1210,) as well as the appropriate cables for your camera and battery setup (1227 is the Anton Bauer P-tap cable.)

If you're buying used there are analog motors and an analog controller, just make sure you match them (analog controller won't work on digital motors.)

Thanks. Should I have mentioned that the canon 100-400 II is a photographic lens. It doesn't have gears or teeth on the exterior, which appear to be required in order to use thePreston Microforge.

Edward Carlson · December 4th, 2016, 05:02 PM

I assumed it was, I also assumed you already had gear rings on your zoom and focus. There are hundreds of gear rings you can add to your lens yourself: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/L...8/N/4028759305

If you want a more professional look, companies like Duclos will machine custom delrin gears and install them for you.

Larry Johnson · December 4th, 2016, 06:51 PM

Thanks Edward. I don't even have the lens yet. Just looking at options.

December 4th, 2016, 01:50 PM	#1
Larry Johnson Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 75	How do I motorize zoom on a 100-400v2? I don't know a great deal about video equipment. Is it possible to set up the canon 100-400 v2 with a smooth, silent motorized zoom control? Variable speeds? What gear would be needed. All I have now is the camera, tripod and video head. Not interested in homemade DIY setups. And does anyone's instant email notifications work. I never get an email to subscribed threads.

December 4th, 2016, 02:26 PM	#2
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	Re: How do I motorize zoom on a 100-400v2? I've repurposed mechanical follow focus controls, attaching them to lens zoom rings instead of focus rings.. There are motorized follow focus systems. I've never used them, and don't know if they'll give the fine control to ramp the acceleration and decceleration of a zoom, or control the overall speed. Mostly that's the province of fixed lens camcorders and ENG lenses with full servo controls. __________________ 30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.

December 4th, 2016, 03:36 PM	#3
Edward Carlson Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: North Hollywood, CA, United States Posts: 807	Re: How do I motorize zoom on a 100-400v2? The Preston Micro Force is designed for exactly this. If you're buying new, you want the DM1X motor (4205) which has the most torque, or the DM2 (4201,) and the Micro Force Digital 2 controller (1210,) as well as the appropriate cables for your camera and battery setup (1227 is the Anton Bauer P-tap cable.) If you're buying used there are analog motors and an analog controller, just make sure you match them (analog controller won't work on digital motors.)

December 4th, 2016, 05:02 PM	#5
Edward Carlson Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: North Hollywood, CA, United States Posts: 807	Re: How do I motorize zoom on a 100-400v2? I assumed it was, I also assumed you already had gear rings on your zoom and focus. There are hundreds of gear rings you can add to your lens yourself: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/L...8/N/4028759305 If you want a more professional look, companies like Duclos will machine custom delrin gears and install them for you.

December 4th, 2016, 06:51 PM	#6
Larry Johnson Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 75	Re: How do I motorize zoom on a 100-400v2? Thanks Edward. I don't even have the lens yet. Just looking at options.