LANC Controller Compatibility with the XL-2
 

Canon cameras, particularly the XL line, have long had a rather loose fidelity with Sony's LANC control communication protocol. I am completing a review for this site of a new model of controller and wonder if the new XL-2 improves on that relationship.

There are two particular functions of many controllers that have not been compatible with previous XL cameras.

• On/Off: This function should be able to put the camera into sleep mode and to wake it, as it does with the GL2 and most other LANC cameras. But XL's just will not stay asleep.
• Focus: Since the Auto/Manual focus mode on the 16x IS II lens (and its predecessor) is a physical switch no remote controller could toggle focus mode. But some controllers have made an effort to at least facilitate the "Push Auto" function, or to enable rocker-controlled focus adjustment, while the lens is in Manual mode...to varying degrees of effectiveness.

So, if you are the proud owner of a shiny new XL-2 and also own a remote controller such as a Zoe or Varizoom I would very much appreciate it if you could reply with your findings, particularly on the above functions. Please be sure to indicate what brand and model of controller you use.

Thanks very much. This thread will hopefully serve as a good community reference.

Varizoom VZ-PG-L w/o rocker switch -- this is the version that has two push buttons for telephoto and wide, otherwise the controls are identical although can't vouch for the firmware being identical.

The On/Off push button DOES NOT put the camera INTO standby but it DOES bring the camera out of standby (after putting the camera into standby by pressing the standby button on the camera).

The Focus buttons perform a rocker-controlled focus adjustment.

The variable zoom control at the slowest speed is similar to the XL1s slowest zoom speed.

I did not test the Run/Stop button.

Thanks very much Kevin. It sounds like the XL2's compatibility with LANC controllers remains the same as its predecessors. Since the 20x lens appears to also feature a mechanical Auto/Manual Focus mode switch a controller still can't shift modes.

Thanks again. This is useful information.

VariZoom Pro L with XL2?
 

Is one of you working with the varizoom Pro L on his XL2.

I like to buy one but did not know if it really works with the XL2.

Can you please help me.



Thanks a lot Thomas

Hi Thomas,

The VariZoom VZ-Pro L works with the Canon XL2, XL1S, XL1, GL2 and GL1. Hope this helps,

I've used the varizoom mini and it works very well too.

Most of the varizoom products are pretty good.

DBK

Best lanc controller for XL2
 

I have a question for all you XL2 users with a tripod.

What is the best lanc controller availabel for the XL2 under $300 ?

Thanks !

Frank

Hi
Havent posted for a while - arhhh it's good to be back!

I have the Manfrotto 522c Remote, and it's great. It's got a very smooth variable zoom control, focus control and on/off standby button.

I paid £210 for it in the UK, with the Uk being V. Expensive, so I guess you couls easily get it under $300 in the US.

It completely replaces the pan bar of your current tripod, it doesn't clamp on to your existing pan bar.

I am using it with a Vinten Vision 3 series tripod (great tripod!)

Lawrence

Varizoom VLZ Pro
 

I own the Varizoom VLZ Pro and like it very much, has helped to make the most boring shots a little more interesting

I belive i paid 395 for mine

www.varizoom.com

sorry forgot to finish
 

i paid 395 for it , but i believe they are under 300 now. I truly believe it is worth every penny

anyone tried the new 523pro?

Libec just introduced one for under 200 dollars.

zr-1000 or varizoom stealth LX?
 

Both seem to be good, but I don't have hands-on experience.

Which one for all-around performance?

Do all of the varizoom functions work on the xl2?

Varizoom zoom controller not ramping zoom smoothly on XL2
 

Has anybody else had problems with the Varizoom VZ PG-L not ramping up smoothly from a slow zoom? I start at a very slow crawl and then gradually increase the zoom speed but at a certain point the speed jumps inconsistently, creating a very unsmooth transition. If I use the zoom rocker in constant mode + the dial wheel on the XL2 it is perfect, but it is a hassle to pan and tilt on a tripod while using my left hand to zoom and adjust the speed.

Kevin

I must be the only one using this zoom controller on the XL2 I assume. Can anybody recommend a zoom controller that doesn't have this inconsistent jump in zoom speed when ramping from the slowest crawl on up? Thanks.

Kevin