Manfrotto 523 Pro Zoom - User Comments?

[Lester Marston]

I'm a V1 owner looking to purchase quality add-ons. Any among the readership use this model? :

http://www.videoguys.com.au/scripts/...idproduct=1007

It's design is in keeping with the professional zoom controllers I have used in broadcast TV i.e. O.B., studio, field, and as such looks to provide the same sort of minute control. The three user-selectable fixed zoom ranges on their own make this unit appear to be an excellent purchase.

I doubt I'd ever go near the focus controls other than the "auto focus" button in times of trouble (I prefer a separate wheel-based focus controller on the other pan handle).

Have searched the forum but nothing I've read appears universally conclusive to this current date with the V1.

Comments appreciated.

[Frederic Gittler]

I can only offer my views as a consumer; I have never done broadcast/studio, so I cannot compare the 523 Pro to studio gear. Also, I am using the 503 Pro with a Canon XH-A1, which means I do not have experience with your camera.

Overall, I am very satisfied of the 503 Pro. I especially like the zoom control: the zoom knob (or rocker, or wheel) has a very good feel, and allows for nice progressive zooming. You can furthermore:
(1) quickly select one of three maximum zoom speeds
(2) select progressive or fixed zoom speeds
(3) cutomize each of the three maximum zoom speeds
(4) customize the direction for the zoom knob (zoom tele on right or on left)

The focus control is not of the same level: one button to focus farther, one to focus closer, and one for "Push AF" (which does not work with the Canon). No progressive control, no customization.

I should also point out the 503 Pro is designed to be used with a video (fluid) head, and will not adapt to a stabilizer or any ther type of support. The unit is a pan arm, vs. the 501 / 501 Pro which can attach to any (reasonibly sized) bar. I believe the diameter of the supplied bar is 19mm; Manfrotto sells adapter bars (522PB 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 22mm, 25mm, 30mm) if needed to fit to your video head.

[Piotr Wozniacki]

Originally Posted by Lester Marston

I'm a V1 owner looking to purchase quality add-ons. Any among the readership use this model? :

http://www.videoguys.com.au/scripts/...idproduct=1007

It's design is in keeping with the professional zoom controllers I have used in broadcast TV i.e. O.B., studio, field, and as such looks to provide the same sort of minute control. The three user-selectable fixed zoom ranges on their own make this unit appear to be an excellent purchase.

I doubt I'd ever go near the focus controls other than the "auto focus" button in times of trouble (I prefer a separate wheel-based focus controller on the other pan handle).

Have searched the forum but nothing I've read appears universally conclusive to this current date with the V1.

Comments appreciated.

Lester,

I'm using the V1E on the Manfrotto 503/525 tripod equipped with the MN523Pro lanc controller. After initial problems (please see my thread here:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=88277), I can confirm the controller works flawlessly, and gives you an almost absolute command of the camera. Not only do you have three different zoom speed limits (constant or progressive), but you can focus both direction with separate buttons and - in time of troble - use the Push Auto Focus as the last resort. Also, you can freely program the 3 zoom buttons to any speed you want.