zoom/focus control for EX3/EX1
 

I was wondering... are there any units out there that control both the focus and zoom of the lens?

All I have been finding so far are zoom controllers or big clunky focus controllers that require rails.

I am looking for one unit, that can be mounted on my tripod handle that controls BOTH focus AND zoom.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Brent

Not seen one. The zoom can be controlled by the lens connector on the lens, but focus would have to be via some kind of follow focus unit, so it's likely that you will need two separate controllers. The norm would be two, one mounted on the right pan bar and the second on an additional pan bar on the left.

Keep your eye on the NAB-announced remote focus controllers from RedRock micro; they say both a wired version (with the controller on the left handle), and much more sophisticated wireless version will both be available soon, at a very attractive price.

You mean the one with the iPhone connectivity? That looked sweet as!! (and by sweet, I mean totally expensive!!)

The zoom function is controllable via the connector by the lens. There are electronic zoom controllers (which amount to nothing more than a potentiometer that costs several hundred $$$) which just plug into this connector.

Alas, although the focus function is also controlled by a motor (for auto-focus), access to this motor is not known to be accessible outside the camera body. That is why all the available solutions use either mechanical (flexible shaft) or electronic (external motor) access, as you say, typically mounted on rails.

Someday, someone may find some way to access the hidden/covered "service" USB port to get other information/control in and out of the camera. We can at least dream.