Varizoom VZRock Problems? at DVinfo.net

Brad Bonczkiewicz · June 8th, 2007, 08:13 AM

I just purchased a Varizoom VZ-Rock LANC controller for my XL2 and the zoom is horribly choppy. Because it is so jerky, I think the unit is defective. Have others had problems or heard of problems similar to this? I'm sending it back to B&H but wondering if I should buy another one or go with the Canon ZR-1000. The Canon isn't as pretty as the Varizoom and the zoom isn't a nice rocker switch. Thoughts? Thanks!

Scott Nutter · June 9th, 2007, 07:00 AM

I have heard great things about the Varizoom unit (used with an XL2) so I believe that yours is defective. I use the Manfrotto 523Pro controller and like the performance. This is pretty subjective so I think an interested buyer should try several before choosing.

Bill Hamell · June 9th, 2007, 09:10 AM

I use the VZ-Rock with the XL-2 with no problems.
Sorry yours is giving you a problem.

Bill

Rick Roseman · June 13th, 2007, 01:08 PM

I, like Bill, use the VZ RocK with an XL2.

The zoom speed is variable. Light touch=slow, heavier touch=fast.

It sounds like you may have a defective controller.

I'm not familiar with the Canon ZR-1000 so no help there.

Andy Joyce · June 14th, 2007, 05:56 PM

I had the VZ rock, but it was not consistent enough, so I traded it in for VZ Pro-L controller, which is perfect.

Nice steady control, not based on pressure but a speed wheel which can be varied in real time if you know how to do it.

Brad Bonczkiewicz · June 15th, 2007, 06:03 AM

Thanks everyone for the feedback. The sales rep at B&H had mentioned the Varizoom was returned often because it was defective which gave me the impression that perhaps it was a lower quality product. I just received the Canon ZR-1000 in the mail and it doesn't fit my Bogen tripod handle so I think I'll try the Varizoom again. I like the Varizoom company and have heard only great things about their products.

Scott Nutter · June 15th, 2007, 06:43 AM

I'm not pushing the product line but the Manfrotto unit I mentioned above is distributed by Bogen....just like your tripod. The 523Pro should work well with your sticks. That's one of the reasons I use it.

June 8th, 2007, 08:13 AM	#1
Brad Bonczkiewicz New Boot Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 12	Varizoom VZRock Problems? I just purchased a Varizoom VZ-Rock LANC controller for my XL2 and the zoom is horribly choppy. Because it is so jerky, I think the unit is defective. Have others had problems or heard of problems similar to this? I'm sending it back to B&H but wondering if I should buy another one or go with the Canon ZR-1000. The Canon isn't as pretty as the Varizoom and the zoom isn't a nice rocker switch. Thoughts? Thanks!

June 9th, 2007, 09:10 AM	#3
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	I use the VZ-Rock with the XL-2 with no problems. Sorry yours is giving you a problem. Bill __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

June 13th, 2007, 01:08 PM	#4
Rick Roseman Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Lilesville, NC Posts: 26	I, like Bill, use the VZ RocK with an XL2. The zoom speed is variable. Light touch=slow, heavier touch=fast. It sounds like you may have a defective controller. I'm not familiar with the Canon ZR-1000 so no help there. __________________ Fiat Lux

June 14th, 2007, 05:56 PM	#5
Andy Joyce Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 61	I had the VZ rock, but it was not consistent enough, so I traded it in for VZ Pro-L controller, which is perfect. Nice steady control, not based on pressure but a speed wheel which can be varied in real time if you know how to do it. __________________ ----------------------------------- XL2: power to go, quality to impress

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June 9th, 2007, 07:00 AM	#2
Scott Nutter New Boot Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Atlanta area Posts: 11	I have heard great things about the Varizoom unit (used with an XL2) so I believe that yours is defective. I use the Manfrotto 523Pro controller and like the performance. This is pretty subjective so I think an interested buyer should try several before choosing.

June 15th, 2007, 06:03 AM	#6
Brad Bonczkiewicz New Boot Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 12	Thanks everyone for the feedback. The sales rep at B&H had mentioned the Varizoom was returned often because it was defective which gave me the impression that perhaps it was a lower quality product. I just received the Canon ZR-1000 in the mail and it doesn't fit my Bogen tripod handle so I think I'll try the Varizoom again. I like the Varizoom company and have heard only great things about their products.

June 15th, 2007, 06:43 AM	#7
Scott Nutter New Boot Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Atlanta area Posts: 11	I'm not pushing the product line but the Manfrotto unit I mentioned above is distributed by Bogen....just like your tripod. The 523Pro should work well with your sticks. That's one of the reasons I use it.