Will Sony Remote Pan Arms attach to Bogen Heads? at DVinfo.net

BJ Elliott · September 19th, 2008, 07:44 AM

Does anyone know if I can detach the remote pan arm from a Sony VCT-870RM tripod and attach it to a Manfrotto/Bogen video head, like the 501 or 701? I understand that this remote, though not as good as the Varizoom Stealth or the Manfrotto, will give me a good range of zoom control.

Harold Schreiber · September 19th, 2008, 03:37 PM

Hi BJ,

I've got 2 of the Sony VCT-D680RM units. (the smaller ones) The Remote Control Handles screw into the Head unit, so I doubt they will directly connect to that Tri-Pod head.

They are also 2-speed units, with either fast or slow zooming.

When not usnig them on their Tri-Pods, I take them off and use them "Freehand", or strap them to my custom made extendable control handles for my Bogen Tri-Pod.

I also have set up my IR Remotes with FiberOptic Cables to use in the same way, straped or Freehand. I can use both the wired and IR Remote control units together. (both "plugged" in, so to speak)

Check my other posts for Pics of the IR Remote Mod if interested.

Harold

BJ Elliott · September 19th, 2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harold Schreiber

I've got 2 of the Sony VCT-D680RM units. (the smaller ones) The Remote Control Handles screw into the Head unit, so I doubt they will directly connect to that Tri-Pod head.

They are also 2-speed units, with either fast or slow zooming.

Thanks Harold. The 870 units are supposed to have a more variable zoom than the 680's, so I'm trying desperately to get one. Even if I have to rig it up, it beats paying $200-300 for the more expensive units.

I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.

Roger Shealy · September 25th, 2008, 07:51 PM

The 870 control is fairly decent. Tripod isn't as stable as you'd like, but the action is very smooth.

Roger Shealy · September 30th, 2008, 06:58 PM

Just ordered a new 870rm today. Don't know of the reliability of the source, I'm taking a chance for a good remote (I already have one) to mount to my Bogen 561B monopod and to use as a back-up pod.

NWVDirect.com

BJ Elliott · September 30th, 2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger Shealy

NWVDirect.com

I ordered from them as well. You're going to get an email in a couple of days telling you that it is not actually in stock, and that the estimated date of their supply will be after October 15th. They gave me the option to cancel my order, and they did not charge my card. They are very easy to work with...I just wish they showed the product availability BEFORE you order.

Roger Shealy · October 1st, 2008, 05:20 AM

I'm pretty sure the 870 has been out of production for a while, so it may be they won't be able to get any more. I'd be happy to wait till around Oct 15 if they can indeed get one.

If you get one, give it a whirl before you hack it up. I think you'll be surprised at how smooth the head is, although a little stiff for super-compacts. If it had a ball head, I'd be fine with it until I can spring for a $2,000 Sachtler. I'm even tempted to purchase the Sony VCT-1170rm, which has a ball head, but it's $350 and I can't find any reliable reviews of it. I just returned a Bogen 503HDV that I purchased to replace the 870, because I found myself getting better results with the 870!

BJ Elliott · October 1st, 2008, 07:06 AM

They come up very regularly on ebay on craigslist. You can also post on the classifieds here to see if some one has one they'd be willing to part with. I ordered mine last week from B&H's used department. It should be here today. I'll leave feedback once I try it out. Good luck.

September 19th, 2008, 07:44 AM	#1
BJ Elliott Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 31	Will Sony Remote Pan Arms attach to Bogen Heads? Does anyone know if I can detach the remote pan arm from a Sony VCT-870RM tripod and attach it to a Manfrotto/Bogen video head, like the 501 or 701? I understand that this remote, though not as good as the Varizoom Stealth or the Manfrotto, will give me a good range of zoom control.

September 19th, 2008, 03:37 PM	#2
Harold Schreiber Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 309	Hi BJ, I've got 2 of the Sony VCT-D680RM units. (the smaller ones) The Remote Control Handles screw into the Head unit, so I doubt they will directly connect to that Tri-Pod head. They are also 2-speed units, with either fast or slow zooming. When not usnig them on their Tri-Pods, I take them off and use them "Freehand", or strap them to my custom made extendable control handles for my Bogen Tri-Pod. I also have set up my IR Remotes with FiberOptic Cables to use in the same way, straped or Freehand. I can use both the wired and IR Remote control units together. (both "plugged" in, so to speak) Check my other posts for Pics of the IR Remote Mod if interested. Harold

September 25th, 2008, 07:51 PM	#4
Roger Shealy Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fayetteville, GA Posts: 772	The 870 control is fairly decent. Tripod isn't as stable as you'd like, but the action is very smooth.

September 30th, 2008, 06:58 PM	#5
Roger Shealy Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fayetteville, GA Posts: 772	Just ordered a new 870rm today. Don't know of the reliability of the source, I'm taking a chance for a good remote (I already have one) to mount to my Bogen 561B monopod and to use as a back-up pod. NWVDirect.com

October 1st, 2008, 05:20 AM	#7
Roger Shealy Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fayetteville, GA Posts: 772	I'm pretty sure the 870 has been out of production for a while, so it may be they won't be able to get any more. I'd be happy to wait till around Oct 15 if they can indeed get one. If you get one, give it a whirl before you hack it up. I think you'll be surprised at how smooth the head is, although a little stiff for super-compacts. If it had a ball head, I'd be fine with it until I can spring for a $2,000 Sachtler. I'm even tempted to purchase the Sony VCT-1170rm, which has a ball head, but it's $350 and I can't find any reliable reviews of it. I just returned a Bogen 503HDV that I purchased to replace the 870, because I found myself getting better results with the 870!

October 1st, 2008, 07:06 AM	#8
BJ Elliott Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 31	They come up very regularly on ebay on craigslist. You can also post on the classifieds here to see if some one has one they'd be willing to part with. I ordered mine last week from B&H's used department. It should be here today. I'll leave feedback once I try it out. Good luck.