Varizoom controller focusing at DVinfo.net

Jim Ferguson · January 8th, 2003, 11:39 AM

The focus control on the varizoom . . . is it only a manual focus (equivalent to turning the ring on the lens), or does it have a push 'af' button like on the standard lens? Also, I imagine their controllers work with the 3x as well?
Thanks,
Jim

Ed Frazier · January 8th, 2003, 02:50 PM

The VZ Pro-LX only has manual focus (no push AF). I have made the suggestion to Varizoom that push AF should be added, but don't know if/when it will happen. Sure would be a nice addition. I don't have the 3X lens, but I'm pretty sure their controllers work with it the same as the standard 16X.

Jim Ferguson · January 8th, 2003, 06:12 PM

I imagine since the VZ Pro-LX does not, then none of their models do? Does the Canon version, or others?
Thanks,
Jim

Jim Ferguson · January 10th, 2003, 02:32 AM

I found my answer to be 'no', none do.

Is the Canon ZR1000 comparable to the Varizoom Stealth rather than the Pro-L?

Ken Tanaka · January 10th, 2003, 02:39 AM

I'd say yes, Jim. Functionally as well as size-wise.

There's an ongoing discussion on the subject here which also mentions a new controller that may be coming onto the market this year.

Jeff Donald · January 10th, 2003, 06:11 AM

It was posted here several months ago and is on Bogen's site http://www.bogenphoto.com/news/right...e=1&numpages=1 It mentions manual or AF control. I haven't seen this unit but it is probably typical Bogen/Manfrotto quality.

Jeff

Jim Ferguson · January 10th, 2003, 11:16 AM

Yeah, I had read the other thread. It seems the zr1000 is the way to go considering my budget. (I hadn't planned on buying one, until I got my camera and realised how impossible it is to zoom accurately, let alone the shake from touching the camera at all.)

The problem with the thread, is it says the pro-l is 'more substantial' in that it is made of metal. I don't care. I care about how it functions practiacally. The thread does not compare them in any other way.

Is the zoom control similar to the pro-l or the stealth? or different all together?

The new Bogen looks interesting, I'll have to look into it further.

thanks all,
Jim

Jim Ferguson · January 13th, 2003, 11:28 AM

So I asked Bogen about the AF function on their controller . . . Here's the response:

The LANC handle can control AF to MF switching on cameras where such a change is controlled by software. However, cameras that have a mechanical switch for AF/MF control such as Canon's XL-1s or the Sony PD-150, etc., will need the switch in the MF position for the handle's forward to back focus buttons to work properly. The AF/MF switch on the LANC handle is therefore inactive in such cameras with a mechanical focus switch.
Regards,
Kevin V. Lackey
Technical Support

It seems to sell for about $275 (at B&H). . . it looks like the Canon is the best option for a cheap controller.

Ignacio Artiñano · May 21st, 2003, 02:05 PM

Is any new information on the Canon/Bogen 522C Lanc Control for the GL2/XM2. How it works, user manual available, Zoom speed control?.
I have the small Vari Zoom Stealth, and is really difficult to control the zoom speed. Mainly at low rates.

Best to all.
Ignacio

January 8th, 2003, 11:39 AM	#1
Jim Ferguson Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Posts: 28	Varizoom controller focusing The focus control on the varizoom . . . is it only a manual focus (equivalent to turning the ring on the lens), or does it have a push 'af' button like on the standard lens? Also, I imagine their controllers work with the 3x as well? Thanks, Jim

January 8th, 2003, 02:50 PM	#2
Ed Frazier Major Player Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 343	The VZ Pro-LX only has manual focus (no push AF). I have made the suggestion to Varizoom that push AF should be added, but don't know if/when it will happen. Sure would be a nice addition. I don't have the 3X lens, but I'm pretty sure their controllers work with it the same as the standard 16X. __________________ Ed Frazier

January 10th, 2003, 02:39 AM	#5
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I'd say yes, Jim. Functionally as well as size-wise. There's an ongoing discussion on the subject here which also mentions a new controller that may be coming onto the market this year. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

January 13th, 2003, 11:28 AM	#8
Jim Ferguson Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Posts: 28	Manfrotto 522 LANC VideoCamera Remote So I asked Bogen about the AF function on their controller . . . Here's the response: The LANC handle can control AF to MF switching on cameras where such a change is controlled by software. However, cameras that have a mechanical switch for AF/MF control such as Canon's XL-1s or the Sony PD-150, etc., will need the switch in the MF position for the handle's forward to back focus buttons to work properly. The AF/MF switch on the LANC handle is therefore inactive in such cameras with a mechanical focus switch. Regards, Kevin V. Lackey Technical Support It seems to sell for about $275 (at B&H). . . it looks like the Canon is the best option for a cheap controller.

May 21st, 2003, 02:05 PM	#9
Ignacio Artiñano Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Madrid/Spain Posts: 44	Is any new information on the Canon/Bogen 522C Lanc Control for the GL2/XM2. How it works, user manual available, Zoom speed control?. I have the small Vari Zoom Stealth, and is really difficult to control the zoom speed. Mainly at low rates. Best to all. Ignacio __________________ Ignacio Artiñano

January 8th, 2003, 06:12 PM	#3
Jim Ferguson Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Posts: 28	I imagine since the VZ Pro-LX does not, then none of their models do? Does the Canon version, or others? Thanks, Jim

January 10th, 2003, 02:32 AM	#4
Jim Ferguson Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Posts: 28	I found my answer to be 'no', none do. Is the Canon ZR1000 comparable to the Varizoom Stealth rather than the Pro-L?

January 10th, 2003, 06:11 AM	#6
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	It was posted here several months ago and is on Bogen's site http://www.bogenphoto.com/news/right...e=1&numpages=1 It mentions manual or AF control. I haven't seen this unit but it is probably typical Bogen/Manfrotto quality. Jeff

January 10th, 2003, 11:16 AM	#7
Jim Ferguson Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Posts: 28	Yeah, I had read the other thread. It seems the zr1000 is the way to go considering my budget. (I hadn't planned on buying one, until I got my camera and realised how impossible it is to zoom accurately, let alone the shake from touching the camera at all.) The problem with the thread, is it says the pro-l is 'more substantial' in that it is made of metal. I don't care. I care about how it functions practiacally. The thread does not compare them in any other way. Is the zoom control similar to the pro-l or the stealth? or different all together? The new Bogen looks interesting, I'll have to look into it further. thanks all, Jim

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