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February 28th, 2006, 04:41 PM | #1 |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 82
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zoom controller
I would appreciate if someone can recommend a good zoom controller ( for pd150 ) with variable speed.
Many Thanks |
February 28th, 2006, 04:54 PM | #2 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 6,609
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I got a Varizoom Stealth when they first came out a few years ago and with a bit of practice got it to ramp nice and slow or fast like a shuttle shot on a pro lens. I like it but I don't use it alot anymore (I don't use the camera too much anymore either) but with some practice it has worked out fine for me.
Don |
February 28th, 2006, 05:00 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Vallejo, California
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My Stealth has been a problem starting about 6 months after I bought it. Varizoom has replaced the boards, replaced the cable, all to no avail. It works OK for a short period and then fails.
I'd recommend another model as I'm not the first to experience this problem with this controller.
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Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel! |
February 28th, 2006, 08:57 PM | #4 |
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Location: Houston, TX
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zoom controller
I recently purchased the bogen 523pro with the arm and it has worked well for me so far.
my two cents.
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Bill Rankin |
February 28th, 2006, 09:01 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Mays Landing, NJ
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I've had a Varizoom Pro-L and it's worked fine for about 3 years: http://www.varizoom.com/products/controls/vzprol.html
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February 28th, 2006, 09:38 PM | #6 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Elk Grove CA
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On the more economical level, checkout Zoom Commander. Has two adjustable variable zoom cbutton sets, focus control, etc. I use it on my VX 2000
See:http://www.signvideo.com/zoom-comman...ler_II_pro.htm
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Chris J. Barcellos |
March 1st, 2006, 06:32 AM | #7 |
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Location: Ottawa, Canada
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thanks for all the info!
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March 9th, 2006, 03:26 AM | #8 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Billericay, England UK
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I had a Stealth and a Rock for test for the British magazine Computer Video. Both zoom controllers gave very jerky slow zooms, inching forward in tiny little steps, often without my hand on the rocker even. This applied whether they were plugged into the VX2k, PDX10, TR2000 and TRV900, so I gave them a thumbs down.
The Zoe LANC remote works beautifully though, and has a little wheel that limits your top speed to whatever you like. Good in stressful situations, where even if you push too hard on the rocker, your speed controller will have set a top speed determined by you beforehand. Another nice feature of the Zoe is the 'push auto' focus feature. This works exactly like the button on the VX's lens barrel, and is a real boon. Now for tom's wish: that the next LANC controller will allow smooth and seamless control over the aperture (exposure) dial. When that becomes available I'll be much happier using a FigRig. tom. |
March 9th, 2006, 09:54 AM | #9 |
New Boot
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Birmingham, AL.
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I have used the varizoom rock for almost a year, very smooth and absolutely no problems...Tom, it sounds like you got a couple of duds to test, that's too bad, I know several people that use varizoom lanc/control gear regularly and are well pleased. I have also read forums where people stated that they really like Zoe (I have no experience with these)... if possible try out several and see what "fits" you best!
George |
March 9th, 2006, 10:45 AM | #10 | |
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Location: Maryland
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Quote:
I like using it like the push auto on the cam for quick run and gun shooting during weddings, like processional walking down the isle. |
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March 22nd, 2006, 08:49 AM | #11 |
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Fort Myers, FL
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Got the VZRockLE mounted on a Spiderbrace with my PD170s and don't have any of the problems listed in this thread. Zoom is smooth as silk, focus works perfectly--great product for the PD170, IMO...
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March 22nd, 2006, 09:00 AM | #12 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Billericay, England UK
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Good, I'm glad to hear they've got the problems sorted Vincent. Thing is Varizoom were very angry with me for daring to expose the Rock and Stealth's failings, even though (as I pointed out to them) I was simply doing their prototype testing.
tom. |
March 22nd, 2006, 01:27 PM | #13 |
New Boot
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Location: Birmingham, AL.
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Michael.. I use mine on a PD170 and it has worked as advertised, no problems at all.
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March 22nd, 2006, 03:00 PM | #14 | |
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Quote:
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Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel! |
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March 22nd, 2006, 05:03 PM | #15 |
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they should be thanking you...
Tom-
Like you said, you were just doing their prototype testing for them ;) Your honest but scathing critique probably led to the smooth working version that I got my hands on... So, thanks buddy! Vin |
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