Recommend a zoom control for EX3
 

Hi I have a Manfrotto 524CF but as you know it doesn't fit the EX3.
I think I now need one for the EX3.
Theres two I was thinking of, the Libel ZC-9EX or the manfrotto 521EX

The Libec its compatible with a FUJINON and CANON lens as well.

Which is the better option or perhaps theres another one you would recommend.

Thanks.

I purchased a professional zoom controller when I bought my EX-3, but I never use it.

The zoom control built into the camera is MUCH better, and you can vary it to the inth degree.

The external zoom controller WILL NOT have the speed control of the built in zoom control. You will be wasting your money if you buy one.

I have the Manfrotto 521ex for my EX1 and I'm fairly happy with it. You can dial the zoom speed up or down and that will affect how the sensitivity of its zoom rocker. The only fault is that at the slowest speed setting the zoom rocker still can still vary the zoom, so if you want the slowest zooms you still have to have some 'touch' with unit's zoom rocker. The other features, such as record on and off and review are nice as well. I also like Bebob controllers, they have one for the EX as well. (and many others.)

This would suit your you Tony, excellent, smooth control. Libec ZC-9Pro

I've used Varizoom on my cameras for about eight years. In that time I've had two instances where repair was required, and both times Varizoom gave me quick turnaround. I recently bought this one for the EX3 VariZoom Lens Controls, monitors, Camera Stabilizers & Supports, Batteries, Monitor Kits Phone: 512-219-7722

EDIT: The reason I prefer this style is you can take it off the pan handle and still use it, thus eliminating any camera movement from touching the pan handle.

Thanks all for the tips

Zoom Control
 

Hi Anthony


I to use the Libec mounted on a Multrig Pro, and its a great combination for hand held work. I think it is a great item to have. The only caution I would urge is attach both cables, one to the camera and the other to tripod or rig you have mounted the camera on. The connection between the two cables is designed to pull apart if any force is exerted. This is a good design feature but you could so easily loose one of the cables.

Thanks for the advice Eric, whats the model of Libec you have.

Thanks.

A better, cheapter way........
 

A few months back I was in the same spot after I got a EX3...until one day on ebay.com I came across this:

12 Pin Fujinon Zoom Adapter Cable for Sony EX1 or EX3 - eBay (item 220365265718 end time Jun-19-09 17:39:37 PDT)

I called them and told the owner..John....that I was a old betacam shooter and had a Nikon 15x1 lens that came with a $2000.00 zoom controller( made my Fujinon for Nikon)....so I shipped them the controller and he made me a special cable for my EX3 all for about $130.00. I was going to buy the $400.00 Bebob Zoe for the EX3, but now I have a better way as I get nice slow zooms, and the 3 second replay works just fine
with my EX3 14x1 Fuji Stock lens.

HTH

Thats interesting William, you would think an adaptor is all I would really need.

Thanks.

Maybe so, but it's in totally the wrong place if you are standing in the usual tripod position. You can indeed use your hand to focus and zoom, but wherever possible, I'll use a remote. The usual ones for Fujinon and Cannon are quite light, but firm. The Manfrotto one isn't quite so smooth - I'm talking about the movement of the rocker, not the electronic end-product. The Manfrotto 524CFI I have also has the maximum speed control on it too, which I do find handy.

Yes Paul I like my Manfrotto 524CF, pity it wont fit my EX3.

William ,
Will that give you smooth and feathered stops and starts like you can get with a professional 2/3" camera and zoom control, or do you still have the same abrupt servo that comes with the EX-1 and are just now able to control it with your old zoom controller?

It does the job and feels like a true high end zoom controller...as i was a happy camper when I tested it out....

Sorry to belabor this, but I previously bought a zoom controller based on reports that weren't clear enough - do you mean you can really feather starts and stops just like on a professional 2/3" camera lens"?

It sounds like you're saying yes. If so this is a big breakthrough.

yes it works...I was going to buy a bebob...but after I spent 2 grand on the Nikon for my betacam rig .....I was in a pickle....until I saw the ebay ad...

when Johnny returned the controller to me....the first thing I did was to hook it up to make sure it all worked...

And it started, then stopped...then zoomed in and then zoomed out..all very slowly....just like I have done in the past years with my betacam .

BUT remember, my Nikon zoom controller is the top of the line and is not a
low end one, like the bebob or others that are out there.

Then came the 3 second shot replay....and to my suprise...it worked. so if you have a old Canon or Fuji lens controller laying around..I would call John and talk to him. It will save you money.....

HTH

I got myself the ZC-9EX.
When I zoom fully in with the ZC-9EX it starts to zoom out, on its own :)

I've it set for the FUJINON lens.

Whats the matter with it :)

Thanks.

I use the VZ PG-EX from Varizoom:

VariZoom Lens Controls, monitors, Camera Stabilizers & Supports, Batteries, Monitor Kits Phone:512-219-7722

It works very well, very smooth start stop. As well as 2/3" Canon lens with Canon controller.

It is also very comfortable with easy ergonomic adjustments.

Side Note: I have had my EX3 lens replaced by Sony, original had the fairly common problem with jerky starts and stops. Make sure this is not the problem with your lens, if it is hard to do a smooth slow zoom. Best test is to see it the handle zoom can be set to 1 or 2 and still zoom smoothly, my original was jerky up to 12.

I think I did notice jerky starts, like sticking.
Where is that handle zoom setting, is it in the menu.

Thanks.

Anthony,

In the Camera setup menu for EX3 page 115.

Thanks Olof.

Tried that, and it still wants to zoom out by itself.

Zoom Control Question
 

After researching the issue I still have a question...is the Bebob controller worth the extra $125 over the Manfrotto or Libec?

Bebob
 

Well I have both the bebob and manfrotto
I much prefer the Bebob because the startup is much smoother and there is no delay on pressing the lever - while on the manfrotto you have to press a small distance before the zoom starts and this makes it very difficult for a really slow zoom at the right moment

If you have a old Canon or Fuji zoom controller...this might save you some bucks:

12 Pin Fujinon Zoom Adapter Cable for Sony EX1 or EX3 - eBay (item 220365265718 end time Jul-19-09 17:39:37 PDT)


I have this for my Fuji controller as it works and did save me $400.00 in the long run.

HTH

I have the Manfrotto. If I were to purchase again I'd probably try the Bebob. I have one for my lanc cameras and I think it's smooth, and seems consistent with what Steve said about it. I think the Bebob build quality isn't quite as good as the Manfrotto. I did have to send my Bebob in cause the 'speed' dial broke. It was under a 2 year warranty so they fixed it for free, but it that part seems a bit prone to breakage. However the Manfrotto isn't crappy enough for me to sell it and get the Bebob instead. The manfrotto I think has a couple more features but I really only use 'start/stop' and zoom, and the reason to have a zoom controller is to have predictable and fine grained control at slow speeds. Right now I mostly use it so I can keep my left hand free for focusing, and on my DVRig Pro handle. I don't do too many zooms while shooting, just for framing prior to a shot, 'cause unless the zoom is subtle and there's other movement going on, it's a 'video giveaway' kind of effect. For this the Manfrotto is fine.