AC160 Need a new Zoom/Focus/Iris Controller for AC160

A

abeas

Well-known member
As the title states, I'm looking for a new controller. I have it narrowed down to the Varizoom PZFI rocker or the Studio1 Prozoom controller. Can anyone comment on these two and give a recommendation from experience? Thanks!
 
One major difference is the rocker control for zooming, on the Varizoom, versus the control dial on the Studio1. If you are zooming in and out frequently while shooting (I.e. sports videography) then the rocker switch on the Varizoom will likely be more natural/intuitive to operate. However, the dial on the Studio1 allows really smooth zoom starts, and you can set the zoom speed from slow to fast and it will remain constant (until you turn the dial back to the neutral position). I have the Studio1 and it is really useful. However, I tried using it for soccer matches and found the dial control for zooming just wasn't easy enough. So I purchased a zoom control with a rocker and that will get used for sports. The Studio1 will see lots of use for my other video projects, its a great value. The Studio1 would be even more valuable if the control knobs had white marker rings to allow you to set the start and stop points for focus/zoom (and possibly even the iris dial)...I've sent this suggestion off to Studio1 and they are considering it. The Varizoom's focus control dial has a marker disc so you can mark start/stop points for a focus pull.
 
abeas said:
As the title states, I'm looking for a new controller. I have it narrowed down to the Varizoom PZFI rocker or the Studio1 Prozoom controller. Can anyone comment on these two and give a recommendation from experience? Thanks!
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I have the varizoom and as mrveronn states the variable zoom rocker is a nice controller to have for sports and fast moving follow action. I have mentioned here several times that I find the focus wheel a bit "free", needing some care when focussing. But it does what it says and works well, I like it. Walter, who has both, will give you a good update as he has done some extensive testing, and has published his findings here- well worth reading.Cheers!Rod
 
Good information. Thank you both. Seems like I'm leaning towards the Varizoom right now.
 
Unfortunately I don't have Varizoom but I did have a Manfrotto remote that did 1/2 of what the Studio1 remote is able to do and the zoom was in no way as smooth as the Studio 1 remote. If you just order the Varizoom then you will never know what the Studio 1 remote is capable of, so my suggestion is why not order both (assuming both vendors accept returns) and then after testing, send one back? If the Varizoom unit is anything like the Manfrotto unit, a 10 minute test run on each should allow you to decide for yourself.
 
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