Pan / Tilt Head ?

jlames

jlames

Well-known member
Can anyone tell me if there is a significant difference between the Glidecam Vista remote pan/tilt and the Varizoom VZ-MC100 remote pan/tilt? There's a $1300 difference and if there's a performance difference, I don't want to skimp but on the other hand, I don't want to pay $1300 for a name, either.
 
These both are fairly serious cost items. I would recommend trying both out (perhaps renting) before committing to a purchase of either.
 
I own the Vista, and bought it because of the cost savings. It works for me very well with smaller size unit like all DV type cams and some lighter weight larger ones. It's the head to buy though if you intend on shooting high end 35 or HD like varicam or cinealta.

Also the gears make moise when it moves quickly, so this may affect sound if the unit is close to any mics. So far it hasn't affected me.

There's also a limit on reach for the cable, 15'. so if you have a very long crane or want to attach it to a ceiling some far spot you will also need extension cables that can only be bought from them.

the vista is only rated for 20 pounds, 10 less than varizoom. vista doesn't bring a case, so you'll spend a couple extra buying a case for it.

the vista weights less than varizoom. so if you have low weight rating for you jib and only shoot small cams, the vista is a better choice; ergo my choice.

for me, if there's every a good enough budget for high end cams then will also be enough money to rent high jibs and dolly. so the vista is plenty for my low budget package. besides, in the very near future it looks like the HVX will be only cam I use on it.
 
Thanks for the info. We're on the same page. I'll be using the XL1 and XL2 until the HVX 200 comes out all operating on a new Skycrane system which is a fairly heavy-duty crane at 13 feet. Can you tell me how the joystick operates? Is it smooth on both axis and in transition from one, say pan, to the other, tilt. That's the area I'm most concerned with; the "touch"of the joystick. IOt should be able to go diagonal to maneuver pan and tilt at the same time in varying degrees. So many of them have 2 speeds idle and fast and no controllable ramp-up as you increase the pressure on the stick. How does yours react?
 
My vista has a dial for speed so you get exactly what you want. and yes it pan and tilts at the same time. the touch is very easy. I'm happy with it.

Varizoom has their demos on sale. you want to spend a little extra for it to get the 50% higher load rating.
 
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