Recommendations for zoom control for AG - CX350 ?

O

OnSet

Well-known member
Does anyone have recommendations for a LANC (rear) zoom control for the CX350?
Would like something that dose smooth starts and stops and can vary speeds.
Primarily would be using for corporate presentations, but possibly also for theater/music/performance shoots.
Thanks!
 
Thanks
Wondering if you have any experience with one being smoother than another.
(Back in the day I got spoiled using a Microforce controller for most jobs)
 
I've been happy with my VariZoom controller (link below) for my Panasonic DVX200, HC-X1, and AC160. The zoom rocker has smooth ramping from zero to full speed, and the focus/iris controls are great.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._ROCK_PZFI_VZRock_PZFI_Rocker_Controller.html

The problem is that my new CX350 is not compatible, so I bought a new VariZoom (link below). I've found its zoom control to be as smooth as my previous model, and I prefer the new rocker design. I don't like change to buttons instead of wheels for focus and iris, but they work fine. The iris control is fast and helpful. The focus control is too slow for anything except minor adjustments. Trying to rack focus from a near subject to a far subject would literally take 30 seconds. Unfortunately the Data, Autofocus, and On buttons do nothing with the CX350. But I can live without those features. I mostly use just the Zoom and Iris controls.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...Z_STEALTH_LX_VZStealthLX_Zoom_Controller.html
 
You'll find all of these remotes aren't great but Varizoom is the best I've used. It takes some practice and concentration to get smooth zooms. I don't know why these remote aren't as good as the rocker on the camera. Has always been this way. Combination of the lens servo motors and Lanc tech has never been good.
 
I started with the Varizoom VZ-ROCK controller which has a zoom rocker and buttons for focus and iris:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._for_LANC.html

Although it works well enough, I was not thrilled with the zoom rocker action (coming from a background with "real" ENG style servo zooms from Canon and Fuji), and recently have tried this Manfrotto MVR901ECPL controller instead:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...an_Bar_EX.html

Physically I like it better than the Varizooms - the clamp seems more durable and the start/stop button is bigger, easier to reach, and works with a lighter touch. The zoom rocker fits my fingers better and offers somewhat smoother control, especially at low speeds, but still not as good as an old ENG lens or the Microforce controller. You can switch the Manfrotto to the old Panasonic analog remote standard as well, which is useful to me because I still have a couple of older cameras that require it. The downside - and it's a big one - is that it is start/stop/zoom only - no focus or iris controls. Also, the tally light on the controller works "backwards" to my expectations - it lights red when the camera is STOPPED and turns off when recording. Confusing.

I find the Manfrotto better for most run'n'gun work, but would still probably choose the Varizoom when shooting under more controlled conditions. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.
 
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In my experience, the Manfrotto and upper level Libec controllers have much more sensitivity than the Varizoom controllers. The Varizoom are fine, but the other two are closer to the 2/3" broadcast level controllers where you can really be artistic. Libec discontinued my favorite controller, so I would say the Manfrotto would be my choice. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/816007-REG/Manfrotto_MVR901ECPL_RC_Pan_Bar_EX.html

I would visit a store or order a few and see which would the best for your needs.
 
In my continuing search for the best CX350 zoom controller, I have a new front runner, the Libec ZFC-L that I just got a couple of days ago. It has a nicer rocker action than the Manfrotto I mentioned above, a very large, soft start/stop button that is easy to operate by feel, a sturdy bar clamp, and a focus rocker that works at just the right speed to be precise but not annoyingly slow at making larger changes. It's also quite a bit cheaper than most of its competitors. It doesn't have a tally lamp, iris control, or the ability to work with the older Panasonic analog remote jacks, and lacks the Manfrotto's removable cable, but the controls are the smoothest I've found, which is what matters most to me, and I appreciate the focus control.

This model was a little hard to find in stock at the big retailers. Perhaps it is being phased out, which would be a shame. I was able to get it from Markertek:

https://www.markertek.com/product/lib-zfc-l/libec-zfc-l-zoom-focus-control-for-lanc-video-cameras
 
I am sure that one is good. This one is my favorite but it seems to be phased out - Libec ZFC-5hd It has the most broadcast sponginess of anything LANC I have every tried.
 
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