Zoe zoom controller - Stepless?

Re: Zoe zoom controller - Stepless?

[quote author=steve Bec link=board=nws;num=1086215745;start=15#17 date=06/14/04 at 20:47:19]Yes, the zoe had a more confortable rocker switch but the bogan ,in my opinion,was a better built item hands down. The clamping machanism wasn't great on the zoe and could see the long bolts to clamp on the handle easly breakable. So I went with the bogan.[/quote]

Was this the new plastic Zoe or the original? FWIW, I have travelled extensively with the original Zoe's permanently attached to the Vinten tripods without incident. I check them as luggage all the time so I would worry about that. I even have one on a Peter Lisand shoulder mount that doesn't get much coddling. Still no issue.
 
Re: Zoe zoom controller - Stepless?

Steve you mentioned BOGAN 512P is that the correct spelling or is it BOGEN? I want to check it out online.
 
Re: Zoe zoom controller - Stepless?

I have had the new zoe for a couple weeks, attached semi-permanently to my bogen 525/503, and I haven't been afraid of it getting hurt, although the thin bolts ARE a little long. I just make sure it's all oriented in such a way that they're not sticking out any more than the spreader feet do. It's small, but seems tough. My complaint would be that those friggin' buttons are a pain to push... the zoom ones more so than the record button.

As far as the stepping goes, if you look for it, it's there, but it's not incredibly visible. It is irritating that they basically call it no-step though.
 
Re: Zoe zoom controller - Stepless?

I've been using the new Zoe controller with my 100A for about 2 months now. I looked at all the controllers at NAB this year and the Zoe was the best one- hands down. I agree with Ecna Lubmatic's comments above- the two bolts attaching it to the tripod handle are to long and to thin and should have been improved. I also find the variable zoom pre-set switches to be more difficult to push than they should have. However, the more time I put on the rocker, the less I'm even using the pre-set zoom speeds (both set to as slow as possible)

As for the stepping issue, the 100A lens is far better than the 100. It will give you a nice creeping zoom in/out, but I do notice a small step ONLY when I change directions with the zoom during the shot. So, if I know I'll be doing a zoom during a shot, I'll always get the lens in the proper zoom direction BEFORE the take. Only downside is that I end up 1 or 2 clicks off of the wide and long side of the lens for that particular shot, but it's better than a small jump going to tape that looks like the operator is at fault. Heck, I've noticed this problem with broadcast lense's before that cost more than the 100A by itself.

Hope this helps anyone out there on the fence. It sure is nice having a zoom control that works 90% the way you want it to rather than not. I'll take those odds anyday. Put some practice into it and you'll never think twice about your Zoe purchase.

Keeping my fingers crossed for Zoe version 3 or an adapter cable from my Microforce to DV. That would be something.....
 
Re: Zoe zoom controller - Stepless?

Does it really work... smoothly... with ramp up/down...?
I built the two knob of Jarred's and it still doesn't "ease in, and out" of the zoom. I heard that the new 100a has a better zoom servo... If so, I would like to have it changed out at whatever expense... the zoom is not even as smoothe as the Sony low end digital consumer cameras... What I do is to set it at the lowest speed with the external controller... then use the rocker arm to get to one extreme (out or in) and release it and let it creep through the zoom at an even rate.
However this is no substitute for being able to smoothly begin or end a zoom.
I love this camera...but the zoom could really use some help.
 
Re: Zoe zoom controller - Stepless?

[quote author=ullanta link=board=nws;num=1086215745;start=0#3 date=06/03/04 at 11:11:37]I think that the Zoe controller is clearly using false and/or deceptive advertising, and I think the DVXUser community should perhaps get together and send them a message regarding this. I wouldn't want to see people disappointed when their "stepless" $300 purchase provides the same 3-step zoom as the one they can make for $20 and 20 minutes...  and it just grates.  There are many folks working hard to make great accessories for the DVX and advertizing them honestly, who should not lose sales due to false claims...

-Barry
[/quote]

I'm going to have to strongly disagree with this statement. I've used several Varizoom models and I find the Zoe to be the only one worth owning. As for the stepless thing, the 100 sucks with any of these... it's the 100A that actually gives you a shot a usable zooms. As someone with thousands of hours worth of experience using serious lens controls and making "broadcast moves" on everything, I tend to be pretty critical of zoom controllers. While the Zoe may not work perfectly for everyone (remember skill plays a part too), I think you'll find it has no equal.
 
Re: Zoe zoom controller - Stepless?

That was my conclusion as well. My jib-arm operator is one of the most talented ops you'll find, and well experienced with remote zoom controllers. We went to DVExpo in L.A. in December and he sampled all the various controllers, and declared the Zoe to be "vastly superior" to the others.
 
Re: Zoe zoom controller - Stepless?

[quote author=Mitch_Ives link=board=nws;num=1086215745;start=15#25 date=07/01/04 at 10:34:48]

I'm going to have to strongly disagree with this statement. I've used several Varizoom models and I find the Zoe to be the only one worth owning. As for the stepless thing, the 100 sucks with any of these... it's the 100A that actually gives you a shot a usable zooms. As someone with thousands of hours worth of experience using serious lens controls and making "broadcast moves" on everything, I tend to be pretty critical of zoom controllers. While the Zoe may not work perfectly for everyone (remember skill plays a part too), I think you'll find it has no equal.[/quote]

I'm not arguing whether the Zoe is the best out there... I just think it's not at all "stepless" and the zooms are not "smooth". Mind you, I don't have an "A", so my disappointment may be far greater than that of someone who does. But, yes... the action of the Zoe is nice. I like the dual-mode control idea. But if I were to buy it based on their advertisement, I wouldn't get what I paid for. I'm not saying it's bad... I'm saying that the ads say it's it does more than it really does.
 
Zoe is continuously variable!

Zoe is continuously variable!

Based on the opinions of what I consider to knowledgeable people I recently obtained a Zoe for my 100A. I have checked it out very carefully and found that the zoom controls whether fixed speed or variable do control the zoom in a continuously variable manner. The fixed speed zoom and record buttons, while small, are not terribly difficult to use. I have permanently mounted the unit on the pan handle of my 503/525pkit tripod. I suggest that the skill of the user has a lot to do with the results obtained. Oh and by the way, it is Bogen 521P not Bogan 512P.
 
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