Zoom controlers for HPX170

F

Flintstone

Well-known member
I'm about to buy a HPX170 to replace my aging DVX100. I'll need some Focus, Iris and Zoom controllers (separate zoom and focus). I see there are two major contenders. Varizoom and Bebob. I've tried the Varizoom, but I wonder if Zoe is better? Any one ever compared the two? Any other brands out there?
 
Just remember you can't go any slower on the zoom with a controller than the camera's slowest programed manual zoom speed . Per Jan C.
 
both companies make good stuff. i liked the varizoom stealth when using shouldermount and grips but prefer the bebob stuff in most all other situations.
 
mikkowilson said:
They don't make a focus controller, but I've been really happy with my Libec ZC-3DV ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/361366-REG/Libec_ZC_3DV_ZC_3DV_Mountable_Zoom_Control.html ).

It's cheap, has a nice big & fast clamp, a detachable cable, and works with both Panasonic cameras and LANC. Great response curve and feel too.

- Mikko
Click to expand...
+1 on the Libec. For focus look at the Manfrotto 521PFI. It has a nice large dial and you can adjust the limiters and do repeatable focus (more or less) + iris.

In case you didn't know, the HPX has a menu adjustment on the zoom ring for the total degrees of throw to go from min to max zoom. If you use the tight throw option with a controller, you will get really jumpy performance. Everything works great with the slower zoom option.

Grant
 
Record on/off?

Record on/off?

I see the Libec has a record button, does it work onthe HPX170?
 
I use the varizoom on a spider brace. Works very well, zoom, focus, iris, and record. Never used anything else, so can't compare.
 
just got my libec from B and H, I will be using it to control my HPX on a tall monopod at bicycle races. getting shots over peoples heads.

Thanks for the great post!
 
The 521PFI works great, but it does have a learning curve. Documentation is scant. Plan on spending a shooting session to figure out what the possibilities are.

Grant
 
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