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gimbal mounted zoom control


Taj Teffaha

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Hey has anyone mounted and used a MANFROTTO 521CFI zoom control. I don't know how new this product is? Just saw it at B & H photo video. I have a multi camera show coming up and need a controller for zoom; both for Canon and Fuji, 8 or 12 pin. Not sure which one, but looks like this does it all.

 

Appreciate any info, thanks.

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Hey has anyone mounted and used a MANFROTTO 521CFI zoom control. I don't know how new this product is? Just saw it at B & H photo video. I have a multi camera show coming up and need a controller for zoom; both for Canon and Fuji, 8 or 12 pin. Not sure which one, but looks like this does it all.

 

Appreciate any info, thanks.

 

 

Hey Taj,

Never tried it but for $250 it might be worth having as a back up in the kit.

 

It looks like it's not that durable and the focus is in an awkward position for on-the-fly focus.

 

Check out the G-Zoom or the Stanton for a more permanent and durable solution.

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The 521CFI (for broadcast zooms) is focus zoom only. I confirmed on the Manfrotto website. It is a new model. If the build is similar to the 521 they sell for LANC cameras, it is probably fine. Has a zoom maximum limit dial that sounds useful. The price is certainly attractive!

 

Another alternative (focus zoom only) is the Libec controller. Very compact, good action, no zoom maximum limit dial. There is a Zoe model from Bebob that also can control zoom on broadcast lenses.

 

The G-zoom and the Stanton are the only controllers that I know of that can also control zoom focus. The g-zoom is the only one that can use the internal focus servos built into some newer lenses. THe g-zoom will interface with a BFD and motor for focus control on lenses that lack the servo. The Stanton relies ONLY on external motors.

 

I believe that covers the available options on broadcast lenses. (Well, Varizoom makes one but it is not considered as nice as the Libec or Zoe).

 

Hey has anyone mounted and used a MANFROTTO 521CFI zoom control. I don't know how new this product is? Just saw it at B & H photo video. I have a multi camera show coming up and need a controller for zoom; both for Canon and Fuji, 8 or 12 pin. Not sure which one, but looks like this does it all.

 

Appreciate any info, thanks.

 

 

Hey Taj,

Never tried it but for $250 it might be worth having as a back up in the kit.

 

It looks like it's not that durable and the focus is in an awkward position for on-the-fly focus.

 

Check out the G-Zoom or the Stanton for a more permanent and durable solution.

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The 521CFI (for broadcast zooms) is focus only. I confirmed on the Manfrotto website.

 

It appears to be zoom only from what I have read. The BH website does claim it does focus, but everything on the Manfrotto website only claims zoom.

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Sorry. Typo, zoom only. I knew that but apparently my typing fingers did not. :-) It offers basically what the Zoe, Libec and Varizoom do.

 

 

The 521CFI (for broadcast zooms) is focus only. I confirmed on the Manfrotto website.

 

It appears to be zoom only from what I have read. The BH website does claim it does focus, but everything on the Manfrotto website only claims zoom.

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Hi

 

Have been working with this device on TV shows an football matches for two years and find it very nice.

You have very compact zoom control that works accurate and affordable price at the same time.

 

Best

Hey Thanks everyone,

I just received the unit a couple of days ago. Really compact, seems cool. The problem that I have now is that the 8 pin to 12 pin cable is on back order. Does anyone have an extra 8 to 12 pin for fuji focus I can borrow? Or even better can anyone make me one by Friday? The one I have ordered from B&H Photo won't be in till next week. Cheers

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Hi

 

Have been working with this device on TV shows an football matches for two years and find it very nice.

You have very compact zoom control that works accurate and affordable price at the same time.

 

Best

Hey Thanks everyone,

I just received the unit a couple of days ago. Really compact, seems cool. The problem that I have now is that the 8 pin to 12 pin cable is on back order. Does anyone have an extra 8 to 12 pin for fuji focus I can borrow? Or even better can anyone make me one by Friday? The one I have ordered from B&H Photo won't be in till next week. Cheers

 

I think I have an extra one you can borrow,

Give me a call

 

310-993-0667

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