VariZoom or Bartech

[Will Culick]

Hi guys, I'm kinda new to the Steadicam world but am wanting to purchase a rig...EVENTUALLY. But for starters, I'm looking to purchase a Wireless Follow Focus considering I know two guys who have a rig but no WFF. I've been doing my research on the net and found that my price range falls around a BarTech and a VariZoom. I'm interested in VariZoom because of their new TOC (Total Optical Control) system. I'm sure a BarTech would be a good a beginner like me. However, I like the fact the VarriZoom TOC system allows me to pull Focus, Iris and Zoom since the high end systems (Preston, Scorpio, C-Motion) allows the 1st AC those very same options. Anyway, just wanting to know if the VariZoom TOC system would be the way to go. Any advice would help. Thanks guys.

[Bryant Swanstrom]

The varizoom wireless focus system is basically a bartech thats been rebranded from what I understand. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543239-REG/VariZoom_VZ_WFF_VZ_WFF_Wireless_Follow_Focus.html

 

I have one myself and it is very solid. Love it.

[Jess Haas SOC]

I don't think the TOC is what you think it is. I believe it is a wired remote for use only with their motion control/remote head. Not at all what you need for Steadicam. If you have access to rigs a Bartech sounds like a good purchase but most importantly if you want to do Steadicam you should take a workshop before doing anything else.

 

~Jess

[Tom Wills]

I've played with the Varizoom controllers, and rent a BFD for my rig. Varizoom does sell a rebranded BFD, but the "TOC" system is different - their take on an FIZ system. http://varizoom.com/products/controls/vztoc.html

 

The controller feels nice in the hand - though the zoom control is somewhat strange in its placement. The motors seemed responsive (though this was on a showroom floor, so your mileage may vary), and the rig seemed decent. However, it is nowhere near the price range of a BFD! A wireless kit with one motor, receiver, and the hand unit is over $10,000. The hand unit alone is almost $3000 (and I don't know if that's the wireless or wired version).

 

I'd go for the BFD. It's solid as a rock and easy to use for you and for your 1st AC.

[Will Culick]

I've played with the Varizoom controllers, and rent a BFD for my rig. Varizoom does sell a rebranded BFD, but the "TOC" system is different - their take on an FIZ system. http://varizoom.com/products/controls/vztoc.html

 

The controller feels nice in the hand - though the zoom control is somewhat strange in its placement. The motors seemed responsive (though this was on a showroom floor, so your mileage may vary), and the rig seemed decent. However, it is nowhere near the price range of a BFD! A wireless kit with one motor, receiver, and the hand unit is over $10,000. The hand unit alone is almost $3000 (and I don't know if that's the wireless or wired version).

 

I'd go for the BFD. It's solid as a rock and easy to use for you and for your 1st AC.

 

 

Thank you guys for ya'll's advice. It helps!!!

[Ivan Ivanov]

Hi folks, I'm the owner of VZ-WFF Wireless Focus Control Kit my personal and humble opinion is that it is a pretty good choice for money's worth. Of course that holds the bartech nego.Za will take me the difference is negligible. I bought the kit because it varizoom. Works well for your money. Only the engine is slightly noisy in my opinion. I undoubtedly had the opportunity to work with real M-one motor and to compare them. It is best to speak Jim Bartel