Jason Gorman Posted April 10, 2009 Report Share Posted April 10, 2009 Buying a zoom control for my Flyer and am looking for any comments or impressions for the various brands (VariZoom/Libec/BeBob) I have used the 'search' function and read the corresponding posts, and I would love to see if there is anymore input, if anyone cares to add their 2-cents :huh: The camera I own is an XL2 however the bulk of the work has been with Panasonic HVX/HMC or Sony HD , also I would love to know if the stock remote can be attached to the gimbal or does it need to be modified? Thank you Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gish Posted April 10, 2009 Report Share Posted April 10, 2009 I use a VariZoom focus/iris/zoom controller on sticks, which works well. But I would never attempt using that on a steadicam. Too much to do just keeping the shot stable and framed right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Erik Brul Posted April 10, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 10, 2009 All mentioned zoomcontrollers can work on any Steadicam. The Libec is a bit bulky comparing it to the bebob. However, it does do the job nice and easy. You need to get used to the controller on the gimbal. Yes, it takes up a bit space where you normally place your hand, so practice is need ofcourse ! I personally have the 2 libecs, one for sony/canon and panasonic (h)dv work and one for broadcast fuijnon/canon and Sony EX1/3.. For video work or television work it can deliver a extra dynamic effect on your dynamic steady use.. I love to use zoom on my shoots ! Best, Erik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jess Haas SOC Posted April 10, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 10, 2009 Bebob makes a zoom controller that does both LANC and panasonic which means it should work with sony, panasonic and I think canon. With the panasonic it only does zoom and start/stop but with the others I believe it also has some focus and iris functionality. The panasonic varizoom works well if you want all functions on the panasonic. ENG cameras and the sony EX1/3 are going to need a broadcast style zoom controller as already mentioned. ~Jess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Gorman Posted April 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2009 Awesome! Thank you all very much!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Sven Joukes Posted April 10, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 10, 2009 Jason, If possible, try the unit on your gimbal before buying. I have a Bebob DVX controller (about 5 years old) that I put on my Flyer gimbal way back when, but it doesn't fit on my MK-V gimbal anymore. The handle diameter is too large/screws are too close together. Would be a shame to get something that doesn't fit. Of course you could modify with a microphone clamp as someone here did, I seem to remember a picture of that. Good luck! Sven Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Gorman Posted April 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 Thanks Sven, the majority of operators seem to prefer the Bebo so it seems to be the one to buy, and since you had one on your Flyer then I know it should fit! Thanks again Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jason Torbitt Posted April 11, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 It's a bit of an ongoing saga, the zoom issue. I started out with a couple of J7s, which I still have. Then got a Varizoom for lightweight LANC, and a Bebob, with relevant adapter cables for Canon and the two breeds of Fujinon. Then I realised that even the newest Bebob couldn't handle the new digital drive Canon lenses - unstoppable creeping. So I got the Varizoom (heavier cable, but worth it because it handles the Digital Drive lenses fine). Now they've brought out the EX1/3, it's yet ANOTHER adapter cable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members James Puli Posted April 11, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) On the reccomendation of Jim Bartell, we got the Libec zoom controller. Used it for the first time today on a horse racing OB and absolutley love it. For what I am doing it is perfect. Light weight flexible cable, small size, flick of a switch to go between Canon or Fuji lenses and it is very very smooth. I hate getting dodgy zoom controllers where they are very clunky. This one has a fantastic feel to it and made my day alot easier and also made my shots look alot better. Having said that, so far I've only tested it on Canon lenses (new HD as well as some very old lenses and some inbetween) without any troubles. I dont want to do an OB now without this! Thanks Jim. Cant wait to try it out now with the Buz control on a film lens with a real motor! JP Sydney Australia Edited April 11, 2009 by James Puli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jason Torbitt Posted April 12, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 12, 2009 Hi James, Is this a new version of the Libec? I must have seen an old one - one cameraman I work with from time-to-time has one, but it has a very thick and non-Steadicam-friendly cable, which put me off from buying one originally - is the cable much better nowadays? Cheers Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members JimBartell Posted April 12, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 12, 2009 Hi James, Is this a new version of the Libec? I must have seen an old one - one cameraman I work with from time-to-time has one, but it has a very thick and non-Steadicam-friendly cable, which put me off from buying one originally - is the cable much better nowadays? Cheers Jason The Libec James is referring to is one I modified (for $100) to replace the big, bulky cable with some Ultra-thin Mogami cable for Steadicam use. You lose the Return Video function, but no one seems to mind. Jim "Mr. Flexible" Bartell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jess Haas SOC Posted April 12, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 12, 2009 If you dont mind me asking which Mogami cable are you using? ~Jess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members JimBartell Posted April 12, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 12, 2009 If you dont mind me asking which Mogami cable are you using? ~Jess Mogami 2893, 4 conductor #28 awg shielded, O.D. 4.8mm (0.189"). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jason Torbitt Posted April 12, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 12, 2009 Thanks for the info Jim. Your presence has reminded me that I need to order a batch of cables from you. You'll have mail in the next day or two... Cheers Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Gorman Posted April 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I was going to get the Libec DVx remote but is the 'stock' cable going to be an issue? Thanks Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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