VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I use this product to help capture Worship services and sermons at Central Baptist Church.

I love the zoom and focus feature. It is much easier to use compared to the previous stand.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I own two of these. They are the best things that I have ever used. When shooting sports games it makes it so much easier than using the camcorders zoom and recording controls. I don't travel anywhere without it. One thing to look for is to make sure that your camcorder will support this model. This model requires a LANC port in the camcorder. There are also other models for other types of camcorders too. Also if you plan on leaving the zoom controller on a tripod handle for an extended period of time, it might start to mold into the tripod handle so taking it off every once in a while may help.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

When we first opened it, it seemed like it was missing a part on the zoom control - it was just metal. However, we found once we used it, it faired better than the rocker controls we were using on the other cameras. We could control the zoom better with this design.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I bought this to use while filming my hunting trips. It makes it much easier to get the footage that I want. It is very easy to use and works perfect hooked up to my Canon HF S200!

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

It works pretty good and is a quick set-up. The focus is a little clunky however, and the zoom controls wiggle a little too much. It feels like it isn't secured in there too well. If having a focus control on your zoom controller is a big deal, I would go with one with a dial rather than a button. Overall works great for what I wanted, I just can't rate it too high as the focus functionality isn't all there and the zoom controls aren't as secure as I would like.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

Unit works as advertised. I used the controller on a four hour job recently. Controlling the zoom and start/stop without having to touch the camera was a breeze. Ample connecting wire to attach to the camera. Nice addition to the kit. Getting the pouch with the controller was a bonus.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I'm using it with my Canon Vixia HF S20 and Manfrotto tripod and it works perfectly. One thing that I would suggest would be some sort of clamping system so that you wouldn't have to unscrew the unit from the handle after each use.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I am a professional Videographer I also work for a cable access Public television station where we train community members in shooting and editing content that is of interest to them and the community. We provide equipment for them such as this Zoom controller which they all love. This is affordable and a great product

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

This is a great product. It works great and very smooth.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I love these little guys! Great product! Quick set-up to use with my Canon GL2's. Easy to operate & produces smooth zooms.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I use this for high school football and weddings mainly, but think it is great for anything. It allows you so much control over the functions you use the most. I video mostly in manual mode so I like to use the manual focus ring on my GL 2. It is such a comfort to have one hand on the tripod controling the zoom while panning and tilting and leaving the focusing to my other hand. You could also do the focusing from the handle as well but I just like using the ring. I could not do without this item. I used my first one for 6 years before it went out. Had to get a new one.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I use this product with my Sony HVR V1U and glidecam smooth shooter. Shot some interviews at my church and had to do some zooming and focusing and was able to do it without touching camera. Unit is invaluable when using a stabilizing unit.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I would 5-star this based on its functionality & usefulness, but the wire that comes out of the unit to connect it to the camera is exceedingly delicately attached to the unit. It takes only a little bit of inadvertent bending of that connection to make the unit stop working. Happened to me twice, on 2 different units.
The connection should DEFINITELY be reinforced; lack of reinforcement is a big flaw.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

This device does a great job at adding a quality remote zoom feature to your LANC-supported camera. I'm using with a Canon GL-2. The rocker control is smooth and much easier and accurate to use than the zoom control on many smaller Mini DV cameras. I've gotten to where I almost always mount the device onto my camera tripod pan arm during any kind of shoot. In addition to the zoom control, the device includes a Record Start-Stop button and a focus control. Definitely adds a more professional-level control to your shooting. The only problems I've had is when initially plugging in the device; sometimes the camera power must be turned off and on again before the zoom works properly.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I just love this device... you can attach it to the tripod and smoothly control movement ant zoom!!!! it gives you so much control and you are actually worrying about the subject not the camera

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

I've been very pleased with the performance of the Varizoom Stealth control for over five years. My Sony camcorder has a hair-trigger zoom control (from crawl to crash speed in the width of a hair). With the camcorder's own zoom control, my hand cramped up severely the first time I shot a figure skater, trying to keep her at a more or less constant size from rinkside. I really lucked out when I found the Varizoom. The Varizoom made it so easy to shoot figure skaters that I got goose bumps the first time I used it. Varizoom ergonomics when using a tripod or mono-pod, are vastly superior to any camera mounted controls. You have at your fingertips, zoom control, record button, camcorder wake-up (when it decides to go to sleep) as well as manual focus control when you want it. It makes shooting sports a pleasure rather than a pain. While this Varizoom model works with Sony and Canon camcorders, I found its performance with the Canon disappointing. With the Sony it feels like you have an infinite number of zoom speeds, all the way from almost imperceptible crawl to high speed crash. With the Canon it seems you only have at most 3 or 4 speeds. The slowest is not very slow. You seem to change gears through the range. I would guess that the Canon camcorders I tried were factory programmed with a much more limited number of zoom speeds than the Sonys. I was devastated when my Varizoom died in the middle of a shoot. Using the camera's zoom control just added insult to injury. [...] After locating the appropriate allen key, I opened up the Varizoom, and found that there was a break inside the cable. A couple of dollars later for a piece of 2 conductor shielded microphone cable and a mini connector, I was back in business. All is forgiven.

Comments about VariZoom VZ-STEALTH Zoom Controller:

Usually I put my camera in the very back of the auditorium at our church. With the audience between the camera and the Pastor, if they are standing, the camera sees back of heads and little more. So, the tripod is cranked up as high as possible. The Bogen tripod I have lets me go way over my head, and I am 6'4. This means the camera is too high to adjust the on camera controls for focus, start and stop, and zoom by hand. But with the Varizoom, it's on the end of the pan and tilt head's handle where I can reach it, control the camera. What's nice too, is that it works, no problems. Great, usefull, and very handy.

Problems Encountered: No Problems

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