Bebob Engineering ZOE-DVXL Universal Zoom Controller

Comments about Bebob Engineering Bebob Zoe-dvxl Universal Zoom Controller:

had a varizoom, + returned it, as it takes far too long to get it on or off of the pan arm. also, switchable panasonic or lanc control is nice.

Comments about Bebob Engineering Bebob Zoe-dvxl Universal Zoom Controller:

Sports videos demand quick, accurate control of zoom and play/pause functions. This controller is fine if you can shoot without gloves and without looking to make sure that you are pressing the right button. This controller misses the mark. The buttons controling on/off, record/pause, and focus are only about 1/2" apart and are in a straight line across. The on/off button is dimpled. but it is hard to tell from the record/pause button. the same is true of the focus button. In fast paced action it is easy to press the wrong button. If you press the on/off button, by the time you realize what you have done, and turn the camera back on, you have lost the next play.

The quality and smooth control are first rate, but the button placement makes using this controller risky. I will go back to my old Canon contrler.

Also, there is no documentation provided with the unit. The card that comes with the unit states that you can download the users manual from the company website. I haven't been able to fine it after several attemps.

Comments about Bebob Engineering Bebob Zoe-dvxl Universal Zoom Controller:

I returned a Varizoom VZ-Rock (which doesn't work great with the NX5U either..) for the BeBob Zoe

The momentary auto focus feature doesn't work with the NX5U. Also the power on-off doesn't work. FInally, as with the Varizoom, you can't get the slowest zoom speeds that the camera is capable of out of the controller.

On the plus side, the variable "Max Zoom Reduction" wheel is really nice to have. Plus, the zoom seems a little more consistent than the VZ Rock. I'll keep it.

Comments about Bebob Engineering Bebob Zoe-dvxl Universal Zoom Controller:

This unit is just great. It helps with the slack in the DVX/HVX gears a lot. It doesn't eliminate it but it really does help. Other than that it is a zoom controller - it helps me zoom. Of course one of the better parts is that I can use this on a LANC camera as well if I am not using my DVX/HVX.

Comments about Bebob Engineering Bebob Zoe-dvxl Universal Zoom Controller:

We at Live Car Shows are on location with our fly cam jib every weekend. We needed a back up for our Varizoom and found the ZOE. Best parts are the ability to change the zoom direction and it has a variable zoom control that comes is real handy for those real slow zooms. Only down side is we lost the ability to turn the display off and on from the remote. Check out our website[@] to see it in action on our latest show.

Comments about Bebob Engineering Bebob Zoe-dvxl Universal Zoom Controller:

The ZOE-DVXL is a solidly built unit. It is a must have for shooters who want smooth remote zoom and focus controls for their Digital HD Cameras. It would be slightly better if the zoom control ran even slower than it does, but it is smooth, accurate and very functional. Best accessory for our Sony Z5-U yet.

Comments about Bebob Engineering Bebob Zoe-dvxl Universal Zoom Controller:

Do a lot of community cable TV and indie film work. I purchased both the zoom and focus controls. Both are very solid feeling. I don't like the 1/8" connectors, but considering that's the only way for this kind of camera, they seem to work so far, especially when plugged in all the way.
The zoom control I feel could engage a little sooner and slower. I'm using this with an HVX-200, so I shouldn't expect big camera performance. The Focus control is the winner, no complaints on it whatsoever. I also like the iris control on it.
The feature I'm pleasantly surprised by is the start-stop button. Very convenient, good location, and I use it more than I expected.

Comments about Bebob Engineering Bebob Zoe-dvxl Universal Zoom Controller:

This is our second Zoe zoom control. We have one for full-size Canon lenses, too. These are great, because they are small, light, and can be packed with each camera, not as a separate zoom/focus kit. We don't need to lug around a handle because the tripod pan handle will do. Pricing on this is awesome, too, as it is cheaper than most other products of its kind. It makes the ergonomics of a small camera on a tripod better by positioning zoom back with your pan hand rather than having to reach over the camera lens.

Comments about Bebob Engineering Bebob Zoe-dvxl Universal Zoom Controller:

I shoot with all kinds of cameras. I'm glad to have a zoom control that works with both Sony and Panasonic's smaller cameras. It's nice to be able to feather stops and starts when zooming. As well as having focus control on Sony cameras.

Wish the potentiometer worked on the Panasonic cameras though.