VariZoom VZ PG-EX Sony EX Zoom Control

Comments about VariZoom VZ PG-EX Sony EX Zoom Control:

i bought this to use on a sony ex 3. i should disclaim this review by saying that i have not tried a different zoom controller on this camera so it's possible that the problems that i experience, are the limitations of this fuji lens and not the fault of the controller.

i was looking for something to do slow zooms. this isn't it. at the slowest speed that it will engage the zoom servo, the zoom is not linear or smooth. speed it up a bit and it works fine. problem is that i wanted it to be able to do very slow zooms. if this is what you need, i think you need to wait until someone builds a better controller. if you don't need very slow zooms, than this will do the job quite well.

Comments about VariZoom VZ PG-EX Sony EX Zoom Control:

Well built, mounts well on tripod. I'd give it 5 stars except for the extreme slow zoom is a little hit and miss. You have to dial in different "low" speeds until it will actually start zooming on my EX3.

Comments about VariZoom VZ PG-EX Sony EX Zoom Control:

This is a great professiona product.

Comments about VariZoom VZ PG-EX Sony EX Zoom Control:

Due to the structure of EX1-R, we forced to use right hand finger to zoom and left finger to control focus and iris. End up we have no more hand for pan bar. With this zoom control, we can use right hand to grip the pan bar and control the zoom and record button. It's just Great. I love it.

Comments about VariZoom VZ PG-EX Sony EX Zoom Control:

I have owned various lens controllers. My previous camera was LANC and I owned the LANC version of this Varizoom controller for it. When I moved to Sony's EX camera, there was no question I would get this Varizoom controller. Unlike other EX controllers, the VZ PG-Ex lets you control the zoom with a dial and not the rocker. This lets you have rock solid fixed speed zooms from slowest to highest speeds the camera supports. You can also modify the speed smoothing during a zoom because of the excellent ergonomics. If you don't want easy fixed speed zooms, there's the Pro-EX model that uses the rocker to control the speed. I have used both and prefer the PG-EX. Both units have excellent tactile feedback on buttons and rockers.

There is an additional button that is programmed to review the previous clip. Other things that speak to the quality product is the heavy duty cord with a nice way to manage excess. And, the handle clamp design is rock solid AND does not require the wing nut to be completely removed.

But, if you just want low cost, go buy other controllers. You won't appreciate this but you WILL get what you pay for with the cheap ones. The VZ PG-EX is worth every penny if production value, reliability, operational efficiency and build quality are important. The looks don't hurt either. It definitely says "Pro".

Comments about VariZoom VZ PG-EX Sony EX Zoom Control:

Pros:
For our field productions, toughness/durability, precise control, and ease of use (both tripod and crane) are tops on our list. This Varizoom controller wins hands down against the rest!

Con's:
Only reason for not giving it 5 stars, is I'd prefer smoother rounded edges, and faster lockdown/removal from the tripod handles. Like the other controllers we have from VariZoom, this one is somewhat clunky.

Comments about VariZoom VZ PG-EX Sony EX Zoom Control:

Great and reliable product.

Comments about VariZoom VZ PG-EX Sony EX Zoom Control:

Mount your EX-1 or EX-3 on a tripod and it's almost impossible to zoom smoothly while tilting or panning. With the VZ-PG-EX Controller the problem is solved. Easily mounts to my tripod handle. Zoom speed wheel and toggle are properly located, easy to use as are the record and review buttons. Zooms are smooth and accurate start to finish. Quick release feature allows for swift transformation to hand held operation but the manual cautions to remove the lens plug with care so as not to damage the pins. Construction is rugged, polished aluminum but the machine shop look is much less attractive than other controllers I've seen. However it is this design that gives me confidence that this controller will last much longer than other plastic and even flimsy designs I've seen. Manufacturer's warranty is 2 years, certainly a plus. If you are looking for smooth, precise operation in a well built professional unit this is the zoom controller for you.