VariZoom VZ-Stealth Miniature Control for Prosumer DV Camcorders with LANC Jack

Works as it ahould

As other reviewers have said this product works very well and mounts easily on the handle for easy access to all controls. I would not have purchased this LANC controller without reading the other reviewers pros and cons. I record professionally and needed a remote controller for my camera especially in elevated positions for recording commercial ads or even for documentaries.My Pros: The zoom lever has a nice feel and is very positive in either direction. I can change the zoom speed on my camcorder via the different settings for the remote LANC feature. My Canon XA20 camcorder didn't explain all the available LANC features and settings in their manual, but found the info on an online Canon forum instead. Interestingly as the VariZoom manual points out, if you use the highest remote zoom speed setting, you could hear the zoom servo noise slightly in your headphones. I don't need the highest zoom speed, so the medium zoom setting works fine without the noise. I haven't verified the noise appears in the recording, but I suspect it does when I can hear it in the headhones. VariZoom offers other models that have adjustable zoom speeds on their controller if you need that feature, but I didn't need it. However that could change if I have to make zoom speed changes often.The mounting is really easy with the two brass knurled nuts and mounts nicely with any tripod that has a fluid head (highly recommended) with a rubber coated handle. Since I use two different size tripods, I can easily use ths controller on either tripod.The focus adjustment works nicely with the easy to use rocker lever, but has to be in manual mode as mentioned by the forum and in other reviews. I probably won't use the focus adjustment unless needed from interferring external sources, but nice to have in case. I feel the record button and LED indicator light are required and very handy on the controller versus reaching up and possibly selecting the wrong button by mistake. Like other reviewers have said, this product is less expensive than what Canon and Manfrotto offers and works just as well in my opinion.My only con: I ordered a VariZoom controlller without the focus adjustment and they lost it in transit, so I reordered this model after deciding I may need the remote focus on a particular shoot. Glad I did as the cost wasn't much more.You won't be disappointed as I'm very happy with the VariZoom Stealth controller product after one week of use. Delivery was satisfactory too even though Amazon flubbed the first time.

Second time purchasing this. I love it! I gave my last one to a family who was going to film for me. I simply ordered another one. I get a lot of looks for my setup as it the most original tripod and customizable setup I have ever seen or heard of. It all starts with this remote. I have used it on a Canon G20 and now a Canon G40. It is super smooth zooming. And it finishes incredibly soft. Some of that can be handled in your camera's settings.

Maybe i should have read Into these better. But the speed of the zoom is very slow in my opinion. I use my camera for self filming hunts so the remote is a necessity. I’ve made it work so far this season and have used it for some great footage. But I really wish the zoom was faster.Other than that, this thing is great. Easy to use. Plug in and go. Very simple and compact.

The plug seems to be a little smaller then I’d expect but does work just have to mess with it from time to time

Worked good at first. A few uses in and now the manual focus is ultra sensitive going from min to max too fast to settle anywhere in the middle.

I had two Panasonic cameras with identical controls. Then they were replaced with Canon camera. The controllers are not compatible. So. these were purchased. I am pleased as a peacock. The old ones and these are top notch.

Self filming hunts or having a cameraman, this simply makes getting great footage a must. Smooth simple and used with a canon G 20 or G 30 you have options on remote zoom speed to make sure your zoom and focus are spot on. A big piece of arsenal at a great price. Get one and see for yourself.