What the thread found

• The Stanton zoom/focus controller is industry standard for live work and mounts to the gimbal handle, allowing separate control of zoom and focus without using the motorized stage control.
• The Stanton controller includes a motor that screws into a standard hole on ENG lenses and requires an adapter for certain lens brands, powered from the rig with approximately 2000 USD cost.
• Some Canon broadcast lenses feature built-in focus servos that can interface with controllers like G-Zoom through 20-pin connectors, eliminating the need for separate servo motors.
• Canon and other manufacturers offer focus servo adapters that convert between different connector types (6-pin, 8-pin, 12-pin, 20-pin) to enable compatibility across lens generations and brands.
• The Bartech system offers an alternative approach by using a potentiometer on the gimbal to control standard lens motors for focus adjustment.
• Bebob zoom levers provide manual zoom control that hooks onto Canon or Fujinon lenses but only work with built-in zoom motors and may require adapters.
• For live studio work, manual marking and documentation of stage positions may provide simpler, more reliable setup changes than motorized stage controls, reducing single points of failure.

Depends on

• Stanton controller comes with a standard Master series 2-pin Lemo power connector that may require adapter fabrication for specific rigs.
• The Stanton company reportedly prioritizes its own connector standard and does not accommodate custom power connections.
• Lens connector compatibility varies significantly between Canon and Fujinon systems, requiring different adapters and sometimes multiple servo types.
• The bebob zoom lever only functions with lenses having built-in zoom motors and may not be suitable for all broadcast lens models.
• Motorized stage control mounting may restrict where zoom/focus controllers can be positioned on some gimbals.
• The discussion reflects experiences from 2010 and specific to broadcast lens availability of that period.

Gear in this thread

Master Seriescatalog

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