19Aug V-Control USB Focus Controller – First Impressions
Since the release of the Okii usb follow focus last year, a number of companies have released similar priced units with little to no innovation. It’s nice to see that a company has finally done something different with the concept. Meet the V-Control USB Focus Controller from Aputure.
The first thing you’ll notice is the black window on the top right. This is, in my opinion, the most useful design feature on the V-Control. The panel is used to indicate the step size the jog wheel is set at, making it much easier to figure out what step size works best for each lens. Once you’ve found the number that works, you can set your focus points using the controls on the left hand side.
By Half pressing the red button the camera will focus your shot and a full press will start/stop recording or capture an image. This is very hand if you’re trying to film yourself speaking into the camera and don’t have someone to focus and start or stop recording for you. Just grab a long usb Cable and set your remote off camera once you’ve started recording.
The V-Control USB Focus Controller comes in a very nice leather (pleather?) case with a magnetic clasp, making it feel like a premium product. Even though the controller itself is made out of plastic, it feels nice and solid, all of the buttons are raised and provide good tactile feed back, and the jog wheel turns smoothly.
Unlike other USB controllers, no tools are required to get to the battery compartment. The V-Control uses 2 AA batteries instead of 2 AAA batteries which means I’ll no longer need to carry AAA batteries with me. Also the 1/4 20 mount on the back of the unit is made out of metal so it should stand up to constant use.
Another handy feature is that the V-Control comes with all of the mounting hardware needed to attach the unit to your camera rig. Both double and single rail mounts are included, so one can be used to mount the V-Control while the other could be used to connect a friction arm.
The expected MSRP for the V-Control USB Focus Controller is $189, making it much more affordable then other options. It should start showing up on the market at the end of August. I’ll be spending some more time with the V-Control so keep an eye out for a full video review soon.
August 20th, 2012 at 8:34 am
where can I get this?
August 20th, 2012 at 11:29 am
They start selling at the end of the month. I’ll post some links once its up.
August 20th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
do you already have one?`how does it work via USB? looks like it could be the best follow focus ever withouth any gear and with a lot of features that are extremely important during shooting…
now it makes sense again to use canon & sigma lenses again
August 20th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
I have an early review model, i’m beta testing it for them. Should have a video review up in the next few weeks. I don’t think it’s a direct replacement to a follow focus, but it’s a very handy controller. Still testing it out with different lenses to see how well it works. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:31 am
Do you think it can be used as follow focus system withouth gear. that would be the most interesting thing, but im not sure it focus smooth enough for our needs….
thanks
September 3rd, 2012 at 2:23 am
Igor, we think it can work well with video. There are 27 different focus speed possibilities. Watch the video here to see it focusing live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dj2pz35CBE&feature=share&list=UUc0D1yh3TGE8dJSLm9VmEdg
September 5th, 2012 at 10:08 am
I’ve probably missed it but with wich camera is it compatiible ?
September 5th, 2012 at 10:09 am
The answer is :
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark II, 7D, 60D, 600D/T3i/Kiss X5,550D/T2i/Kiss X4, 500D/T1i/Kiss X3, 1100D/T3/Kiss X50, etc
October 11th, 2012 at 3:50 am
[…] Video Review | First Impressions […]
November 19th, 2012 at 11:23 am
I would like to know if the controller works with Nikon Cameras?
November 29th, 2012 at 7:05 am
I ordered the latest version of this controller from the California distributor for my Canon EOSMark III. They say it has been updated to work with that model. So I will report here after I receive it in a few days Rowby