VariZoom VZ-ROCK-F Compact Rocker Zoom Controller

I just purchased a second one of these zoom controllers for a multi-cam shoot and I am really impressed. The first one was bought around 2016 and it still going strong! It has been used for quite the volume of work and still seems to be like new. The only thing I noticed, comparing it to a brand-new one, is that is feels a bit looser these days. But, there is a spring underneath and that is to be expected after probably millions of evolutions in tension and release, at this point. I always worried about spending too much money on one of these, because they are under constant stress. Do you go with the cheaper ones, just so replacing them isn't so painful? I'm glad I didn't. I have used many of the more generic zoom controllers and they do the job, but this one seems to be built better, it's smoother, better ergonomics. I am glad I spent another 50 or 60 to get a better one. Camera movements are obviously important and you want something that will make an operator really comfortable, including the zoom movements. Not equipping someone (or yourself) with a quality accessory can really affect the production value of your performance. I always feel really comfortable using the VariZoom and enjoy the feel of it. It may not be a fancy studio-style control, but if you do events with basic camcorders, this will be more than plenty to give you professional results. Highly recommended it to others, who use Panasonics.