Aputure V-Control – USB Focus Controller for Canon DSLR Cameras
The Aputure V-Control is a handheld USB host device designed to control certain Canon DSLR cameras that use Canon’s USB protocol. This controller allows you to switch between still and video modes with a switch. There are Seven buttons and a center drive wheel that give you control over exposure, live-view, and focus settings.
You can change the sensitivity of the focus drive with three different adjustments from 1 to 3 (1 for smoother focus pulls and 3 for harder aperture stops). V-Control offers full hands-on remote control of the camera’s aperture, shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation when the camera is out of reach; on a dolly or mounted on a crane, for example. The V-Control mounts onto a camera rig rail system using the included single rail or dual rail aluminum mounts. Alternately, the system will work with any other mounting system with a standard tripod ¼-20” thread. The USB control cable connects in either of two ports on the V-Control. A few things to note about the Aputure V-Control when using with your Canon DSLR Camera is this: Be sure the lens has an AUTOMATIC FOCUS feature. Strictly manual lenses will not work with this remote. Be sure not to overdrive the focus on your lens while using this unit, you could damage your lens that way.
**Current Canon models supported include: Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark III, 5D Mark II, 7D, 60D, 600D/T3i/Kiss X5, 550D/T2i/Kiss X4, 500D/T1i/Kiss X3, 1100D/T3/Kiss X50, with more models expected in the future.
Main Features:
Mode-switching USB focus device
Total exposure control (shutter, aperture, ISO, EC)
Total live-view control
Compatible with many accessories
LCD display for adjustment settings
Multiple focus options in still mode
Four focus point presets in video mode
Two USB ports for ergonomic flexibility
Simple operation & easy portability
Aputure V-Control – USB Focus Controller for Canon
Hi, looks interesting, do you think this would be compatible with a tamron 24-70 ii?
@Eric Yes, it should work so long as the lens is auto/manual.
very tempting. how good is it for video? are the focus pulls smooth and quick to react? they looked a little jumpy in the demo video…
@mariess You can adjust the incremental focus stops to be harder or lighter with the 1, 2 or 3 options on the controller.
Looks like a good deal. A few years ago I paid $400 for the Okii focus controller. You didn’t mention in the video, but does this have the ability to remember focus points to return to? It’s a nice feature in the Okii to easily hit your marks during video. One thing I’ve noticed about the Okii (which seems to be an issue with the lenses, not the controller) is that the focus isn’t always that smooth. Seems you can notice the steps in the video at times, even when on the smooth setting.
Most of the lens compatibility is really a function of the camera and lens more so than the controller. Most Canon lenses will step the same degrees when focusing in and out, however, some third party lenses, such as some Sigma’s, seem to step differently for in and out focus, so it can’t be used for remembered focus marks
@Richard Yes, this controller will remember and store your focusing points.
How is the focusing? Is it smooth like a regular follow focus, or did you find it to have incremental jumps when it’s focusing? I have heard of other electronic follow focus systems not being very smooth, which wouldn’t be great for shooting video.
@Matt You can adjust the incremental focus stops to be harder or lighter with the 1, 2 or 3 options on the controller.
I am wondering if something like this available for Panasonic GH2 or 3?
Under what circumstances could break the lens?
What kind of damage can result in lens?
Still wondering the smoothness of rack focusing on this unit. Any sample video from your tests? Thanks.
Can this do anything that the Cam Ranger can’t?
Only $20 less than buying a Nexus 7 + the $8.00 or so for the DSLR controller app. I think this application looks a bit more confusing to use though.
Nice detailed rundown Olivia!
What is the tripod that you have the rig on? I’m looking for something that will handle my 50D for taking pictures of food.
@George It is the Induro Hi-Hat (OliviaTech Video Review HERE)
would this work on a c100 or c300?
@Jason According to the Fotodiox site, no it currently will not support the c100 or c300.
It does not work with the C100 because the C100 support lanc controller with a 2.5mm cable this unit is a USB powered hardware.
Has it been tested with the panasonic Gh2?
@ricland The Aputure V-Control only works on Canon cameras currently.
If anyone is curious if it will worked with a 5D MK3, I purchased this controller to work with my 5D MK3 with the latest firmware and it woked 60% of the time. You can use all of the controls and sometimes the unit will freeze up and you have to reset it which resets the camera if you are recording. It may have been the unit I had but I asked aputure if this was a common problem but they never responded back.
It’s an LED screen, not an LCD. LED is light emitting while lcd is a liquid crystal display- like on a watch.
Just curious, since I didn’t see it among list of compatible Canon DSLRS, does it work with the T4i? Deciding on whether to purchase it or go with traditional follow focus methods.
@Jason To my knowledge, yes the Aputure V-Control works with the Canon T4i.
How do you overdrive the focus? Do you mean keep cranking on the knob?
@Robert Yep, you got it. That can damage your lens.