D-Tap vs Hirose Power Cables for Lens Servo Systems

By Fotodiox, Inc. USA | Published: 2026-10-16

Category: Comparisons

Compare D-Tap and Hirose power cables for B4 lens servo systems. Learn which connector type fits your Fujinon, Canon, or Nikon lens and power source.

Quick answer

For powering a B4 lens servo, choose a cable based on your lens connector and your available power source. If your lens uses a 6-pin or 12-pin Hirose connector and you have a D-Tap battery or 12V DC supply, the Fotodiox B4 2/3" Power Cable is the direct solution. For powering cameras, monitors, or accessories that accept a 2.1mm barrel DC input, the Fotodiox Power Adapter C8 Cable (D-Tap to 2.1mm) is the simpler, more universal choice.

Connector types: what each cable actually plugs into

Hirose connectors are the standard for professional B4 lens servo systems. A 6-pin Hirose typically handles zoom servo functions, while a 12-pin Hirose adds iris control and return signals. D-Tap, by contrast, is a power output standard found on many professional batteries and battery plates. A d-tap to hirose cable bridges these two worlds, taking 12V from a D-Tap source and delivering it to the lens servo. The Fotodiox B4 2/3" Power Cable is available with either 6-pin or 12-pin Hirose style connectors on the lens end, and D-Tap or 1.3mm DC on the power end, so you can match your specific lens and power setup.

Power sources: D-Tap vs 12V DC

D-Tap is convenient because it draws from the same battery powering your camera, reducing cable clutter. However, D-Tap output voltage varies with battery charge, which may affect servo performance as the battery drains. A regulated 12V DC supply provides stable voltage, which can be preferable for consistent zoom and iris response. The Fotodiox B4 2/3" Power Cable supports both D-Tap and 12V DC input, giving you flexibility on set. For devices that need a simple 2.1mm barrel input, the Fotodiox Power Adapter C8 Cable converts D-Tap to 2.1mm DC, but note it does not provide the multi-pin servo control of a dedicated B4 cable.

Lens compatibility and servo functions

Not all B4 lenses use the same connector or support the same servo functions. The Fotodiox B4 Power Cable provides power to zoom servo functions including Quick Zoom, Cruise Zoom, and Memory Functions, and provides power iris return (but not auto iris). This means it can power the servo motors, but auto iris functionality depends on the lens and camera combination. For Fujinon, Canon, Nikon, Angenieux, and Schneider lenses, check the lens's connector type and servo capabilities before ordering. The cable is approximately 15 inches (37cm) long, which is suitable for mounting on a camera rig where the battery and lens are close together.

Trade-offs at a glance

D-Tap convenience vs voltage stability: D-Tap lets you power the lens from your camera battery, but voltage drops as the battery discharges. A regulated 12V DC supply maintains stable voltage for consistent servo response. Choose D-Tap for portability; choose 12V DC for critical shoots where servo consistency matters.
Hirose 6-pin vs 12-pin: 6-pin Hirose typically powers zoom servo only; 12-pin adds iris and return signals. The Fotodiox B4 Power Cable is available in both options. Match the connector to your lens: check your lens port before ordering.
Dedicated servo cable vs universal DC cable: The Fotodiox B4 Power Cable is purpose-built for lens servos with multi-pin Hirose connectors. The Fotodiox Power Adapter C8 Cable is a simple D-Tap to 2.1mm barrel cable for cameras and accessories. Use the B4 cable for lens servos; use the C8 cable for devices with a 2.1mm DC input.

Product facts

Fotodiox B4 2/3" Power Cable with 6 or 12 Pin Hirose Style Connectors to D-Tap or DC 12v Power Supply for Fujinon, Nikon, Canon, Angenieux, Schneider Lens Servo: Provides power to the Zoom Servo Functions including Quick Zoom, Cruise Zoom & Memory Functions; Source power from a 12v battery, D-Tap system or AC to 1.3mm DC Power Supply; Provides Power Iris return (but not Auto Iris); Approx. 15" (37cm) length; Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty. This cable directly powers B4 lens servo functions from common professional power sources, but it does not enable auto iris, so you must confirm your lens and camera support the iris control you need.
Fotodiox Power Adapter C8 Cable - 2-Pin D-Tap Male to 2.1mm Barrel DC (69.5 inches): 2-Pin D-Tap Male to 2.1mm Barrel DC; 72 in (183 cm) length; Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty. This cable is for powering devices with a 2.1mm barrel input, such as certain cameras, monitors, or lights, but it cannot power a B4 lens servo because it lacks the multi-pin Hirose connector.

Which cable fits your setup?

Best for

Operators using B4 mount lenses (Fujinon, Canon, Nikon, Angenieux, Schneider) with 6-pin or 12-pin Hirose servo connectors.
Productions that need to power zoom servo functions and iris return from a D-Tap battery or 12V DC source.

Not for

Devices that require a 2.1mm barrel DC input, such as certain cameras, monitors, or LED lights—use the Fotodiox Power Adapter C8 Cable instead.
Lenses that rely on auto iris, as the B4 cable provides power iris return but not auto iris functionality.