Tough Choices: Dolly or Crane

Tough Choices: Dolly or Crane

  • Dolly

    Votes: 21 60.0%

  • Jib/Crane

    Votes: 14 40.0%
  • Total voters
    35
  • Poll closed .
D

digitalinnovations

Well-known member
I have done some searches for info and I am still stumped. I will tell you my thoughts and I am curious as to everyone's feed back on here.

I currently have a Cobra Crane II+, but I am looking at a better crane solution. Initially I was looking at the advantajib set up. It appears to have all the controls built in that you would get from a remote pan/tilt head. But without having hands on, I cannot assume to know how well or smooth it works off of cables, etc. I think with everything packaged together it was around $2900 shipped.

Then I do not have a dolly at all, so I was looking at the IndieDolly System, which looks pretty tight. So initially I would have $1,100 in the platform, $500 in track and probably at least $600 (135lb capacity so could use it with the cobra crane above) in a set of tripod legs with spikes (they require you to have spiked feet to mount to the platform from what I have gathered).

Well today I popped over and started pricing out a PortaJib (again no prior experience). This looks like a great system and since I use full size cams and I am getting s HPX500 I need the higher load capacity on everything. But I would end up with about $5,000 in the crane with a remote pan/tilt head.

To summarize I am torn between grabbing the AdvantaJib and IndieDolly System both or just purchase the PortaJib with power remote pan/tilt head. I am trying to weight out pros/cons for all the systems. But without experience with any of them I would love some info from those who have.

And not start an argument, but what is everyone's opinion: Dolly or Jib?

Thanks in advance!
 
The indiedolly is not going to be able to handle the HPX, nor will you be happy with it. If you can't find a good doorway dolly for cheap enough, you might consider just getting a great crane. But, this company in LA has some great equipment, very cheap, and they deliver it! Tell them AJ sent you-I bought a doorway dolly with track wheels and regular wheels for $1820. And it's great! http://www.crcentertainment.com
 
Skywalker: Would you mind to elaborate on that a little? Would do you mean unable to handle it? According to the IndieDolly System it is capable of a 400lb load. Then the only variable is the tripod and head, which will be more than capable of the camera/lens/battery load. I am not saying it is capable, I am just curious as to where the hang up is on this system. But I am glad to get some feedback.
 
My biggest reason for saying that is that it would be extremely difficult to work a jib arm while trying to move the dolly. And even though the picture shows someone 'seemingly' sitting comfortably on it, it's not comfortable. And when you put a heavy camera on top of it, it becomes top heavy, so every little adjustment you make could shift the balance, allowing you to tip over. Also, you will find it tough to use the indiedolly tracks anywhere other than flat, hard surfaces. In that case, you might as well not have tracks. I rented this dolly for a shoot, and couldn't get a good, fluid move with it. Your dolly grip would basically have to push against your back in order to make the move. So you end up having to remember to keep your back stiff, try to make the camera move, check focus, and keep your balance. All while trying to watch composition of your shot, and whether the actors are doing what they are supposed to. For a few extra dollars, you can get a REAL dolly, and have so many more options open to you!
 
Skywalker688 said:
So you end up having to remember to keep your back stiff, try to make the camera move, check focus, and keep your balance. All while trying to watch composition of your shot, and whether the actors are doing what they are supposed to.
Click to expand...

That just sounds like another day on the set.
 
Exactly. There's enough to do on set without having to worry about a substandard dolly, trying to make a million dollar move!
 
If you have a jib, even if it's not the best, I would go with the dolly to round out your tools. If you needed a better jib for a job, you could rent it but usually you could get by with what you have.

Dolly moves add so much to the production visually.
JMHO from my perspective.
 
If you are going to buy a dolly, I would pony up for a doorway dolly like the one offered from www.crcentertainment.com for around $1500. You can negotiate with them, especially since they are so new. Otherwise, you could always try to build it! But I don't recommend that!
 
Their website seems a little shaky, not a lot of info, pictures or specs. Plus I do like the camera column and seat. The track and track wheels are a must as well in my opinion. I have some tripod dolly wheels and they do not make for a smooth move at all. I will have to look a little deeper I suppose.
 
I went with the crane first so that when I built my dolly I would know how to make it so I could use it with the crane as well as with the tripod.
 
I totally agree with you about needing track and track wheels-you can get the track wheels and track from them as well. If you email them, you can get the specs, the website is pretty new. I am only telling you all of this because I just bought my doorway dolly from them, and am really happy with it. But if you want to risk it with the indie dolly, it's your perogative! But remember...I told you so! :-)
 
No I totally appreciate the info! But if there wasn't someone on here vouching for them I don't know if I would take the gamble. I will email them and let you know what I find out. Thanks!
 
I'm of the mind that a jib without a remote head is less than half a tool. If you do what most want to do with a jib - grand sweeping shots outdoors, you really need a remote head for functionality.

Now, for insert stage and tabletop work, a small jib with an excellent tripod head might well do.

A good smooth dolly with professional track and a pro-grade tripod is tough to beat. Go with what you'll need more in your work I suppose?

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The guy who owns the company is Derek Cole. He is a good guy-if you mention that I sent you to him, he will probably give you the same deal I got. My name is AJ. And I know what you mean-the website seems shady. But I have done several deals with them, in fact, they are distributing a project of mine as well!
 
Got my attention with that one! Kessler cranes also makes a solid pan/tilt head, but it's a little more money. I'd love to hear about this one though!
 
Me too! There is next to info outside of price on the B&H website. I am curious if it would work on a crane. Also, does it have a control box like other heads that can be mounted? Hopefully someone here has some answers!
 
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