8' or 12' Crane?

mdslammer

mdslammer

Well-known member
Hey Guys,

I'm going to purchase a Kessler crane in the next day or so. I'm not quite sure which length to go with. The 8' or 12'. I know there are pro's/con's for each but I wanted to see what the overall vibe was from you that have expierence with or own one.

Thanks.


Mark
 
Mark-

I am getting a Kessler Crane as well. After deliberating over which size to get, I called them directly and found out something very interesting. After the 1st of the year, they will have a 4' attachment available for their 8' cranes. So, if you get an 8' crane now (which is what I plan to do) you can upgrade it to a 12' crane in about 2 months.

So sleep easy.
Rick
 
Rick,

Thanks for the info. I spoke to Eric earlier today. He didn't mention that but said I could use the 12' as an 8' as well if needed.

Mark
 
No problem.

For me, the 12' crane will probably come in the form of that 4' attachment. The way I see it, it is wasteful for me to purchase the 12' crane if I don't even have a definitive use for it yet. Why do I need a 12' crane? Why do I even need an 8' crane? At this moment in time, I can't answer either question. However, it is a tool that I am SURE will come in handy in the future. So, my logic is, get the 8' now, play around with it, see what it can do so I know all of it's strengths and limitations. Then if ever in the future I think to myself, "damn, that would look SO much better with a 12' crane", I'll pick up the phone and purchase the extention.

Rick
 
Get the 12. You can always just use it as an 8, but you have the option to be longer. The add-on might not be as cost effective later, and the price isn't that much more for the longer one now. Make sure your tripod (w/ or w/out head) can handle the weight/torque.

12 is nice to have for a Leone-type shot where you're way above a crowd or follow a basketball player from a dunk at the hoop down to the freethrow line.
 
Good points KingV. I have the Bogen 528XB which will support 66 lbs. and the Bogen 503 fluid head.

The only consideration is my fluid head is when using the manual tilt. (There's no known issues when in the automatic mode).

Eric recommended the 516 which is a little beefer. A slight consideration concerning the manual angle tilt and the possibility of the crane coming off the head. To his knowledge it hasn't happened. Just some words of prevention.

He also said, there were a couple of ways to reenforce the head to make sure it wouldn't slip off if I were to go with the 12' crane and use my 503.

Mark
 
Well, speaking from experience, the 503 head is questionable with the 12', counterweights and camera (XL2 in my case). I got it it work, but I was worried the whole time. Even the 516 (which ain't cheap) is not enough for that kind of load. The heads that were more suitable were over $1500! (OK, you can close your mouth now...)

Some people mount a crane without heads for more stability, but the head adds another layer of functionality, so it's nice to integrate it.

I would like to hear what Eric said about reinforcing the 503. Do you have the notes handy?
 
KingV,

I plan on ordering tomorrow. I will get Eric to email me the best way to go about it. Then I will pass the info on.

I priced the 516 on B&H and it was $499.00. Your right, not cheap.

Mark
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top