cheap ebay Cranes

B

boulder

Well-known member
PrestonCam, ProAm, TommyJib all around $150-$300. Thinking of pulling the trigger (actually been bidding and trying to get best price). Any suggestions, experience, warnings? I have a Canon 7D.
 
I have used the 12 ft and 15 ft ProAm cranes and their are great for the price range. And you are using Canon 7D, this type of crane should be sufficient. I am using Sony HDR-FX1 camcorder to compare with if that is necessary.
 
I found i got excessive camera movement/shake with the ProAm 12ft. but i expect that's the norm with the cheap jibs.
 
I keep bidding on the Prestoncam ones but get sniped at the last minute (which is sad because I even got approval from my wife). I imagine there is some shake but I'm taking a shot anyways. I'll post footage once I get one if anyone is interested.
 
i picked up a prom am 16 footer a few weeks back but still looking for weights at a reasonable price. Thrift stores are empty at the moment
 


Movement but I think I can get rid of it with a bit a practice and a few takes
 
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The way that it's bouncing, it doesn't look properly balanced - like there is too much forward weight. Is that the case, or am I imagining things?
 
TommyJib Should not be in the same list as ProAm.

TommyJib's equipment is trash.

I bought an 8 feet crane from them a few months ago, and
that crane had me looking very unprofessional.

After that, I purchased a ProAm, and it works great.


So, having experience with both units, stay away from TommyJib if you
care about the quality of your footage.

Also, this guy would not refund my money. He says there is a 3 day return policy that started on my purchase date. But, it took 7 days to receive it. So my 3 days were up
before I even received the CRAP.
 
i've got a ProAm 8ft that i use with my 7d. works fine for my needs. definitely bounces if it's not properly weighted. make sure the tripod legs you use can be adjusted. i bought the cheap stand that comes with it. it's pretty much just a speaker stand, so if the ground your on isn't level, neither is your shot. i traded up and got one with adjustable legs. much better.

on another note, i tend to leave my vertical adjustment locked down nearly all the time. it's nearly impossible to control it smoothly with that handle and friction-type setup, but if it's locked parallel to the ground, it's just fine.

i got mine from Bargain Camera in SC. not sure if they're the only retailer or not, but they're nice people. they've upgraded my system for free and swapped out my old stand for it's full price to get the better one.
 
Also, this guy would not refund my money. He says there is a 3 day return policy that started on my purchase date. But, it took 7 days to receive it. So my 3 days were up
before I even received the CRAP.[/QUOTE]

That's bad show......!
 
Sophie,

Are your wondlan vests compatible with Glidecam 4000 stabilizers? Is the handle the same diameter?
 
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