Cobra Crane

Max R. Wilson

Max R. Wilson

Stream Master
I have been looking at the cobra crane but am a little woried about wobble and bounce with the dvx.

does anyone that have one have any of those problems?
 
I have a Cobra Crane Backpacxker - it wobbles and bounces a little. So, in general, I either:


1) Use it without problem from "behind" (using panhandle/jib end) for shots where the camera doesn't come to a stop
2) Stand near the other end of the crane and move the camera by hand for shots where a smooth stop is necessary

Not ideal, but pretty workable.

-Barry
 
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dont go with the cobra crane, i have one with an extension

problems that arose:

1) the camear position from inches from the ground, then brought to its highest point does not keep the camera level, i.e. it does somewhat of a dutch, very annoying.

2) if you tilt the camera completely overhead, the joint that connects the crane to my quick release plate starts to tilt and slide off making the entire thing take a tumble.... not fun ( this is due to the one arm )

yeah, dont go with the cobra crane. i hate it now that i have it.
 
webdog said:
I have been looking at the cobra crane but am a little woried about wobble and bounce with the dvx.

does anyone that have one have any of those problems?
Click to expand...

I own the Kesseler 8' and the short extension that makes for 5.5'. I chose the Kessler because it has double rails yet its light weight as it is made from aluminum not steel. I use it with a dedicated tripod and a Bogan 503 head or a 516 head on occasion.

The crane is solid and smooth and balancing is fairly easy. I use it a lot both indoors and out for high angle lockdown shots or crane type moves. If you are in a heavy wind the camera can shake some as with any crane of this type but again the double rails help tremendously. With a good head and solid tripod this crane gives very smooth moves.

Good Shooting

S Cannon
 
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i just put together a buddget cobra 2 , i got to cut cost on acheap kit
one part ebay and one part craigslist(sf)
i found a the cobra 2 used up and beaten a bit scored for 200$
and i got aan old beat up bogen legs 3061?and manfrotto mk2 head
the head part is the best i like my fluid head the best !!
i have soem shots i tried last week just got mine looks super smooth
i noticed bouncing when focused difrently in areas close to surounding builidngs
yet had perfect smooth zoom while folloing a biker
something about catching your eyes on subjects changes the way the cam sees
objects ,kinda a game with the user operator
and just to say budget doesnt mean sucky!!it means more work!!
you have to have a grip to help the crane is heavy im 5foot five ok not a football player or sumo man i need help to put my crane together!!
if you have bux like real bux you can get a telescoping self rising kit for about 5gs
ther all in one kits with gas lifters and a one man show
but if budget is your obstivle you have to work a bit harder
youll pay extra for conveinance saving doe is jus more hard work but rewarding!!
mke d
www.mikedvieo.com
 
I have a Cobra Crane II, and I love it. Seriously, very worth the money for the quality movements you can get from it.

Some video footage from my Canon GL2, this was just a random assignment for my cinematography class at city college. Just to give you an idea of some of the height etc..

http://www.anonymousvoice.com/videos/cinefinal.mov

As for wobble, I get none. I haven't even put weights on it yet and it's still extremely smooth. I use a Smith Victor V Alluminum tripod( 9lbs, supports 25), it's pretty hefty, came with a tripod head mounted on it already, and it gets the job done right, only cost me 200$, and it's high quality.

Hope that helps.
 
i think ill end up getting a kessler 8

I have a onld bogen 501 head and sticks that i use as a backup, would that work? i really cant afford getting a dedicated set of sticks for this...
 
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