Compact crane suggestion

G

ggrantly

Veteran
Hello Listers,

I have been considering a small - portable crane to carry with me on junkets. Something very compact and easy to setup. I've considered the Kessler Pocket Jib, but wonder what else might be out there that you could recommend. Again, the parameters are easy to pack and easy to setup. It needs to be capable of smaller loads < 8-10lbs. Length isn't as important as the other parameters.

TIA Grant
 
I don't know of anything easier to build up and pack down than the Cinevate Axis Jib. Comes in a handy rolling case, and I've had everything from a Blackmagic pocket camera, to a fully rigged Alexa Studio on mine.

The single tube design also spares you crushed fingers.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Both are pretty expensive for what I need. I have a full sized Kessler when I need more serious. The Cinevate isn't what I'd call small and or portable to leave in the back of my car given a long and somewhat heavy tube. I want something really small even if it is a compromise on stiffness and length. I was thinking more like the Kessler Pocket Jib Traveler, or maybe this:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...oom_solojib_cf_carbon_fiber_portable_jib.html

Wondering if anyone has used one?

Grant
 
ggrantly said:
Thanks for the suggestions. Both are pretty expensive for what I need. I have a full sized Kessler when I need more serious. The Cinevate isn't what I'd call small and or portable to leave in the back of my car given a long and somewhat heavy tube. I want something really small even if it is a compromise on stiffness and length. I was thinking more like the Kessler Pocket Jib Traveler, or maybe this:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...oom_solojib_cf_carbon_fiber_portable_jib.html

Wondering if anyone has used one?

Grant
Click to expand...

Kessler has longer reach and collapses shorter. Usability is much of muchness for jibs of this size.
 
ggrantly said:
... or maybe this:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...oom_solojib_cf_carbon_fiber_portable_jib.html

Wondering if anyone has used one?
Click to expand...

Avoid this like the plague. There are several versions (all re-badged from the same factory/factories, I assume) out there. Unstable, wobbly, and easily damaged. The tube just ahead of the pivot gets dented without much effort, which then means the jib won't collapse completely.

Have you looked at any of the Benro MoveUp series?
 
Alex H. said:
Avoid this like the plague. There are several versions (all re-badged from the same factory/factories, I assume) out there. Unstable, wobbly, and easily damaged. The tube just ahead of the pivot gets dented without much effort, which then means the jib won't collapse completely.

Have you looked at any of the Benro MoveUp series?
Click to expand...

Alex, I was aware that they are marketed by different companies. Have you owned one? If so, was it the aluminum version or the carbon fiber? I'll take a look at the Benro

G
 
I have had several jibs of all kinds, and what I would like to know is what camera you intend to fly on it? Anything Kessler or Cinvevate is excellent but there are certainly other options and many questions about how you intend to operate.
 
Brian

I have a couple of medium bags I keep in my car most of the time packed with the essentials for stop by the side of the road, impromptu field shooting. I add a camera depending on what I might do that day, but usually travel with a dslr. I have been packing a small slider, but think a mini-jib like this might be more to my liking (read less rigging and still give me some movement). As previously mentioned, I have a larger crane for when a more formal (think paid gig) and or a larger setup is warranted for either height or weight. But that takes time to assemble and rig out. I want something that goes in a medium bag or tripod shell, and takes only moments to rig. You can have all the bigger-better-heavier gear you want, but if it is a hassle to use, you probably won't.

Camera wise, a dslr or a 7 lb Pannycam as a maximum. I get it that most of these units are pretty light, so additional rigging isn't in the cards. I started off leaning towards the Kessler Traveler Jib, and suppose that might still be the best option so far.

Thanks for all the good comments.
G
 
ggrantly said:
Alex, I was aware that they are marketed by different companies. Have you owned one? If so, was it the aluminum version or the carbon fiber?
Click to expand...

I picked up one of the aluminum models a couple of years ago for much the same purpose: something inexpensive and compact to throw in the car for small projects.

It's a toy. I was able to get some decent stuff out of it, but it isn't durable and I would not recommend that anyone waste their money.
 
well you can't go wrong with the Kessler Traveler Jib. I had the folks at Glideshot make me a small version of their jib that fit in my bag when I was shooting in the Arctic. There was not room for gear on the small planes and I had lots of artwork by carvers to shoot for the project. It was 30 inches long and I used camping showers that I filled with water as counter balance. Not ideal but it work well and was super easy with similar camera weights as you have. Simple and functional and inexpensive.
https://www.facebook.com/glideshot/
 
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