Crane for HMC150 suggestions??

JaviBUSA08

JaviBUSA08

Well-known member
Hello,

I want to buy a crane to use with the HMC150. I did a little research but I really want to get the opinion from guys that actually use the HMC150. So any suggestions?

Thanks everyone?
 
Try this crane. I hear the only draw-back is that it's a little dirty.

crane-bird.jpg





But seriously I have no idea about cranes.. never had enough money to be able to look into and consider buying one.
 
Check out the kessler crane. It's a bit expensive but very awesome! If you need to go cheaper, look at the ProAM DVC200 or DVC250... If you want to spend even less, look in the DIY section of this site and look for a thread of a DIY jib arm.
 
set up is about 30 min... dolly + tripod + crane + weights + lanc cable + monitor + video cable + adjusting/balance = 30min
i do recomend getting some velcro cable tides (to get all the wires fasten on the crane) and also to lub the inside of the aluminum metal (where both bars touch) if you don't do this, it gets hard to pull out on the cold months
build is good =)

P.S. allow extra time the first few times. and never forget the weigths (we have a few times) a big bummer after setting it up LOL
 
Superfresa66 said:
set up is about 30 min... dolly + tripod + crane + weights + lanc cable + monitor + video cable + adjusting/balance = 30min
i do recomend getting some velcro cable tides (to get all the wires fasten on the crane) and also to lub the inside of the aluminum metal (where both bars touch) if you don't do this, it gets hard to pull out on the cold months
build is good =)

P.S. allow extra time the first few times. and never forget the weigths (we have a few times) a big bummer after setting it up LOL
Click to expand...

Yea, that suxs. What tripod do you have it on? Is it straight on the tripod or you put a head on the tripod? thanks
 
I shoot with a HMC 150. I own a Kessler Crane, 8-12 foot and a PT20 head as well as lightweight Bescor. The Kessler is worth every penny and more. It is a pro crane. Other less expensive options may work....sorta.
The flexibility of the Kessler is why I chose it, you can set it up in minutes and it can be as short as 5 feet and soon as long as 16. Use it as a remote crane or as a front operated jib.
With the 150 being so light it takes very little weight if you are just using the standard head and no pan tilt option.
In all cases the crane you buy will put stress on your tripod. Make sure it can handle the extra stress and weight. I use a separate tripod for the crane a 528xb.
And lastly the customer service from Kessler is outstanding and the crane is guaranteed for life.
 
I purchased the Kessler Crane, KC-8 Ultra HD Plus, about a year ago and have been very happy with it. I use the Manfrotto 3193 tripod legs with Kessler's Hercules Head. Set up takes maybe 10 minutes. Their customer service is excellent and you are able to upgrade the crane to different size models by purchasing attachments, instead of a whole new crane.
 
I love our glidecam 200 crane. We bring it to all of our shoots, set it up in about 10 minutes (we're only using the crane, not the vista head) and do landscape shots. It's light enough and comes with a bag, so it packs up nicely.
 
I have to agree with the Kessler folks....GREAT product! I've had the 8' (and the 5') version plus the Kpod and Hercules 2.0 head for a year now. High quality, easy & fast set-up, great people to work with. Love it. I also have the dolly feet and a section of the flex track. It all fits in a couple nice bags for easy transport. Cool stuff.

I'm one of the mind that it's better to save and buy quality that will last a lifetime, then just shop by price. Rent something if you need it right away...save...and buy quality. It will pay for itself over time. (you could also rent it out to others for some extra cash)
 
Thanks guys for all your help. Ended up going with the kessler crane. Sounds promising, they have tons of videos and info on their site about their cranes which basically sold me. Not like some other crane companies that have a few pictures of someone setting it up in front of their garage.... Good job kessler, nice site...
 
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