Dolly/Jib eBay Seller - Questions

K

KyranFord

Well-known member
I have a couple questions about an eBay seller who sells dollies and jibs. I would appreciate any and all advice.

Would I be better off purchasing this jib with the stand? Or without the stand and using it with my tripod?

Would I be better off purchasing this dolly with the metal track? Or would it be better to purchase it without the metal track and buy PVC to use as track in order to save the $100? Or would the extra $100 be worth the metal track?

Thanks in advance.
-Kyran
 
The stand looks like a typical 35mm spigot loudspeaker stand - and they can take decent loads vertically - but are very, very unstable with any sideways input - such as somebody accidentally pushing it sideways near the tripod pivot point. The stand isn't really over/under priced - just the wrong thing. The only snag I can see is that the fitting has a 1/4 or 3/4" stud. This is a BIG jib to be attached with such a small bolt. Removing the camera load and forgetting to secure the boom would let the weights drop, and I'd bet that would snap the thread. For the stand supplied, I'd guess a spigot with the appropriate thread is supplied. With care - could be a good deal.
 
paulears said:
The stand looks like a typical 35mm spigot loudspeaker stand - and they can take decent loads vertically - but are very, very unstable with any sideways input - such as somebody accidentally pushing it sideways near the tripod pivot point. The stand isn't really over/under priced - just the wrong thing. The only snag I can see is that the fitting has a 1/4 or 3/4" stud. This is a BIG jib to be attached with such a small bolt. Removing the camera load and forgetting to secure the boom would let the weights drop, and I'd bet that would snap the thread. For the stand supplied, I'd guess a spigot with the appropriate thread is supplied. With care - could be a good deal.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Paul. Although I'll only have a DSLR body and lens (not much a camera 'load'), I'll make sure to secure the boom when removing them. Looks like I'll be going with the stand then, but I take care of all my gear, so it shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for the advice.

Anyone have any say on the dolly/track?
 
Kyran,

I actually own very similar items but by a different manufacturer. Pro Aim to be exact. From what i can tell, the designs are almost exact in the dolly track and in the base stand for the jib.
I purchased both systems for my "B Unit" for a Canon 7D.
From my experience, the jib stand is pretty solid, and more than durable enough to support your rig. I agree with the above statement about securing the boom when removing your camera. I usually just drop the boom so the camera end is on the ground, then i remove one of my 5lb weights before removing the camera.

In regards to the dolly track, i guess that decision is up to you. I purchased the track with my rig, and i find it to be pretty solid. Plus, the smooth metalic surface works great for adding a little lubricant to ensure a nice smooth glide. The track is durable and can definitely handle a beating. I havet yet to use pvc with this rig, but i built a DIY rig a few years back with the pvc track, and i much prefer the track that came with that dolly system. But again, to each his own.

Might i suggest taking a look at the Pro Aim gear? I cant remember off the top of my head, but you may save some money by purchasing their gear. Also, the jib that we purchased included a remote contolled electronic head, which in my opinion is a must have for any jib.

Enjoy your new gear! Cheers!
 
NBside said:
Kyran,

I actually own very similar items but by a different manufacturer. Pro Aim to be exact. From what i can tell, the designs are almost exact in the dolly track and in the base stand for the jib.
I purchased both systems for my "B Unit" for a Canon 7D.
From my experience, the jib stand is pretty solid, and more than durable enough to support your rig. I agree with the above statement about securing the boom when removing your camera. I usually just drop the boom so the camera end is on the ground, then i remove one of my 5lb weights before removing the camera.

In regards to the dolly track, i guess that decision is up to you. I purchased the track with my rig, and i find it to be pretty solid. Plus, the smooth metalic surface works great for adding a little lubricant to ensure a nice smooth glide. The track is durable and can definitely handle a beating. I havet yet to use pvc with this rig, but i built a DIY rig a few years back with the pvc track, and i much prefer the track that came with that dolly system. But again, to each his own.

Might i suggest taking a look at the Pro Aim gear? I cant remember off the top of my head, but you may save some money by purchasing their gear. Also, the jib that we purchased included a remote contolled electronic head, which in my opinion is a must have for any jib.

Enjoy your new gear! Cheers!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply! Motorized jibs sound nice, but it's looking like those exceed my current budget. I guess I'll have to decide whether I want to go with PVC or the steel track... Is the included track in pieces? It looks like they come with a carrying case, which would also be nice to store everything. The extra $100 might very well be worth it. Not to mention that the on-set aesthetics, when I get hired as a DP/cam-op, would be better with metal track. Thanks again for the reply.
 
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