Jason Adams
Section Moderator
Hello all. I went to NAB this year to evaluate a jib purchase. I am locked into Vance Jib or EZ FX jib.
Cast your votes and give your thoughts.
Cast your votes and give your thoughts.
Jib arm DEATHMATCH
- Thread starter Jason Adams
- Start date
Luis Caffesse
Admin
Well - I would ask you first what kind of shoots are you doing and what exactly do you need from a jib?
(though personally I love the VanceJib)
(though personally I love the VanceJib)
Jason Adams
Section Moderator
Oh, Sorry Luis.
I need a fairly portable ONE MAN jib that I can take along to all my shoots.
I need a fairly portable ONE MAN jib that I can take along to all my shoots.
Luis Caffesse
Admin
For a one man shoot? No question then in my mind - VanceJib.
Here's my take on the VanceJib.
It has the fastest setup I've ever seen from a jib.
It's all one piece so nothing can be lost.
95% of the time that I need or want to use a jib all I need is a little movement.
The VanceJib fits those needs completely.
If and when I ever have a job where I need something bigger - I'll rent it.
I don't see the sense in buying something more complex that can do a bit more when most of the time, for me, all I need is a small amount of reach and boom (and nearly 8 feet is more than enough for me most of the time).
Basically - to get a jib that might cover 100% of my shooting situations I'm makng 95% of those situations harder on myself through setup, assembly, etc.
The VanceJib is easy and quick which means not only do I not mind using it as a one man band, but I actually use it more often than I would probably use another jib that requires some assembly.
I've used both - and I have should say that I used a prototype of the VanceJib (not the final production model) which was sent to me as a Beta tester to provide feedback and suggestions.
The times I used the EZFX were a few times in a studio and once on location.
Each of those times I had a crew with me - but honestly I don't know that I would have wanted to use it solo.
The studio shoots were easy, but on location I would have prefered something smaller and quicker to setup.
Just my 2 cents.
Then again your shooting style/needs may vary.
Here's my take on the VanceJib.
It has the fastest setup I've ever seen from a jib.
It's all one piece so nothing can be lost.
95% of the time that I need or want to use a jib all I need is a little movement.
The VanceJib fits those needs completely.
If and when I ever have a job where I need something bigger - I'll rent it.
I don't see the sense in buying something more complex that can do a bit more when most of the time, for me, all I need is a small amount of reach and boom (and nearly 8 feet is more than enough for me most of the time).
Basically - to get a jib that might cover 100% of my shooting situations I'm makng 95% of those situations harder on myself through setup, assembly, etc.
The VanceJib is easy and quick which means not only do I not mind using it as a one man band, but I actually use it more often than I would probably use another jib that requires some assembly.
I've used both - and I have should say that I used a prototype of the VanceJib (not the final production model) which was sent to me as a Beta tester to provide feedback and suggestions.
The times I used the EZFX were a few times in a studio and once on location.
Each of those times I had a crew with me - but honestly I don't know that I would have wanted to use it solo.
The studio shoots were easy, but on location I would have prefered something smaller and quicker to setup.
Just my 2 cents.
Then again your shooting style/needs may vary.
EZFX was my choice then and now.
Vance's product looks like a suitable product for a one-man operation.
I like to take an assistant out with me to help build it [EZFX] and sometimes operate as a 1st AC with follow-focus. We operate an extended jib 10' or 16' forward of the fulcrum for a maximum of 20' to lens. The way our EZFX is configured makes it a different product for different work - not comparable to the Vance or a Seven or PortaJib. More akin to a CamMate or Jimmy.
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Vance's product looks like a suitable product for a one-man operation.
I like to take an assistant out with me to help build it [EZFX] and sometimes operate as a 1st AC with follow-focus. We operate an extended jib 10' or 16' forward of the fulcrum for a maximum of 20' to lens. The way our EZFX is configured makes it a different product for different work - not comparable to the Vance or a Seven or PortaJib. More akin to a CamMate or Jimmy.
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Luis Caffesse
Admin
That's exactly the kind of thing I was getting at Erik.
With the work I'm doing lately, I need those kinds of configurations maybe 5% of the time. I figure why burden myself 95% of the time when I can simply rent larger rigs if and when I need them?
Truth be told I have yet to really require a larger rig.
Hopefully that will become an issue for me at some point.
With the work I'm doing lately, I need those kinds of configurations maybe 5% of the time. I figure why burden myself 95% of the time when I can simply rent larger rigs if and when I need them?
Truth be told I have yet to really require a larger rig.
Hopefully that will become an issue for me at some point.
Matt Gottshalk
Resident Preditor
I was impressed with both when I was @ nab, and I tried them both. For a one man band type of setup it is hard to beat the Vance Jib!
Dan Vance
DVXUser Sponsor
I like the VanceJib better, but I'm slightly biased...
Based on feedback from the show, I've decided to add an optional arm to the VanceJib, which allows you to pan and tilt the camera over the full range of boom height from the camera-end, similar to (but better than, in my opinion) the EZ FX Handle--mine will allow you to go all the way to the ground with the boom, unlike the EZ FX handle, which interferes with low shots.
This accessory will be available in about 3 weeks.
So, if you need more than 8-feet of travel, EZ FX or others are the way to go, but if you can do with 'only' 8 feet, the VanceJib is pretty competitive. It also allows you to partially extend the boom for use in tight spaces, something few (if any) others are capable of.
Based on feedback from the show, I've decided to add an optional arm to the VanceJib, which allows you to pan and tilt the camera over the full range of boom height from the camera-end, similar to (but better than, in my opinion) the EZ FX Handle--mine will allow you to go all the way to the ground with the boom, unlike the EZ FX handle, which interferes with low shots.
This accessory will be available in about 3 weeks.
So, if you need more than 8-feet of travel, EZ FX or others are the way to go, but if you can do with 'only' 8 feet, the VanceJib is pretty competitive. It also allows you to partially extend the boom for use in tight spaces, something few (if any) others are capable of.
Chris Messineo
Veteran
I have the EZFX jib and love it, but then I don't think the VanceJib was available back when I purchased mine.
The VanceJib looks great and I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
The VanceJib looks great and I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
They really are different products. The EZFX, in stage mode, is more comparable to the Losmandy PortaJib.
Speak softly, carry a big jib.
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Speak softly, carry a big jib.
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Luis Caffesse
Admin
Figured I'd resurrect this thread out of curiosity....
Did you decide on one yet, Jason?
Did you decide on one yet, Jason?
Luis Caffesse
Admin
There should be a review of the VanceJib published soon on the site (in the articles forum), for those who are interested.
Jeff Anderson
Custom Title!
Oh good! I was hoping you'd give it a good thorough review soon Luis. I may be needing a jib in the next few months here and a one man setup is what I need. Price isnt too bad either... looking forward to the article! Thanks Luis!
Jason Adams
Section Moderator
I am going Vance. Ordering in two weeks.
Thanks all.
Thanks all.