Low-budget crane

S

samuelreich

Active member
Interested in someone recommending a low-budget crane. Was at first eyeing the ProMax CobraCrane, but then realize it doesn't have a tilt. There are some lower budget brands selling on eBay with tilts, but I wouldn't necessarily trust them. Anyone? Thanks!!
 
Re: Low-budget crane

What do you mean it doesn't have a tilt? I just got the Cobra Crane II Plus, and the only thing it doesn't have is a remote panning head, which would be very hard to come by on any crane less than $1000. The cobra crane can pan and tilt (controlled by the tripod tilt head) and is one of the smoothest cranes that I have worked with in this price range. You have full control over the tilt of the camera, if you don't touch anything the camera will remain level, however, if you move your tripod head up or down while you are pushing the crane itself up or down, you have full control over the camera tilt. Maybe you are thinking of the Glidecam crane, which indeed does not have tilt control. For $300-500 you can't go wrong with the cobra crane.
 
Re: Low-budget crane

I was under the impression that the cobra crane was only able to 'boom pan' meaning that you can't pan the camera at the end of the boom only the whole boom. Is this true?
 
Re: Low-budget crane

If this is true, would people recommend the I or I+? I imagine it would be difficult panning 10' of crane.
 
Re: Low-budget crane

I've had the Cobra Crane for about 2 years now, and it has been great. I've used it with the Sony VX2000, and the canon XL1s. I plan on using it with the panasonic after I get one (Waiting on NAB). The trick though is PRACTICE! It is a boom pan (You have to pan with the entire crane) but I believe that promax (they show it in their training video) sells a unit to go on the end that allows panning of just the camera. (But the oporator has to stand and oporate it by hand - not sure if they sell a remote controlled version). This is a great tool for it's price range. Just my thoughts.
 
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