Purchasing a Crane for Under $1000

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instantreplay1

New member
The production company I work for is currently looking to purchase a crane to boost the quality of our corporate videos. We have spec'd out a few (CobraCrane, SkyCrane, Jr., Studio1 DV Jib Arm), but are unsure as to which would be the best crane to go with, what features are crucial and included with each crane, and which cranes are easiest/quickest to set-up and strike. Ideallty, we would like to spend less than $1000. With most, the cost increases/decreases depending on the parts included (monitor mount, pan/tilt head, etc.). We have a quality tri-pod base, so we really are looking just for the actual crane boom and additional features. Basically, a crane that gets the most 'bang for the buck.' We are looking for one compatible with a Sony PD170 Mini DV Cam. Any suggestions? Thanks!
 
For low cost, i've heard lots of postivie reviews of the kessler crane.

Its more expensive but i really like the simplicity and "no tools needed" approach of the seven (se7en?) jib.

I personally went with the advantajib. Its twice your budget (or 3x with full extension), but having full control over camera pan and tilt while jibbing makes all the difference to me. It takes a jib from being a challenge to use to a pleasure.


But check out kesslercrane.com. Lots of "cold, dead hand" comments from satisfied users on other forums.

cheers!
 
So Floop, you dig the AdvantaJib? I was seriously thinking about that one but ended up buying the PortaJib Traveler, which I love, but at times having more reach and rear control seems like it would be sweet.

Dan
 
Yeah, i'm pretty happy with the advantajib. The portajib traveller is a great piece of kit, and can swing a 40lb camera, where the advantajib maxes at 15. There have been dramatic film shoots where i've wished for the rock solid stability of a traveller or seven. Where the advantajib shines is for live or broad motion stuff. I was hired as a jib op for the international rodeo and from my platform i was able to swing out over the rider pens, down to the side looking across the riders into the arena and tracking the rides from a high angle, all without disturbing the cowboys. I couldn't have done much at all without remote pan/tilt controls. Until you get into the seriously expensive remote heads, i think the advantajib is easier to use.

Shot a music video with the advantajib last weekend. About 1/2 the shots would have been easier with a bowl on the end, and the other half would have been impossible without something like the advantajib, so like everything, i suppose, its up to your shooting style and preference.
 

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puredrifting said:
I rented one of these for a shoot in New Mexico, it's a piece of junque as far as I was concerned. The bushings are low rent and it kind of wobbles and it is almost impossible to get a smooth start or stop due to stiction.

Keep looking.

Dan
Click to expand...

You may have gotten a bad one Dan. I had one of these 10 years ago, liked it,
later sold it, got another brand, hated it, got another Camcrane recently and love it. No wobble or start/stop problems with my HVX (no accessories). Yours is the first complaint I've seen on this crane, so far.
 
mainstreetprod said:
You may have gotten a bad one Dan. I had one of these 10 years ago, liked it,
later sold it, got another brand, hated it, got another Camcrane recently and love it. No wobble or start/stop problems with my HVX (no accessories). Yours is the first complaint I've seen on this crane, so far.
Click to expand...

Well, it was a rental from EVS so perhaps it was thrashed.

Dan
 
i bought the 8ft kesslar, solid .then i had a buddy weld up another 3ft peice in the middle, so now it is a 11ft . also put a adjustable steering cable and 5 different holes for auto tilting . at 11ft it bobbs a bit, i am adding a cable support and it should be rock solid. now i just need the the kpod tripod legs. if your shooting the light wieght hpx170 they have a sweet pan/tilt remote that works great for about $250.
 
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