Seeking advice on jib/crane purchase

M

Malcolm Wright

Well-known member
Hi!

I'm in the process of deciding on a jib/crane solution.
The current production is itinerant, and although we have a Landcruiser troop carrier with lots of storage space, portability is an issue here as we will probably be carrying the kit on foot for short to medium distances in some instances.

I read in another thread that Barry has the EZFX jib, so I looked that up. It looks like a well built, very functional and upgradable piece of equipment (but my appraisal doesn't mean a thing: I've never used a jib before)... but it is considerably more expensive (3-4 times more so) than the other option I've been looking at: the 8ft Kessler (which is also several pounds lighter and has a higher reach).

So I guess what I'd like is to hear about all the factors I should be weighing in this decision between the two, from people who have used one, the other, or both...

Finally, I realize that there are some extra expenses involved here: a monitor and remote both with long connector cables seem mandatory... What lcd do people recommend for this purpose, and what price?
Rush sold me a varizoom remote which works great, but the cable is VERY short, and I wonder if extension cables are available?

Thank you very much for your time everyone!

M.
 
I bought a 20' cable from B&H . . . EVS should have them too.

I would bet everyone is going to say how much they like their jibs/cranes. Bargain-Camera has a couple well thought out units that are fairly inexpensive. The reason I mention them is that I picked one up on eBay and used an old Davis & Sanford MkII set of sticks (cheap when you can find them, and you can park a house on them), primarily because I didn't have to gut one of my good tripods with a 75 or 100mm ball to make it work. I found an equally cheap D&S FM25 fluid head and just bolted the crane to it without having to make any modifications. Works like a charm, and as I said you can put all the weight you want on them and they're not going to collapse. There are probably a number of similar solutions out there. Always be careful in the wind, and watch your overheads (wires) . . . and it's always a good idea to use sandbags or something to secure it. Good luck!
 
dregenthal said:
I bought a 20' cable from B&H . . . EVS should have them too.

I would bet everyone is going to say how much they like their jibs/cranes. Bargain-Camera has a couple well thought out units that are fairly inexpensive. The reason I mention them is that I picked one up on eBay and used an old Davis & Sanford MkII set of sticks (cheap when you can find them, and you can park a house on them), primarily because I didn't have to gut one of my good tripods with a 75 or 100mm ball to make it work. I found an equally cheap D&S FM25 fluid head and just bolted the crane to it without having to make any modifications. Works like a charm, and as I said you can put all the weight you want on them and they're not going to collapse. There are probably a number of similar solutions out there. Always be careful in the wind, and watch your overheads (wires) . . . and it's always a good idea to use sandbags or something to secure it. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Wow: thanks for the advice! I had given up on the thread... I too thought people would be eager to talk about their kit (and illuminate me at the same time)...
I'll check out the equipment you mention. Cheap and sturdy sticks sounds like a win win to me :)

M.
 
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