lol.. sorry bad typo.. yeah thats the one.
The Best Jib/crane Poll
- Thread starter SplitVision
- Start date
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
Thanks, SplitVision.
I had originally been leaning towards the Skycrane Jr., but being a salesman myself, I'm a sucker for a good pitch, and Kessler sure sounds confident about what they have to say about cranes, etc. They really seemed to trash the idea of the cable/pulley that Skycrane uses. Then again, I can't stand that Kessler seems to only mount onto tripod heads ... I've e-mailed them that concern, and they still have never gotten back to me on it.
Jarred, I don't see where the skycrane has it's own legs, unless you're referring to it simply connecting directly to the tripod legs vs. head.
I'd still have to find an adapter for this (ball/claw), otherwise I'll have to be purchasing tripod legs as well.
My next multi hundred dollar purchase will either be a crane, or Rowe Cine's dolly kit.
I had originally been leaning towards the Skycrane Jr., but being a salesman myself, I'm a sucker for a good pitch, and Kessler sure sounds confident about what they have to say about cranes, etc. They really seemed to trash the idea of the cable/pulley that Skycrane uses. Then again, I can't stand that Kessler seems to only mount onto tripod heads ... I've e-mailed them that concern, and they still have never gotten back to me on it.
Jarred, I don't see where the skycrane has it's own legs, unless you're referring to it simply connecting directly to the tripod legs vs. head.
I'd still have to find an adapter for this (ball/claw), otherwise I'll have to be purchasing tripod legs as well.
My next multi hundred dollar purchase will either be a crane, or Rowe Cine's dolly kit.
yes.. you can buy the skycrane legs but you should use yours, they are probally better. You dont use your head, it has its own.
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
Right, but it connects to a 3/8 bolt ... Libec uses a 75mm ball/claw for their heads. Sounds like I'd need an adapter ... this is also based on information from when I spoke to the owner of Skycrane once, about 7-8 months ago (Bill, Bob, something like that.).
Rick Meyer
Veteran
now you guys have me wondering. I was sold on the Kessler weeks ago but Envision you got me scratching my head. Actually, I have been asking my girlfriend to put that under my Christmas tree so it may already be a done deal. But, I will follow this thread to see how to best combat stress on my tripod if need be. I'd rather not kill my H35 head.
Personally, I'm still excited as hell about their product.
Hmm, I'm wondering if I should start a thread calling out to just the Kessler Crane owners for their feedback....might not be a bad idea....
Personally, I'm still excited as hell about their product.
Hmm, I'm wondering if I should start a thread calling out to just the Kessler Crane owners for their feedback....might not be a bad idea....
SplitVision
Well-known member
just to let you know rim, i emailed the Kessler guys awhile back and it took a bit long to get a response. plus the response i got from them was too short to sufficiently answer my question.
they might have a good crane (i think) but their communication skills kinda blow.
they might have a good crane (i think) but their communication skills kinda blow.
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
That's been my impression so far too. They could either be trying to hide some downfalls about their product (by not fully answering questions), or their stuff could be such the bomb that they don't NEED to answer anyone's questions.
Who knows. Everyone's selling their product as the best, and NO ONE'S ever going to put up a testimonial that doesn't shine about their product, so it's only in threads like these that we can learn the honest cold truth about stuff like this.
Who knows. Everyone's selling their product as the best, and NO ONE'S ever going to put up a testimonial that doesn't shine about their product, so it's only in threads like these that we can learn the honest cold truth about stuff like this.
I had the Skycrane Jr. for a while. It was very cumbersome and difficult to use with a heavier (XL2) camera. The cable and pulley system was not very good at all. It was almost impossible to keep the camera level while craning up and down. It was capable of doing a complete 360 degree vertical rotation, as Jarred mentioned, but I found very little use for upside down shots of the camera operator! I sold the Skycrane and got the Kessler 12' model. The difference is quite profound. The Kessler is so much better than the Skycrane. I use a much more expensive Porta-Jib at work, and the Kessler Crane is capable of getting the same shots and more. I too was worried about the wear and tear on my tripod head, so I had a friend build me a head from a very heavy duty metal caster. It works great.
Rick Meyer
Veteran
KHendrix2- thanks for that testimony. I was already leaning towards the Kessler but your comments really make me feel confident about that choice.
Rick
Rick
Rick Meyer
Veteran
KHendrix2 said:
How does one go about building their own heavy duty head?
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
Yeah, that caught my attention too. With an indestructable head, the Kessler's got my attention. Otherwise, the lack of them responding to queries about their product, and the fact I think it would eventually destroy most normal fluid heads, scares the crap out of me.
Rick Meyer
Veteran
Yeah, I'm in partial agreement with you. I still look forward to getting it and seeing just how rough it will be on my tripod. Worst case scenario, I will just have to get a beater tripod/head ONLY for the crane. The good thing is, I don't think the CRANE is something I will use ALL the time so the wear and tear should be minimal. Hopefully. At least I think....
Also, as far as them not responding, I wouldn't be terribly concerned about that. If you called and left a message or left an email, I wouldn't expect a quick turn around time with an answer to your questions. Judging by their site, they are a very small operation. If fact, they know the exact number of units they have built (well under 200) and claim to never have one return or problem. Plus, I called a few weeks ago and spoke to someone on the phone. I THINK it was Steve. Can't say for sure. He was very polite and responsive to all of my questions. So, I really don't think they are trying to hide anything. I just think that you have to call when someone is there to pick up the phone, that's all. But, that's just my opinion....
Also, as far as them not responding, I wouldn't be terribly concerned about that. If you called and left a message or left an email, I wouldn't expect a quick turn around time with an answer to your questions. Judging by their site, they are a very small operation. If fact, they know the exact number of units they have built (well under 200) and claim to never have one return or problem. Plus, I called a few weeks ago and spoke to someone on the phone. I THINK it was Steve. Can't say for sure. He was very polite and responsive to all of my questions. So, I really don't think they are trying to hide anything. I just think that you have to call when someone is there to pick up the phone, that's all. But, that's just my opinion....
"How does one go about building their own heavy duty head?"
Here is how we went about it. We started with a very heavy duty metal swivel caster from Harbor Freight Tools. My friend then cut the metal wheel straight across, fairly close to the axle. Then he welded a plate to the flat surface where he cut. The crane is attached to the plate. Then we drilled and tapped a hole in the side next to the wheel so that we could install a bolt with a knob on the end of it. This is used as a "brake" to lock the whole thing at any angle.
The bearing on this particular caster is supposedly able to support over a thousand pounds, so we're thinking that it will hold up over time. It actually works quite well and it's extremely smooth. It also looks great with a fresh coat of semi-flat black spray paint.
When it was all said and done, the total cash outlay (not including labor) for this project was under $40.
Here is how we went about it. We started with a very heavy duty metal swivel caster from Harbor Freight Tools. My friend then cut the metal wheel straight across, fairly close to the axle. Then he welded a plate to the flat surface where he cut. The crane is attached to the plate. Then we drilled and tapped a hole in the side next to the wheel so that we could install a bolt with a knob on the end of it. This is used as a "brake" to lock the whole thing at any angle.
The bearing on this particular caster is supposedly able to support over a thousand pounds, so we're thinking that it will hold up over time. It actually works quite well and it's extremely smooth. It also looks great with a fresh coat of semi-flat black spray paint.
When it was all said and done, the total cash outlay (not including labor) for this project was under $40.
Chris Messineo
Veteran
Nope, I didn't really have any need. It is very easy to control it handheld. Now, if I had gotten the extension then the motorized head would have been a must have.jacksdad said:
Chris
Alexa
Veteran
did you ever try to get some customer support regarding your dissatisfaction in use?
For leveling shots, I found that you have to tighten the cable with the angle you want. That probably won't make sense to many, but my point really is that there are a lot of ways to shoot with it and some are by trial and error. I haven't had problems leveling it...though I also bought a ball-leveler to put on top of the legs. ( not sure if that has anything to do with your leveling issue).
I have no other experience with any other crane.
while I've been happy and gotten tons of use with my own skycrane, if I had the money, I would love to have a porta-jib. ($2k+)
For leveling shots, I found that you have to tighten the cable with the angle you want. That probably won't make sense to many, but my point really is that there are a lot of ways to shoot with it and some are by trial and error. I haven't had problems leveling it...though I also bought a ball-leveler to put on top of the legs. ( not sure if that has anything to do with your leveling issue).
I have no other experience with any other crane.
while I've been happy and gotten tons of use with my own skycrane, if I had the money, I would love to have a porta-jib. ($2k+)
jlames
Well-known member
For what it's worth, I've tried the cranes/jibs and have to tell you there's a reason I just bought the Skycrane. It's well-made, designed and out together by an engineer who's a really nice guy and always there to stand behind his product. Beware cranes that mount to fluid heads. The heavier they are, the worse they are for the head. Fluid heads are designed to carry weight in a vertical axis. a crane/jib moves the center of gravity and thus the moment way, way forward and will, after a short time, through the insides of the fluid head well out of balance and, before you know it, you've destroyed a $200 501 or an $800 516. And no, the 516, just because it's a heavier-duty head, won't fare any better. Off axis energy away from the CG a head is designed to carry will tear up a head. Skycrane replaces the head. You spin the head off and spin the Skycrane disc on which carries with it the min crane head. Thus it takes the fluid head out of the equation.
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
Does the Skycrane allow for the fluid head at the end, like the Kessler & a couple others do? Didn't look like there was room, though I could be wrong. Both are pickles for me, because of the Libec tripod I have (bowl/claw) ... Skycrane only connects to a 3/8 bolt, like most that don't connect to a fluid head, and Kessler will destroy my head.
Finding an adapter, or getting Kessler to think ahead & create a fix that doesn't have to strap to a head would be ideal.
Finding an adapter, or getting Kessler to think ahead & create a fix that doesn't have to strap to a head would be ideal.
Rick Meyer
Veteran
KHendrix2 said:"How does one go about building their own heavy duty head?"
Here is how we went about it. We started with a very heavy duty metal swivel caster from Harbor Freight Tools. My friend then cut the metal wheel straight across, fairly close to the axle. Then he welded a plate to the flat surface where he cut. The crane is attached to the plate. Then we drilled and tapped a hole in the side next to the wheel so that we could install a bolt with a knob on the end of it. This is used as a "brake" to lock the whole thing at any angle.
The bearing on this particular caster is supposedly able to support over a thousand pounds, so we're thinking that it will hold up over time. It actually works quite well and it's extremely smooth. It also looks great with a fresh coat of semi-flat black spray paint.
When it was all said and done, the total cash outlay (not including labor) for this project was under $40.
I know you are not in business to make these heads but I'm sure you might find interest here if you were to slap some of these together for us non-handy types?
C'mon...what do ya say???
Rick
I'd love to hook everybody up, but I personally don't have the necessary skills and equipment to do this type of work. I've already called in too many favors from my friend that helped me out on this. Surely there is another DVX user that could do a small run of these, just in time for Christmas! :grin: