Which jib to go with?

[Michael Solomon]

I feel silly making another thread when there's one right below me. But I have different needs and I didn't want to hijack his thread.

With that said. I'm in the market for a jib, and there's just so many brands, I wanted to turn to you guys for some feedback

Here's what I'm looking for

Length: in the 5-8 foot range. Even better if there's an option to go 8 feet or 5 feet etc. depending on how assembled
Payload: Heaviest payload would be a 5D with L glass so I would say under 12 pounds if I was being super super super conservative
Features: Some sort of tilt functionality is required
Budget: ~$500 - obviously, the cheaper the better. Need to start putting money into the red scarlet fund
Misc.: As little side to side sway/play as possible. Jib should have smooth/fluid movements and able to come to nice stops without any jerks

There are two jibs I've looked at

1) The 5 foot tilting model from glideshot: http://glideshot.com/products_camerajib.html I first was introduced to this company after cheesycam ran an article on it and the company blew up with orders. The price is fantastic and people rave about the quality. The length is a tad bit short, if it was 6 feet I would have been ecstatic. The two things that turn me off on this is one, the 20 business day wait time since they're backordered, and two, the company simply won't return any of my emails. I've sent them at least 4 emails, including one through their eBay account with zero response. That coupled with the fact that no phone number is listed on their website leaves me concerned

2) The KC Lite from Kessler. This seems like a great option but it's definitely on the expensive end. With the 5' add-on piece and shipping it looks to come in around $520 which is hard to justify when the glideshot is $2-300 cheaper.

What are your guys views on these two options? Are there any other options I should be looking at?

Side note: Do you think these would be stable on a 504HD head on 546bk legs? I'm worried since the head is a bowl mount. Also, is there a drastically large noticeable difference in what you're able to capture with a 5ft crane vs. 8ft?

 

[David W. Jones]

If it were me, I would keep an eye open in the for sale sections and eBay for a higher quality used jib rather than a lesser quality new jib. At some point you will grow tired of having to shoot with the 5D and it's limitations, and will move up to a nicer camera and accessories, which will be more weight. A high quality jib is like a high quality tripod and fluid head, something that should last a lifetime.

 

[Postmaster]

What Jim said - better get used pro gear than new semipro.

Kessler gear is worth every penny though.

Here is an alternative: http://cgi.ebay.de/Load-55bls-Jib-A...=AU_Video_Cam_Accessories&hash=item19c7613b71

Frank

 

[62stratplaya]

I use a Kessler KC-8 all the time. Great product. Worth the money. It will allow you the ability to expand to a larger camera if you ever rent one in, or come into some cash. It could easily last a lifetime -- Simple -- Rugged. With the ability to expand to 12foot (and possibly beyond) and shrink to 5 foot, it is a great option. You will need a beefy tripod if you don't already have one -- probably need that for any jib you get.

 

[Michael Solomon]

If it were me, I would keep an eye open in the for sale sections and eBay for a higher quality used jib rather than a lesser quality new jib.

Any specific brands/models you would recommend?