Carbon Fiber StudioFX Mini Jib Crane Portable Pro DSLR Video Camera Crane Jib Arm Standard Version+Bag

This crane is actually pretty nice. I rated it a four star because it when it is on our very sturdy stand, it leans over when I move the crane up and down. The camera fits perfect and I like that the end of it can fit on multiple stands. The weights didn't have any weights in them and that was a downer because the way I was reading it sounded like they did. However I am not rating based on that. The crane is amazing but because its weight it needs a very expensive stand to place it on. This should be included because people who want a crane are looking for steadiness. There should be a note stating you need a high quality stand. Our is but a higher one than that.

After purchasing this item I had a few occasions to use it. I own a few others, one of similar length that is one piece very heavy, not practical for air travel. Another full size (32 feet) we use in our studio / film school. The key factor for me was portability and this unit shines. It is really light weight, and that is the most important consideration. I put a small camera on it (a Sony a6000) but I used it with a VG20 with a Rokinon Cine lens with no issues. Highlights: Easy to assemble and take apart. Extremely lightweight. Completely extended with camera and counterweights can sit on a MeFOTO travel tripod with no issues. Caveats (not important enough to take stars away): If your camera is too heavy it may tilt slightly to one side when fully extended (compensate from the base). There was no 1/4 inch screw to bolt the camera in, I had to add one. Awkward position for camera screw, but you'll get used to it. I think I will just screw in and secure a Giotto plate, so I don't kill a lot of time fiddling with it when adding and removing the camera. Clarifications: The back counterweight arm can be detached completely so you can pack it shorter if necessary. The weight bag can hold anything in it, but my Sony a6000 is balanced perfectly at full extension by two 2.5lbs gym weights (one in each bag pocket). This setup allows me to work with front arm fully extended and back arm 3/4 out, you tighten it after you find your balance point. Make sure if your tripod has a lock on sideways motion, you release it, so you can pan properly. You don't want it to be turning from the baseplate or some other pivot point that should be tight. Conclusions: When you travel you find places worthy of an establishing shot. This thing weighs nearly nothing so it just made sense for me. I also carry a portable rail dolly and pack a green cloth and clamps. For rail I just hit the local plumbing stores on location. This little setup ensures cinematic quality professional shots even in the most unlikely and remote locations. Weight matters (especially when you have to carry it around on foot to get to locations, or get your equipment on a plane).

The crane is flimsy but then again it's okay for the price.

Good quality construction, I use it for a Canon 60D. Easy to carry in the provided bag. Worth buying if you are a film maker on a budget

My son bought this for a film he was making but after his film fell through, the film teacher liked his equipment so much that the teacher purchased it from my son for the class.