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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

looking to purchase a jib - any recommendations?

A

adam christl

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Anyone have any good recommends for a jib? I'm thinking mostly in studio, but I'm sure it will go travelling so weight and portability is somewhat of a priority.
Mostly I just want one that is stable. i don't want to waste my time with something that will flex if my camera is fully outfitted. I've had limited experience with jibs so I'd love some input.
Right now I'm leaning towards the portajib.
Anyone have any thoughts or opinions on this?
Thanks redusers!
 
I've always been very happy with Kessler Crane, they can be built out from 5.5ft to 18ft and are lightweight, easy/quick to assemble and breakdown, and very solid. Their K-Pod is a necessary base for them as well in my opinion and be sure to get the tool-less kit and soft cases. Custom Service and warranties from Kessler are gold too.
 
Try EZJib from EZFX.com we have really enjoyed ours. Also, if you are looking to add a motorized pan and tilt head, you can pick up the revolution from Kessler for about $1900. You can rent a kessler to try them out at RentKessler.com (owned by some friend's of ours and they take care of their stuff).

Good luck!
 
I think the Matthews lite is probably out of the running - I get nervous at the 20lb max capacity for the light jib and the regular jib at 6k... I'm just not sure what warrants the extra price. Kessler, EZjib and the seven jib all look good. I've heard good stuff about Kessler and portajib, but am pretty unfamiliar with the others. I feel more undecided than when I started. Appreciate the info tho. If anyone has anything more to chime in. I'm still on the fence here and would appreciate any additional input.
Thanks guys!
 
I like Seven Jib. And Doug gives GREAT service to you personally!
 
I'm also very curious about the portajib traveller. I got to say there is something very appealing about a rig that is so compact and ready to move. I wonder if stability is an issue at all?
 
adam christl said:
Anyone have any good recommends for a jib? I'm thinking mostly in studio, but I'm sure it will go travelling so weight and portability is somewhat of a priority.
Mostly I just want one that is stable. i don't want to waste my time with something that will flex if my camera is fully outfitted. I've had limited experience with jibs so I'd love some input.
Right now I'm leaning towards the portajib.
Anyone have any thoughts or opinions on this?
Thanks redusers!
Click to expand...


If you decide to go with the SEVEN XL Compact Jib, I have one for sale I could give you a deal on it, comes with accessories and transport case, Brand New, only used once for tests.

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?84723-FS-SEVEN-JIB-XL-Kit&p=1057439#post1057439

attachment.php
 
Is budget a consideration? How much reach do you need, and how portable? I think knowing more specifics would help in getting good guidance.

The Kesseler Pocket-Jib is a nice bit of kit, very reasonable and can be motorized reasonably (I haven't done that).
I use it with an Epic for location shooting. Its strength is its lightness and build quality and portability, quick and easy setup.
While it could hold a fairly loaded Epic at full extension, I rarely use it that way. Usually at 3/4 for smaller moves in more intimate settings.
I think as a daily exercise in a studio, there are heavier more suitable (and probably more expensive) rigs that wouldn't be nearly as portable
that would would be happier with a fully loaded camera. A lot depends on your trade-offs and budget.
 
adam christl said:
I'm also very curious about the portajib traveller. I got to say there is something very appealing about a rig that is so compact and ready to move. I wonder if stability is an issue at all?
Click to expand...

Bob Gundu said:
Used this last month and was pretty impressed with the portability and strength.

http://www.porta-jib.com/traveller.htm
Click to expand...

The PortaJib Traveller that Bob used was mine - I love it! fast and easy to set-up (without tools) and rock solid when paired with a great set of legs (I use these) but even on a lighter set of sticks you get great stability. One of the great parts is how it folds into a roller inner space case.

But… If you're one of those guys who complains about a little extra weight / or wants to fly to remote places / or wants to put it in a backpack for a hike - it's not for you.
Also it's a JIB not a CRANE.
 
adam christl said:
I think the Matthews lite is probably out of the running - I get nervous at the 20lb max capacity for the light jib and the regular jib at 6k... I'm just not sure what warrants the extra price. Kessler, EZjib and the seven jib all look good. I've heard good stuff about Kessler and portajib, but am pretty unfamiliar with the others. I feel more undecided than when I started. Appreciate the info tho. If anyone has anything more to chime in. I'm still on the fence here and would appreciate any additional input.
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

The Intel-A-Jib is in another league, it's why the price reflects it. But whichever jib you decide upon, make sure your tripod is up to the task. Not only will you have the full weight of your camera, but the jib and the weights, which would cause most tripods to buckle. You'll need something beefy to support all that weight.
 
jibs

jibs

your mileage will vary.....

I had the Porta-jib traveler, probably one of the first to buy it when it came out many moons ago (maybe its improved/changed). I loved it for its ability to fold into itself and get very small for travel. But it did take a number of moves to do this trick, and you couldn't just ask someone to unfold it for you or put it away, it was a job I needed to do. After a while I found myself not doing jib shots even though I wanted to because it became a chore that got old, and there were a lot of little parts that would get misplaced, lost, etc. Then I discovered the Seven jib, bought one and sold the Porta-jib traveler. To this day probably 10 years later I've never met a portable jib easier, faster, smaller, or more simple of a design. I welcome every jib opportunity and can whip it together in minutes, just a few pieces and almost anyone can figure it out very easily. One guys experience anyway.
 
Erich Roland said:
your mileage will vary.....

I had the Porta-jib traveler, probably one of the first to buy it when it came out many moons ago (maybe its improved/changed). I loved it for its ability to fold into itself and get very small for travel. But it did take a number of moves to do this trick, and you couldn't just ask someone to unfold it for you or put it away, it was a job I needed to do. After a while I found myself not doing jib shots even though I wanted to because it became a chore that got old, and there were a lot of little parts that would get misplaced, lost, etc. Then I discovered the Seven jib, bought one and sold the Porta-jib traveler. To this day probably 10 years later I've never met a portable jib easier, faster, smaller, or more simple of a design. I welcome every jib opportunity and can whip it together in minutes, just a few pieces and almost anyone can figure it out very easily. One guys experience anyway.
Click to expand...

OK so it's a bit of a puzzle - the first time. Not sure what you mean by "a lot of little parts", and if one of my grips or assistants can't build it / put it away after being shown once… I question their worth. Never have I missed a jib shot because I thought it was a 'chore' to build or put away.

Sorry Erich, but I don't share your experience.
 
Hey guys, really appreciate the feedback. Does anyone else share Erich's opinion on the portajib. From what I've heard most people have been pretty happy with it. Not to put a negative spin on this thread, but does anyone have any other bad experiences with any of these jibs? Just wondering what potential pitfalls I might be up against here.
Ketch - appreciate the offer - still quite undecided on what direction to go here, but if I'm looking to go with the seven XL - I'll pm you. All this info is fantastic. Again I'd want this jib for both in house and some location so portability is a concern.
Thanks guys!
 
Glen Powell said:
OK so it's a bit of a puzzle - the first time. Not sure what you mean by "a lot of little parts", and if one of my grips or assistants can't build it / put it away after being shown once… I question their worth. Never have I missed a jib shot because I thought it was a 'chore' to build or put away.

Sorry Erich, but I don't share your experience.
Click to expand...

Like I said "your mileage will vary". Glen, its the "puzzle" aspect you mention that can (and did for me) become the chore I talk about. I loved it when I first got the Porta-jib, then I found something better... a lot better in "my" experience.
 
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