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Best small jib for Red work?

Mike Prevette

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I'm hunting around for a short Jib arm. I've used a lot of them but I'm curious what everyone else's opinion is.

TROVATO: I liked it's simplicity and I've used it a lot, but no matter what camera I put on it, it always feel dangerously close to self destruction. I'm not sure it's up to snuff with a camera RED's size.

PortaJib: I Hate this thing. Part of me likes how they figured out how to make it fold up so small, but it shouldn't require a nuclear physicist to put together. It feels real flimsy when all together and I've had issues with it slipping out of level during the coarse of a day.

Long Valley Seven: I think I've only used one once, but again it feels a little light weight for Red. Design wise it seems like the best qualities of the Portajib and Trovato put together.

EZ Jib: I've used this once, it was super burly but I can't remember if we had any issues. anyone?

Miller Projib: Never used but it look over priced and under featured.

Anyone else have any favorites?
 
Long Valley 7 jib is much more durable and folds into a much smaller package than the others. I've put a full Red+2575 on it with almost 200LBS of couter weight and it doesn't seem rickety or unstable at all. I just got the new Mitchell plate from Doug and it's really solid. Here it is with a Ronford 7 underslung head...

1642F7.jpg


It's also the least expensive of the bunch which is nice, and Doug is super helpful and accommodating, a real personal touch. He's made me a few custom pieces as well over the years.
 
My vote also goes to the Intellijib. As a Key grip it's probably one of my favourites to work with. Less than 10 minute set up, easy to balance, plus the small weight on the back to make micro adjustments.

I personally don't like the EZ Jib that much as with the extension can't be used with the Red without some serious reinforcement.
 
Oooh, that Ronford F7 is such a great head when used with jibs. Great shot, Evin.
 
Another Vote for Seven jib. Solid as anything and works really well.

I've used it with the Red from day one.
 
Mike, it seems like you probably have to let your budget and needs decide here, if you have the cash and need of a longer reach the Intell-A-Jib seems like the winner. If you're satisfied with a head operated Jib that's more suited to travel the 7 is a steal. Personally I use the 7 on shorts and commercials but when I need a longer reach I hire a jib op with either a Jimmy or Moviebird. Bear in mind if you get a crane longer than 5 feet you'll need a hot head, and one capable of handeling the Red as well.
 
I too have to vouch for the Long Valley 7 Jib. Bought it this past summer for a few jobs and it has worked great with the Red. Very well built... you won't go wrong with it!

Best,

Omar
 
Thanks guys!

I almost always have a Jimmy Jib and operator for anything long. I'm just looking for a reliable pice of kit to have in my back pocket. I travel for shoots a lot and have run into a lot of these jibs in the field but don't always have time to work all the kinks out.

It looks like the Seven is going to be the one. Doug has done some work for me before and has always done a fantastic job, and I love his approach to problems.

I'll think about the Intell-A-Jib as a rental item though. It's weird I haven't run nto them in the field very much. If I were a Key, or thought I'd be doing a bit more with it I could justify it's price.
 
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