Best Portable Jib Crane For Better Filmmaking
Getting the perfect shot when recording videos or films or capturing a moment requires more than just a video camera. A camera crane or a camera jib arm offers you complete control, especially while filming panoramic scenes, without shaking and diminishing the quality of the video.
Cranes and jibs are mechanical arms that allow for smoother transitions and movement of cameras while recording. Jibs can capture 360-degrees while allowing for smoother panning and tilting and can move both horizontally and vertically. However, jibs are generally smaller than traditional camera cranes, allowing for more flexible movement.
Using a jib is better if you want to improve the quality of your shots drastically since they can allow you to capture shots at varying heights without interruptions effectively.
To make things easier for you, I have compiled a list of 8 of the best portable jib crane available in the market If you are looking forward to purchase a best portable jib crane, then check out this article.
Also read, Best Low Lying Fog Machine For Filmmaking
8 BEST PORTABLE JIB CRANE REVIEW
1. PROAM USA ORION DVC200 - JIB CRANE FOR DSLR CAMERA
Are you looking for mid-sized cranes that can carry your camera? Then take a look at ProAm USA Orion DVC200. With a single rail design, this crane is made light-weight with CNC machined aluminum components and comes assembled. So it doesn't need any tools to set up. It is made more stable by a second rail, which helps in the tilting function.
This is made from 6061 aircraft aluminum that can extend 5' from the tripod, and it can support up to 3.6 kg of weight. You can mount DSLR or Camcorder style cameras on this jib crane.
There is an L-shaped camera bracket built mainly for manual tilting when the camera is placed on the bracket side, thus providing more mobility close to the ground. But it doesn't come with a tripod stand.
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2. KONOVA S900 SUNJIB CAMERA JIB ARM MINI CRANE
Designed from a film-maker's aspect, focusing on convenience, stability, and portability, this KONOVA S900 SUNJIB jib crane will give you ease while filming.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this jib crane helps you create a vibrationless movie. The jib crane's drag system aids in vibrations reductions while shooting, so you will experience smooth boom-up, boom-down, and swing movements.
It is compatible with a light-weight DSLR to a heavy-weight cinema camera. You can use both ball head base and flat base with SUNJIB's original head plate. Overall, it has the best finishing done with quality materials and gives a solid, stable movement.
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You have come here to purchase the correct jib crane only because you're serious about your film work. But are you updated with the different framing techniques and stuff? If you need clear-cut information on these topics, check the articles listed below.
3. PROAIM 7' WAVE-2 VIDEO JIB CRANE
If you are hunting for a portable jib crane to increase your production value, then check out PROAIM 7' wave two video jib crane. With its telescopic arm feature, it adds flexibility to the frame perfect shots.
This high-grade jib is a perfect fit for both indoor and outdoor video productions. With a robust camera head, this jib crane is compatible with a 75mm bowl that enhances shots' creativity level. Since it possesses a heavy counterbalance mechanism, you can easily operate the crane and maintain balance correctly.
It has a high-grade construction that gives a long life use. Overall, this jib crane is the best buy for its portability, durability, and lightweight. The strong weight closers in the crane lock the weight in place, thus preventing them from coming out. The solid aluminum construction with a grey finish gives a professional look when operated.
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4. NEEWER 70 - MINI CAMERA CRANE
The Neewer camera portable jib crane system is engineered for DSLR cameras and camcorders and can support up to 17.6 lbs or 8 kgs.
It is simple to set up and can be extended to 70 inches or 117 cms (including the handheld part). It comes with easy angle adjustment and allows flexibility and minimizes awkward movements.
The 2 x 1 kg counterweights help to keep it balanced and remain stabilized. It also makes it easier for you to hold the jib crane. It is built of aeronautical magnesium aluminium alloy.
It comes equipped with 1/4” screw hole and 3/8” screw hole, making it compatible with cameras, camcorders and lighting equipment such as LED lights, magic arm etc.
It can be moved up or down and left or right, making it a useful and flexible tool while photographing and filming.
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5. GLIDE GEAR JB4 - BEST PORTABLE JIB CRANE FOR CAMERA
This 4-feet jib crane boasts unique features such as dual-camera placement. You can choose to put your camera/tripod head on the L-bracket or the top of the jib. You can also put two cameras on the jib to get two different perspectives on your shot.
Both the mounting positions come with a 3/8 – ¼ - inch adapter and a spirit level. The jib is made from lightweight 6061 CNC machined aluminium with tight tolerances and a sleek black scratch-resistant coating for a smooth operation.
The portable jib crane can fold up into a small carry bag, so you can easily pack the gear and carry it along. It is specially designed for DSLR cameras and easily sets up and breaks down very quickly. It can support cameras with weight up to 6 lbs.
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6. PROAIM ASTRA - CHEAP CAMERA CRANE
Looking for an affordable piece? Then check out the Proaim Astra 4ft jib crane, which is an affordable and lightweight camera crane accessible to independent filmmakers and videographers. It is constructed from aluminium, which makes it extremely light and versatile.
It is ideal for shooting wedding videos, commercials on locations, music videos or sporting events. Its tool-less design and simple operation plenty of production time. You can achieve superior shots that add value to your production.
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7. SEVENOAK SK-JA20-II 7-FOOT CARBON FIBER CAMERA JIB/CRANE
Looking for a light-weight yet versatile jib crane for video production? Then you must take a look at Sevenoak SK-JA20-II 7-Foot jib crane. This sturdy jib crane flexibily works with tripod stand, so you can move your camera in any direction easily.
Built from carbon fiber, this durable jib crane is light in weight and weighs only 5lbs but don't underestimate its load-carrying capacity. This crane can carry heavy weight DSLR up to 11lbs. You can mount the DSLR camera directly on the center-mounted camera platform and fix it and shoot videos smoothly.
It has a sliding weight bar that allows you to counterbalance your camera rig and ensures all your shots smoothly with minimal effort. So this jib crane is ideal for documentary producers, music video productions, wedding videographers, etc.
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8. PROAM USA ORION JR DVC50 COMPACT DSLR VIDEO CAMERA JIB CRANE TILT
This jib crane has a smart design that can support DSLR or a full-bodied camera less than 8lbs. It has smart features like smooth steel bearings and has a powder coating for heavy-duty shooting. Also, the jib crane can reach up to 3ft.
Since it comes pre-assembled, you need not do any setup. It has a full automatic tilting function that helps in keeping the camera level at all times. The crane has an auto-leveling design and duty dual counterweight bars that allow effortless movements. So you can get high-value shots that add cinematic effects to your film.
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BUYING GUIDE FOR PORTABLE JIB CRANE
There are few things that you need to consider while buying a jib crane.
It is also important to check the amount of length it can be extended. If you want to take long shots, then your crane must be able to extend to good extent to capture good shots. So these are some of the features you must look into if you are buying a portable jib crane.
CONCLUSION
These were the eight best portable jib crane available in the market today. You’ll notice that I have taken care of all the aspects that I mentioned earlier. All of these cranes have adequate weight capacity and are compact and lightweight.
However, I have also emphasized some other aspects like the length of the arm, ease of use, smoothness of operation, etc.
I hope you have found what you were looking for. Happy recording!
