Here’s a fun little video a few friends of mine came up with to showcase basic dynamic camera movements using one of those new Carbon Fiber Mini Cranes (a.k.a Micro Video Jibs). This version breaks down into two pieces to about 30″ inches, but can telescope to a full 6.5′ Feet long.
In this video you can see that the crane was not used at full extension. Unlike a fixed length crane, these telescoping versions are handy when the project doesn’t require as much travel, or if you’re in tight spaces. It also helps to use it at shorter lengths so you can work with less counterweights. You can find these Carbon Fiber Mini Video Jibs following the link via eBay (Click Here).
The next product i’ll be working with is the new Aviator Travel Jib (seen above) which is a one piece (not two) design, and collapses to an amazing 24″! It can still be telescoped out to a full 6′ Feet and comes with a fluid base installed. This not only saves you money from buying a strong video head, but it also means you don’t need to pack a bulky video head for panning. You really have to see it in person to appreciate the convenience of traveling with this little jib. The Aviator also has bearings at each pivot point for smoother vertical operation. The one piece design allows you to setup very quickly and break down just as fast.
I liked everything about the Aviator, but at a $500+ dollar price tag (seen here), I feel it will really target those who specifically need the convenience of traveling with a high quality uber-compact crane. If your goal is to get smooth Jib footage, of course that can be achieved by many different and less expensive products. If you are looking for a mini crane that is easy to travel with, can be set up quickly, and folds down to just 24″ inches this may be the only current option. I will publish a video using the Aviator pretty soon. The Aviator is available in Mag Alloy or a lightweight Carbon Fiber version. More about the Aviator Jib can be found via Amazon (click here)
Yeah I’ve been happy with mine – got the ~$300 one without the markings. It was making some crunching noise when I first tried it so I took it apart and smoothed out where the holes are drilled. (bits of carbon fiber still there) Its a lot more smooth after that and loosening the bolts a little.
I have the carbon fiber aviator and I am very pleased with it. Super easy to setup and use. Light weight and compact. Yes it’s a bit pricey compared to others but I feel it’s worth it. Also worth mentioning is the customer service is awesome. I had a few questions about the jib shortly after it arrived and got responses almost immediately. I would recommend the aviator to anyone who is thinking about adding a jib to their arsenal.
@David – I agree, i’m also fond of the Aviator design and how compact the system is. I’ll have a video around the product out soon. Knowing how some of these tools are out of reach for beginner budgets, it’s great to see other quality options available.
We used the aviator jib earlier this month on a shoot and we put out a BTS with it:
and we also filmed a quick little video about the jib
Its a cool little jib when you cant bring a full sized one into the field. We have shot snowboarding, kayaking, horse riding, etc with it and its perfect for that sort of situation.
how would you rate the Carbon Fiber Telescoping Mini Video Crane/Jib against the aviator jib. The aviator is almost double the price, is it twice as good?
@pixcanfly – Here’s a few things where the Aviator is different.
(1) The Aviator comes with a panning base. The other Jib requires you to purchase a fluid head that can support at least 15+ lbs, which may run you at least another $140+ dollars. (2) The Aviator is 6″ smaller when packed up. (3) The Aviator is a one piece design so it’s faster to setup and breakdown. (4) The Aviator has bearings in each pivot point. (5) I’m sure the Aviator has better customer service.
These are all things that one would expect to pay a bit more for a product, but whether or not it’s everything you need is up to you. In the end they are both excellent products for their listing price. They both go up and down very smoothly, and i’m confident to use either one for professional DSLR Video projects.
I have the carbon fiber aviator, it’s a very well made product. You can really get a nice traveling solution with this setup and a decent mid-size tripod like a Manfrotto 055 or 190. It can fly a Canon Mark III but also works quite well with smaller mirrorless cameras too.
The CF Aviator Jib packs incredibly small plus very light that it lives in one small bag with my CX190 tripod. Just today I tested it carrying a MK3 with 16-35mm with no problem at all. I’ve yet to find a way to mount my Merlin head on it.
Here’s an earlier video (with a 60D mounted) I made soon after receiving it while also testing a Genus Eclipse variable ND.
I’m putting my money down for the Aviator but not sure to go with the alloy or cf version. The weight, length and max camera loading weight is not of a concern to me However, the Aviator website claim that the “Carbon fiber’s vibration dampening qualities can’t be beat”
Does the “vibration dampening qualities” worth the upgrade?
@Steven, it is the VC version that I have, mainly used for videos and is really a great inexpensive run n gun lens. Even though I now mostly use a 16-35 and 70-200 IS II 2.8 the Tamron 17-50 still have a place in my bag:)
@pixcanfly: Can’t say much about the ‘vibration dampening qualities’ as I don’t have an alloy version of it but I upgraded my initial Kickstarter order from alloy to CF just for the other specs you mentioned. Very glad that I did.
These lkook lovely but just that tiny bit too lightweight for my needs. I’m trying to find the most inexpensive travel jib that could hold a Red Scarlet + Stills lense.
Any thoughts? It would be great if all these producers did a + version that could handle 7-10kg
Carbon Fiber Telescoping Mini Video Crane/Jib
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February 28th, 2013 at 8:44 am
HAHA, is that Joey G?
February 28th, 2013 at 9:02 am
Yeah I’ve been happy with mine – got the ~$300 one without the markings. It was making some crunching noise when I first tried it so I took it apart and smoothed out where the holes are drilled. (bits of carbon fiber still there) Its a lot more smooth after that and loosening the bolts a little.
February 28th, 2013 at 9:05 am
Where could we find a panning head like that? It would be a great addition to any small jib!
February 28th, 2013 at 9:12 am
@Dean – Yup, that is the comedic Joey G.!
February 28th, 2013 at 9:19 am
I have the carbon fiber aviator and I am very pleased with it. Super easy to setup and use. Light weight and compact. Yes it’s a bit pricey compared to others but I feel it’s worth it. Also worth mentioning is the customer service is awesome. I had a few questions about the jib shortly after it arrived and got responses almost immediately. I would recommend the aviator to anyone who is thinking about adding a jib to their arsenal.
February 28th, 2013 at 9:24 am
@David – I agree, i’m also fond of the Aviator design and how compact the system is. I’ll have a video around the product out soon. Knowing how some of these tools are out of reach for beginner budgets, it’s great to see other quality options available.
February 28th, 2013 at 9:51 am
LOL @ 1:42
He comes to Houston often!
February 28th, 2013 at 10:17 am
We used the aviator jib earlier this month on a shoot and we put out a BTS with it:
and we also filmed a quick little video about the jib
Its a cool little jib when you cant bring a full sized one into the field. We have shot snowboarding, kayaking, horse riding, etc with it and its perfect for that sort of situation.
February 28th, 2013 at 10:41 am
Shweet! It’s on my wish list.
February 28th, 2013 at 12:54 pm
where are you guys finding black rubber coated weights?
February 28th, 2013 at 1:49 pm
dude from MYXtv is awesome
February 28th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
hi i have a question
can mark iii and 16-35 be loaded on this one?
sample looks like a 60D which is light
thanks
February 28th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
@sigmund – I shot with my BlackMagic on this crane too. It will hold your setup..
March 1st, 2013 at 6:37 am
Emm,
how would you rate the Carbon Fiber Telescoping Mini Video Crane/Jib against the aviator jib. The aviator is almost double the price, is it twice as good?
March 1st, 2013 at 8:18 am
@pixcanfly – Here’s a few things where the Aviator is different.
(1) The Aviator comes with a panning base. The other Jib requires you to purchase a fluid head that can support at least 15+ lbs, which may run you at least another $140+ dollars. (2) The Aviator is 6″ smaller when packed up. (3) The Aviator is a one piece design so it’s faster to setup and breakdown. (4) The Aviator has bearings in each pivot point. (5) I’m sure the Aviator has better customer service.
These are all things that one would expect to pay a bit more for a product, but whether or not it’s everything you need is up to you. In the end they are both excellent products for their listing price. They both go up and down very smoothly, and i’m confident to use either one for professional DSLR Video projects.
March 1st, 2013 at 1:43 pm
I also have the Aviator. Totally recommend.
March 2nd, 2013 at 7:28 am
Anyone have tried this on 5d iii and 16-35? I have not seen a blackmagic camera yet hopefully its heavier than 5d and 1635?
March 2nd, 2013 at 9:14 am
@Sigmund – It will fly a 5D Mark III with 16-35mm with ease. The BlackMagic is much heavier.
March 5th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
I have the carbon fiber aviator, it’s a very well made product. You can really get a nice traveling solution with this setup and a decent mid-size tripod like a Manfrotto 055 or 190. It can fly a Canon Mark III but also works quite well with smaller mirrorless cameras too.
March 6th, 2013 at 1:12 am
The CF Aviator Jib packs incredibly small plus very light that it lives in one small bag with my CX190 tripod. Just today I tested it carrying a MK3 with 16-35mm with no problem at all. I’ve yet to find a way to mount my Merlin head on it.
Here’s an earlier video (with a 60D mounted) I made soon after receiving it while also testing a Genus Eclipse variable ND.
March 6th, 2013 at 10:49 pm
I’m putting my money down for the Aviator but not sure to go with the alloy or cf version. The weight, length and max camera loading weight is not of a concern to me However, the Aviator website claim that the “Carbon fiber’s vibration dampening qualities can’t be beat”
Does the “vibration dampening qualities” worth the upgrade?
March 7th, 2013 at 3:32 pm
@jayhas- do you have the VC version of the tamrom 17-50mm?
Either way, do you like it?
Do you usually use it for videos or stills?
I’m trying to look for a good run and gun video lens that won’t kill my wallet.
March 8th, 2013 at 8:55 am
A new traveller’s jib from Kessler
http://vimeo.com/60656308
March 9th, 2013 at 5:17 am
@Steven, it is the VC version that I have, mainly used for videos and is really a great inexpensive run n gun lens. Even though I now mostly use a 16-35 and 70-200 IS II 2.8 the Tamron 17-50 still have a place in my bag:)
@pixcanfly: Can’t say much about the ‘vibration dampening qualities’ as I don’t have an alloy version of it but I upgraded my initial Kickstarter order from alloy to CF just for the other specs you mentioned. Very glad that I did.
March 10th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Hey, Emm are you going to review the Kessler Pocket Jib Traveler? It’s in the same ballpark price/performance-wise:
http://www.kesslercrane.com/product-p/pocket_jib_traveler.htmr
March 12th, 2013 at 2:33 am
Hi all,
These lkook lovely but just that tiny bit too lightweight for my needs. I’m trying to find the most inexpensive travel jib that could hold a Red Scarlet + Stills lense.
Any thoughts? It would be great if all these producers did a + version that could handle 7-10kg
Thanks in advance…
March 21st, 2013 at 12:21 pm
help please…
can this work on a 701 fluid head very nice? it would be heavy for 701?
March 21st, 2013 at 12:51 pm
@sigmund – Yes it will work on a 701 head.
May 10th, 2013 at 11:01 am
How are you mounting your BMCC to the jib arm end?