By Ann Young 4 days ago Photography Gear
The best camera jibs and cranes for every budget!
Choosing the best camera jib and cranes can be a real challenge since there are numerous options available on the market. In this post, I compiled the list of top 9 camera jibs cranes that can help you make your shooting more convenient and take it to the new heights.
FixThePhoto editors’ choice
Dimensions: 32.1 x 6.1 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 8.81 pounds | Material: Aeronautical magnesium-aluminum alloy | Max. load: 8kg/17.6lbs | Camera mounting screw: 1/4″
$24.99 VIEW ON AMAZON
Reviews (233)
⊕ Easy setup
⊕Suitable for both professional videography and outdoor photography
⊕Portable
⊕Maintains stability and balance
⊖ Not found
Professional videography on a budget has become a reality with Neewer Aluminum Alloy Jib Arm Camera Crane. Being a rather affordable option, this portable camera jib crane is suitable for amateurs, who want to level up their filmmaking skills and shoot videos everyone will admire.
This Neewer jib arm camera crane comes with a convenient travel case, so it is rather easy to carry it with your wherever you go. Also, this model can hold up to 8kg/17.6lb and includes multipurpose ball head fitting not only for DSLRs and camcorders but also 75mm and100mm hemisphere heads.
Since this jib arm crane is made of magnesium-aluminum alloy and uses CAM technology to increase strength and high rigidity, it ensures outstanding stability.
Budget camera jib
Dimensions: 3.1 x 7.5 x 60.2 inches | Weight: 1.46 pounds | Material: Aluminum, plastic, rubber, steel | Max. load: 8kg/17.6 lbs | Camera mounting screw: 1/4"- 20 Thread
$279.00 VIEW ON AMAZON
Reviews (50)
⊕ Lightweight
⊕Perfect for action cameras
⊕ Easy to set up and disassemble
⊕Includes a carry bag in the kit
⊖ Flimsy body
The Joby Action Jib Kit camera crane is an excellent option for those, who are going to do videography professionally. The jib works great with any action video camera including Contour, GoPro and Sony.
Being easy to assemble and disassemble, this portable camera jib comes with a compact bag, making it a perfect option for traveling videographers.
Joby Action Jib Kit has a removable and adjustable pole clamp. Due to three modular aluminum extension poles with a painter's pole threading, it is possible to customize the length of the pole.
Camera jib for professionals
Dimensions: 96 x 1 x 2 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Material: Steel | Max. load: 3.6kg/8lbs | Camera mounting screw: 1/4" and 3/8"
$119.99 VIEW ON AMAZON
Reviews (63)
⊕ Quickly changes perspective
⊕ Automatic or manual camera tilt
⊕ 360°sweeping pans
⊕ Robust
⊖ Expensive
ProAm USA Orion DVC200 DSLR is packed with impressive features to produce high-quality results that are so appreciated by both experienced videographers and enthusiasts. Since ProAm USA Orion can be easily assembled, you won’t waste precious time to set it up. You can use this camera jib crane right out of the box, which is the perfect option for videographers, who prefer tool-less designs.
ProAm USA Orion is designed to work with both DSLRs and camcorders weighing up to 8lbs. You can keep camera level while lifting it vertically up to 11ft which is less than other cheaper options can offer.
DVC200is extendable to up to 5ft from the tripod mount to camera mount. Before purchasing this model, make sure your recording device weights less than 8lbs to avoid troubles while shooting.
For Canon and Nikon DSLRs
Dimensions: 25 x 5 x 5 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Material: CNC machined 6061 aluminum | Max. load: 2.72kg/6lbs | Camera mounting screw: 3/8-1/4"
$119.99 VIEW ON AMAZON
Reviews (18)
⊕ Portable and lightweight
⊕ Dual mounting positions
⊕ Folds into a small case
⊕ Lifetime warranty
⊖ Works with cameras weighing less than 6lbs
A lot of filmmakers choose Glide Gear JB4 4ft for the ability to place a camera in two ways. It is possible to mount your recording device on the L-bracket or the top of the jib. You can even mount two video cameras at once to get two different perspectives repeating the same chronology. So, you will be blown away by the possibilities of this jib crane.
The kit includes a 3/8-1/4" adapter and a spirit level. Being telescoping, Glide Gear JB4 4ft opens new horizons for effective filming. It extends from 20" to 4' measured from the fulcrum (tripod mount) to the distal end of the jib.
This jib crane is made of durable 6061 CNC machined aluminum, with tight tolerances, and a smooth scratch-proof black coating.
For commercial purposes
Dimensions: 39.5 x 8.2 x 5 inches | Weight: 5.94 pounds | Material: Carbon fiber | Max. load: 15kg/33lbs | Camera mounting screw: 3/8-1/4"
$499.99 VIEW ON AMAZON
Reviews (10)
⊕ Durable and portable
⊕ Adjustable range of tilt angle
⊕ Weights 8.38lbs, but can load the recording device of up to 33lbs
⊕ Great option for commercial photography/videography
⊖ Expensive
IFOOTAGE M1-IIIis a compact and highly stable camera jib crane. Apart from the ability to hold a device of up to 33lbs, it can extend up to 85 inches. Another distinctive feature of this jib crane is its flexible camera platform tilt capacity with the adjustable range of tilt angle that can reach 25 degrees. This makes it a perfect tool for capturing low-angle scenes.
IFOOTAGE M1-III comes with 2 types of quick release plates that allow you to easily connect with 75mm fluid ball head and different cameras such as wide-angle lens camera, telephoto lens camera, micro-single camera and more.
Due to the built-in pan head, you can connect the camera jib crane with a tripod without a half ball. If you want to connect IFOOTAGE M1-III to monitor, support arm, etc., you can use 1/4 and 3/8 thread heads.
Portable camera crane design
Dimensions: 48 x 6 x 10 inches | Weight: 5.8 pounds | Material: Aluminum | Max. load: 4.5kg/10lbs | Camera mounting screw: 1/4"- 20 Thread
$179.00 VIEW ON AMAZON
Reviews (13)
⊕ Heavy-duty camera jib crane
⊕ Oil impregnated bearings allow to move the camerasmoothly
⊕Allows getting smooth and cinematic camera movements
⊕ Full lifetime warranty
⊖ Maximum load capacity is not high
Being suitable for both SLRs and video cameras, Indy Jib 4′can load devices weighing up to 10lbs. Having been covered with scratch-proof powder coating, this camera crane is robust enough to be used in all imaginable situations.
The potentially great PR move of Indy company is the full lifetime warranty for this product. Another impressive feature of this jib crane is the ability to produce smooth and cinematic images.
You will definitely like the innovative portable design of Indy Jib 4′. As for the durability-price ratio, this camera crane stands out from its rivals. Due to the floating camera movement, it can be used even for professional purposes. However, Indy Jib 4′ has a couple of shortcomings.
Easy to move and strike
Dimensions: 48.5 x 7.5 x 5 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Material: CNC machined 6061 aluminum | Max. load: 4.5kg/10lbs | Camera mounting screw: 1/4"- 20 Thread
$299.95 VIEW ON AMAZON
Reviews (6)
⊕ Easy to assemble
+ User-friendly and versatile
+ Fully articulated jib with the ability to rotate over360°
+ High-quality
⊖ May be poorly packed
⊖ Expensive
Some cameras are rather heavy. That is why it can be rather challenging to choose the best camera jib that can support weighty devices. If you faced this issue, Kessler KC-Lite 8.0 can be a perfect option.
This camera jib crane is compatible with SLRs and all cinema cameras. There is no need to use special tools to assemble the jib. Moreover, it can be fully articulated and easily rotated over 360°.
As practice shows, not everyone can afford to buy high-quality jib cranes. Nevertheless, despite its durability, high-grade 6061 aluminum construction and customizable design, Kessler KC-Lite 8.0 is a rather affordable option.
For taking any type of angle
Dimensions: 34.4 x 5.3 x 4.1 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Material: Carbon fiber | Max. load: 3.6kg/8lbs | Camera mounting screw: 3/8-1/4"
$374.95 VIEW ON AMAZON
Reviews (32)
⊕ Three ways to mount a camera
⊕ Made of carbon fiber
⊕ Dual zipper system for extra protection
⊕ Extra alloy reinforces the joint
⊖ Impossible to use entire length while shooting
This is a rather cheap camera jib that lets you shoot from any angle to get the most professional-looking results. You can smoothly move the crane at any angle, and the camera remains aligned while capturing professional footage.
The jib can be folded in an eco-friendly bag which comes with pockets for various accessories. Being convenient to carry, you can use Imorden camera crane jib anytime and anywhere.
Built-in bubble level
Dimensions: 51.2 x 12.2 x 12.2 inches | Weight: 17.64 pounds | Material: Aluminum | Max. load: 4kg/9lbs | Camera mounting screw: 3/8" - 16 Thread
$139.95 VIEW ON WALMART
Reviews (17)
⊕ Includes counterweights for camera balance and stability
⊕ Strong aluminum body
⊕ Lifts camera up to 10' above the ground
⊕ 2-years manufacturer warranty
⊖ Often is unavailable on Amazon
Boost your creative potential by using Fotodiox DV Rocker. This professional tool lets you achieve advanced camera movements to take your video production to a whole new level. It is compatible with cameras weighing up to 9lbs.
DV Rockeris made of high-quality aluminum for balance and stability but weighs only 8.5lbswithout included counterweight. Also, this camera jib arm has a scratch-resistant black powder coat finish that protects it from possible damages. The DV Rocker kit comes with 5 kg counterweights to provide camera stability.
A bubble level integrated into a camera platform will help you check a level horizon. DV Rocker can be attached to the tripod legs with a 3/8"-16 threaded mounting pin.
Image | Name | Features | |
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Neewer Aluminum Alloy
OUR CHOICE |
Check PRICE → | |
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Joby Action Jib Kit
BUDGET |
Check PRICE → | |
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ProAm USA Orion DVC200
PROFESSIONAL |
Check PRICE → | |
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IFOOTAGE M1-III
EXPENSIVE |
Check PRICE → | |
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Fotodiox DV Rocker
BUBBLE LEVEL |
Check PRICE → |
To choose the best camera jib, it is necessary to consider a few essential aspects that will help you make the right choice.
Size. Since camera jibs vary in size, you should compare the vertical and horizontal reach of the jib while considering the type of video material you are going to shoot.
Weight capacity. Each camera jib has a different weight capacity. Some models can hold only up to 8lbs, while others can load the camera weighing 44lbs. Before choosing the camera jib, consider your camera weight along with all additional accessories and gear you usually use in your work.
Pricing. Camera jibs are available in a wide price ranges. High-quality camera cranes or jibs may cost more than $1000. However, if you don't need additional features for professional film production, you may choose a more affordable option.
Portability. Carefully study the assembly required for camera jib you are going to buy. Find out whether the device is easy to disassemble to quickly relocate it if necessary. In case your work requires portability, it is necessary to determine the overall weight of a camera jib and whether you can break it down into parts to carry in the bag.
Ease of use. You should understand how to properly use a camera jib or crane. It is not recommended to use a crane on the fluid head, as this will result in wear and stress on moving parts. Better go for a duty cycle of about 50% or less.
Stability of the crane system. To balance the system, the weight on the left should equal the weight on the right. Since both weights are the same distance from the pivot point, then you should use equal weight. However, camera jib or crane systems usually require the camera to be further from the pivot. That is why it is necessary to compensate for insufficient weight by adding additional weight to the shorter side.
Ann Young
Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more