CobraCrane 210037 CobraCrane II

Comments about 210037 CobraCrane II:

I was looking for a solid and sturdy crane for my camcorder that could support 7 or more pounds - but that didn't cost thousands. There are a number of alternatives around but they could not support 7 pounds (at least according to specs) and some that did were $600 or more. The CobraCrane II was the exception: it was under $400 and could support up to 20 lbs - that's a lot of weight. The CobraCrane comes completely assembled with a quick release plate already attached and ready to go by just attaching it to your tripod and adding necessary weights (you supply the weights). It also comes with a small counter-weight that
is attached to a side-rail so you can slide it back and forth to fine-tune the crane after you've added your camera and weights. Once you fine-tune the crane with your camera attached it will stay in what ever position you put it. In my case the quick-release plate that came with the CombraCrane II and that attaches to your tripod head, did not match my tripod, a Davis & Sanford with FM18 Fluid head (also from B&H at a great price). So I had to purchase an extra release plate for my tripod (also from B&H), remove the plate that came with the CobraCrane II, drill some wider holes in the new release plate and screw the new plate onto the CobraCrane II with the same bolts that were used for the release plate that came with the crane. After attaching the new release plate to the crane and then to my tripod I was amazed at the smoothness of movement quality of the movement. In addition, the ability to tilt the camera vertically by using the vertical pan on the tripod head was like striking gold: When you use the tripods vertical pan it actuates the camera to move vertically by way of the cable system on the CobraCrane II. I was able to point my cam straight down 90 degrees and at the other extreme straight up 180 degrees with this crane. Its quite a site to see your cam up in the air pointing down at the ground! The only movement the crane does not do is pan the camera itself left or right (there's an accessory coming out for that). You will want to purchase extension cables (specifc for your camera and available from B&H) to attach to the camera so that you can control its lens from the ground using a lens controller (I use a VariZoom for my Panasonic cam) because otherwise it becomes an impossibility to control either zoom or focus once the camera is elevated. Also, you'll need to use an external monitor because you will not be able to see what the camera sees using the camera's regular flip-out LCD panel that you'd normally use. The CobraCran II goes to 8 feet, but if you need more height you can purchase a crane extender addition and/or if your tripod is strong enough you can raise its legs: One thing I would caution you on: if you have a tripod that has a center post that can go up or down DO NOT, EVER, use the tripod with the center post in any other position except completely down; The weight of the crane will add considerable stress to any center-post that is elevated so don't take chances. If you need more height, raise the tripod's legs and/or get the extension for the crane. The weights can be the type used for weight-lifting sets, circular with a hole in the center, or you can purchase a weight bag and put what ever you want into the bag (sand, rocks, lead balls) that is heavy enough to counter-balance the crane with the camera you've attached. The crane is not small but its not too big nor too heavy that you can't bring it along and attach it to a tripod yourself - at least I didn't have a problem attaching it by myself. Just be sure you have a solid tripod to use and follow the caution I mentioned. Other than having to attach a new release plate and adding external cables to control the lens and an external monitor to see what the camera sees the operation of the crane was flawless out of the box and wonderful - it's an exceptional value.

Comments about 210037 CobraCrane II:

CobraCrane II provides the visual edge to stand out from the competition. The unit is solid and well built. Heavy, but the payoff (great video) is worth the effort. The more that you practice with the crane, you will achieve smooth panning motion and elevated shots for your projects.

Comments about 210037 CobraCrane II:

For the money you can't beat this system...

A little jittery on start and stop but you'll learn to deal with it.

Comments about 210037 CobraCrane II:

This Crane will allow our TV station to better record events.

Comments about 210037 CobraCrane II:

TAKES YOUR SHOOT FROM SEMI PRO TO PRO IF USED CORRECTLY, AMAZING WITH THE 5D AND 7D!

Comments about 210037 CobraCrane II:

I'd recommend this to anyone who wishes to get dramatic shots easily. It's very sturdy and well built. only con is mobility. Very hard to carry around.

Comments about 210037 CobraCrane II:

I took a chance on this and for the money, it's worth every penny and more. I mounted my Sony Z7 on this and what a beautiful dimention this brought to my video projects. I have used it almost every day since my purchase.

Comments about 210037 CobraCrane II:

It was a hard choice to make when I was deciding on what "tripod top" crane to choose. I decided on this one mostly because on the lbs capacity, because I plan on getting major accessories with my Canon XH-A1 which would add more weight.

It came right out of the box almost put together. I use a Bogen Tripod and the quick release plate that came with the crane I believe is made for a Manfrotto. However, you can use your own tripod head and mount it to the crane's screw holes where it mounts to the tripod. I used the head mount that came with it to mount my LCD monitor so I can see my shots.

The crane is made of solid metal (heavy when you add weights) It has smooth movements. You need a SOLID tripod in order to use this otherwise it will shake. At least invest $300 in a new tripod. I would say my Bogen which was $200 is as low as it can go.

The major downfall of this is that sometimes there are some creaking sounds coming from the balancing cables, but that can be fixed by adjusting the pressure.

I've only had this for a week but I am satisfied!

Set up time takes about 10 minutes with only one person. NO WEIGHTS ARE INCLUDED.