CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

The overall quality of the item considering its affordable price impressed me. Set it up once to test, then took it to cover a stock car race and followed that with a motorcycle on ice race. The Cobra Crane Backpacker gave us shots not possible any other way. I did experience some minor looseness in the pivot -- fixed with two wrenches. And, pushing down to tilt down takes getting used to. The standard Backpaker is OK, but I'm planning on ordering the extension kit. On the negative side, the instructions are almost useless.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

I'm using this for making music videos and short films. It's a great tool and really easy to set up. The construction is great but the bar that holds the weight came bent. It doesn't affect the performance but it's a flaw none the less. I feel like Cobra Crane doesn't have the best quality control as it's the 2nd thing I've purchased that has come with a flaw. However, both products work hence the 4 star review.

I wish the extension was a quicker process. The screws are a bit tedious but I'm trying to figure out a quicker and more "backpacker" option.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

This is a cobra crane I only fold in half very nice design. I use this in wedding to put the camera high enough so it dont get covered. It works for me

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

great product for the price.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

I was looking for an inexpensive solution, short of a DIY crane. This exceeded my expectations by a long shot! Since I don't do a whole lot of jib work, the Backpacker made more sense as it collapses into a shorter (41") section for easier storage. Plus, someday, I might actually want to take it on a hike.

I found that for a Canon 5D MKII body and 24TS-E II lens, that it took 12.5lbs of counter weight. For me, that is 2-5lb weights, and 1-2.5lb. weight. I bought the Kettle Weights at W-mart. Depending on your lens, you would do well to also purchase a 2.5lb. wrist weight that allows you to slide it on the crane to fine-tune.

The only "issues" that I had were the attachment to my Manfrotto fluid head. If you have a tripod that uses the Manfrotto Octagon quick release head, you would do well to purchase an extra quick release plate with the 3/8" Euro threads and make sure you mount it on the crane with pliers to get it good and tight. The other issue is that I had some slight side-to-side wobble on some of the takes, but I think a lot of that has to do with practice. Some people are commenting on it being loose. There is a turnbuclke that you may need to adjust and bolts that occasionally may need to be tightened. This unit comes with an instructional DVD that shows you tips and techniques that aren't found on the web site.

I'm giving it a full 5 stars for solid value in an entry level crane kit. Very nice.

PS - You'll want to buy the carry case too. I thought I'd save some money and bought a generic tripod case but had to return it because it was too small :( You might find something that would work for at least 45" length and 8" width.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

rising/descending to a smooth stop will probably need good practice. Again, it is relatively cheap and lightweight. I cannot expect it to be perfect. It works.

The wire controlling the pulleys probably need to be taken out before packing for flight travel. I am not sure it wont break with all other luggages or maybe put it in travel hard case.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

love this product working very well for tight budget. Peace of mind buy proper tripod and head for make it working perfectly.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

I use this to put a bit of extra pro-feel into some of my video productions. Great in commercials although this one is a bit short. I might buy a longer version later alt the extension. Saying that this short version is great at office customers premisis.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

First, the price is right. And is a good starting crane, especially for shooting in tight environments. When balanced properly, it is smooth. I have read others complaining about it being too loose, etc. These guys, I guess, don't know how to use a wrench. After tightening a few bolts it became stable. Should I have to do this in the first place, no, if I was spending a grand. But then again, tighten a few bolts and save 800 bucks, worth it. Pushing up on the video head makes camera tilt forward or back while panning is done with the head as well. The actual camera does not pan like expensive models, but panning can still be done to a point. Others complain the camera slips forward or back on its own because of it's weight. I put a canon 28-300L on a 5DII at 12LBS and it slips. The fix? Tighten the cable turnbuckle until it holds. Quick release plate needed a light filing to round off sharp edges and a smoother mounting. I did cut myself good before filing edges.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

I shoot video for a virtual school. This nifty thing adds a very nice touch to otherwise boring shots.

It's small/light enough that I can bring it on most shoots.

It seems solidly built. Great smooth moves, once you get it balanced and figure out how everything works.

I may upgrade to an external monitor, it can get a little tricky to see the screen on high shots, but it's certainly usable without it.

For the price and portability, this is a great little buy.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

For the price this is a good compact small boom/jib. I bought this to use with my Canon 5D MK II. It works well and fits in my 48" tenba roller bag. My only complaint is that the curled knob to lock the weights broke almost immediately.

It also works well with the cobra crane 3' extension.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

This is a great alternative to some more heavy duty options. I have been working with the Losmandy Porta-Jib but needing a smaller, portable option for smaller shoots and more DIY projects. I ended up buying a fluid head to add to the rig. My only complaint is that there are no locking options to fix the arm in a set position.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

More useful than I expected. Easy to put together. Amazing shots that I could never get trying to shoot handheld or with a tripod. Makes me feel like a big time production company! A little shaky if not handled well.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

This is a great product for the price. Definitely need to buy the extension and carry bag though, as only 3 feet off the tripod isn't very high after using it.

A couple of housekeeping tips for before first use and purchase: make sure to buy a spare plate that matches your tripod upon purchase. I made the mistake of assuming the stock plate was going to fit my tripod. Also the bolt that holds the arm to the plate was a bit loose. Once I tightened it I got the results I was looking for, but almost lost my camera when finding this out.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

Assembly was very easy and in no time, I had this crane up and running. Since then I have used this Cobra Crane on every filming I have made over the last couple of weeks. I plan to have it on hand even if I do not have a plan to do so ahead of time. The reason is that I can get and create shots that otherwise would be impossible to do.
I have been using it in an area with heavy foot traffic and it is still small enough to use and allows a person to get those high shots as well as instantly being able to swing into a ground level shot. I have also found it very usual for shooting overhead shots of products and for getting in close to things such as the fauna in the outdoor shoots.
All I can say about this product is I should have bought it a very long time ago. It would have made life much easier and safer. Even for just the casual videographer shooting for family and friends this will make those Christmas and other holiday shots ones that will make everyone say WOW...How you did that can be your secret.
In just a short time of practice, you too will find how easy and special this item will be when added to your arsenal of tools absolutely needed.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

Its really easy to setup because of the size. A girl can set this up alone! Its good for infomercials and small projects where you dont need dramatic movements. Its small enough to fit into a honda civic trunk. Only a few parts so its hard to lose parts.

Wont hold 2pound cameras without tilting 10 degrees to the left. gotta use a cardboard to counter tilt at the mountings.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

Great for Simple shots. I didn't think that it would work but it did! I just took it on a week run and gun shoot of the south with a DSLR and my producer was blown away! It would have been nice if it came with weights and a bag but what do you expect for the $300 range. If you purchase this I highly recommend that you also get a quick release as well. the unit only comes with a cheap screw to adhere your camera and when you need a quick setup you WILL be disappointed.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

If you want your shots to look like a cinema production, go for this baby, with a Davis and Sanford Tripod, and 2 weights in a bag, you are ready to shoot weddigns like in "Telenovelas" or Soap Opera, or Music Videos like MTV. With this you have the equipment, only need the imagination.

Comments about CobraCrane 5033 Backpacker:

Carrying around is very convenient.
Even a small tripod can operate.
It is the crane which was superior in hardness.

I am satisfied very much.