The 10 Best Camera Cranes
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in October of 2016. Enabling you to view a scene from above, these camera cranes can help provide an enhanced level of professionalism and versatility to any shoot. They'll allow you to move up and away from the action and capture large groups of people in a smooth, efficient manner. Ideal for commercials, documentaries, features, and even weddings, they are available in an array of designs with varying capabilities. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. ProAm USA Orion
2. IFootage M1
3. ProAm USA Jib Kit
Editor's Notes
June 26, 2020:
Concerning the Neweer Pan, we noted that while it’s an efficient choice for lightweight cameras, it’s not ideal for heavy camcorders. We also highlighted the versatility of the ProAim Alphabet, which offers length settings of 12, 15, 18 and 21 feet. The Kessler KC-Lite 8.0, Kessler Pocket Jib and Fotodiox DV Rocker were removed due to quality and availability issues.
Noting its exceptional balance and corrosion-resistant construction, we upgraded the ProAm USA Orion, which should provide years of professional-level performance. It’s somewhat heavy, but it doesn’t take long to set up.
Added three new items, all of which fall into the small to mid-size range. The IFootage M1 is the most impressive, with a substantial weight capacity and plenty of adjustability for shooting from a variety of angles. The Sevenoak JA20 is a great value, its main issue being that there is no way to lock it into position, which can be a bit irritating to some folks.
We've noted that these models vary in their ability to rotate, pan and tilt. Those who typically work on projects that require shots from an array of different angles will want to choose a model with robust capabilities in this area.
October 18, 2018:
Removed all Battle Tested models, as well as the Varizoom Solojib-CF Kit, due to a lack of availability. Added several new models, including the ePhotoInc EA-500A for those who value portability and the ProAim Alphabet for more ambitious users working on projects that require a crane that can extend to considerable lengths.
Special Honors
Hague Supports Not only do some of these jibs feature remote-controlled heads, most of them are compatible with DSLR cameras, camcorders and small devices like GoPros. These cranes are useful for filming anything from television commercials to medical procedures, and they come in a range of sizes. haguecamerasupports.com
Lite Pro Gear Feather Designed for the mobile cinematographer, this lightweight model is a nice choice for capturing compelling footage of the great outdoors. It telescopes from 10 to 28 inches, locking into place with a sturdy clamp at your ideal length. It includes counterweights so you can fine-tune the balance. liteprogear.com
Egripment Xtreme 10 This highly advanced model should primarily be of interest to professionals in the film and television business. Built like a tank and packed with high-tech features, it comes with a heavy-duty wheeled dolly that has been created specifically for this large crane arm. egripment.com
4. ProAim Alphabet
5. Indy Jib Cinema
6. Gaoag Jib
7. ProAim Astra
8. Neewer Pan
9. Sevenoak JA20
10. ePhotoInc EA-500A
In addition to his corporate career as a marketing and communications professional in Chicago, Sam runs a popular blog that focuses on the city’s flourishing craft beer and brewery scene. He received his degree in journalism from DePaul University (which spurred his interest in freelance writing) and has since spent years developing expertise in copywriting, digital marketing and public relations. A lifetime of fishing, hiking and camping trips has left him well-versed in just about any outdoors-related topic, and over several years spent working in the trades during his youth, he accumulated a wealth of knowledge about tools and machinery. He’s a travel junkie, a health and fitness enthusiast, and an avid biker.