ProMax Cobra Crane Reviewed
Page 2 of 2
Since the Cobra Crane arrived, I have found a variety of uses for it, which has equated into some very nice shots. Depending on how you mount the camera on the end of the crane, you can create Dutch angles (camera panned slightly to the left on the crane mount), an inside arc shot camera pointing back to the tripod assembly), or even strait down - this is especially useful if you are trying to get a shot that might be too dangerous for you to perform (like standing on the very edge of a tall building). The Cobra Crane’s extension arm allows you to dangle the camera out in space.
One of the major disadvantages of this system is you can not pan the camera independent of the fulcrum of the crane. However, an additional tripod head can be mounted on the crane that will allow you to do just that. [an error occurred while processing this directive]
 |
| Click image to view the Cobra Crane in action. |
Accessories
Out of the box, the Cobra Crane is very cool, but there are some accessories you may also want to pick up to enhance your Cobra Crane system:
Obviously you need some weights - approximately twice the weight of your fully loaded camera on the other end of the tripod. For my Sony PD-150 I use approximately 15 to 17 pounds to properly counter balance the crane and to ensure smooth motion. My advice is to pick up some cheap weights at your local "super" store.
By itself the Cobra Crane can reach up to 9 feet. To go further, purchase the Extension Kit that will extend the height of the boom arm an additional three feet. I added this to my system and it works great. ProMax offers the Cobra Crane I+ which is a single arm that allows you to go the full 12 feet. Howeber, for most versatility, I recommend going with the Cobra Crane plus the extension kit. It only takes a few minutes to do the conversion from the short length to the longer.
With the camera so far away, it will be very hard to look through the viewfinder or see the LCD flip out panel. Obtaining a remote zoom focus grip and an LCD monitor becomes pretty important. The Cobra Crane is hollow and does have access holes to run video cable and Lanc cable from the tripod head to the camera. Of the two, the monitor is going to be most important because traditionally in a crane shot, you are not doing too much zooming or focusing (the shot and focus should be done before hand).
Total Cobra Crane System
If you fully trick out your Cobra Crane I package, here’s what you’ll end up paying
Cobra Crane I $199.99
Extension Kit $ 99.00
LCD Monitor $395.00
Monitor mount $ 29.95
Remote control $395.00
Tracking dolly $399.00 (or make your own)
Weights $ 20.00
Bag $ 69.00
Total $1606.94
Not too shabby considering the production value that is added when you are able to include dramatic crane shots to your video.
For more information on the Cobra Crane system, be sure to visit ProMax at www.promax.com
When not working deep in the labs of the DMN Central Division testing the latest and greatest software/hardware products Stephen Schleicher can be found at the local university teaching a few courses on video and web production. He can be reached at schleicher@mindspring.com. You can also visit him on the web at www.mindspring.com/~schleicher
Source: Digital Media Online, Inc.
Prev 1 2
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
