Here's some footage shot with the Aviator Travel Jib. As far as mini video jibs / cranes go, this is THE MOST Compact Crane i've ever personally had the chance to use. The aluminum version (available in carbon fiber also) is very lightweight and sets up very quickly. No nonsense, and no fiddling around when it's time to set up for a shot. It is just as fast to break it down when it's time to move. I really feel these mini jibs will appeal to the event videographer who needs to travel light and work in confined areas, or to the traveling videographer who wants to recreate these specialty camera movements on location. There's nothing to complain about as far as build quality for this price, and the built in panning base of the Aviator is a HUGE advantage over other systems that require you to bring a strong fluid head.
Filling an empty bag is a good option when you don't want to travel with an extra 4-5lbs of weight, and you can easily fill it up with extra camera gear, or even water bottles. The telescoping poles can be adjusted so that you don't have to use the full 6 feet of extension. As with any tool, the Aviator Jib moves very smoothly but still requires perfect balance with your counter weight, and practice to get the best no-wobble results. The Aviator is one of the more pricier mini jibs available on the market, but it's compact folding design is unique allowing to be extremely compact and fast. The Aviator Jib can be found in both Carbon Fiber and in Aluminum (click here).
The Aviator Travel Jib Mini Crane Carbon Fiber or Aluminum
Alex
I have to say that I also think this jib is great, but way overpriced. I paid $300 for the iFootage Carbon Fiber jib that is the exact same thing as this (minus the rating head, which I agree is a big plus, but I just put it on my fluid head and it works great that way) and is super light weight and sets up super fast and is made really well. It does all that this does for less than half the $. BUT, having said that, any of these tiny jibs can add so much to your video. I just yesterday had an industrial shoot in Indonesia and I could take this jib without even thinking about it as it was so small. And it added a huge production value to what we shot, looked like it was a feature film!
Pete L.
I like this design and the price doesn't bother me, but I do wish they offered a version with a longer reach.
David
I have had this jib since January and love it. Super easy to setup and takes very little practice to master. I feel the build quality, ease of use, and compact size make it worth the price. While not everyone will agree that the price is worth it, when I looked around I could not find a jib that weighed less, folded up so small and easily, and could handle up to a 7.5 payload. These features were important to me. I wanted to be a mobile as possible but still get the shot. This jib accomplishes all of that.
frank suero
This jib is nice but the price is crazy, I really can not see this a good investment when you have so many options.
If you are about to purchase a jib wait till nab for the Skier Zoom jibs, better price for what you will be getting.
Shawn Caple
Is there any alternatives so we could add a pan only head to other jibs?
OldCorpse
Hey Emm, thanks for that. I have one question though... to me, the most critical applications for my projects are indoor use, and so paradoxically, I'm interested in the smallest practical distances. What would you estimate is the minimum extension distance that's usable on this jib? Maximum is 6', but fully functional minimum is...? Thanks!
Scott
What kind of heads are compatible on the end that would allow pan/tilt? I don't see any of those functions possible the way that it's set up right now, whereas some other jibs have that function built into the device off the get go...
VanWeddings
was the jib used at full extension? i thought the front back ratio was higher than 1:1, which was what it looked like in the video.