SnapCrane

VariZoom's incredibly versatile SnapCrane is in a class by itself with our fast yet secure dovetail joint assembly, compact modular design allowing 4 different lengths, and painstaking quality control - no expense was spared. The SnapCrane, like all of our products, was designed for years of trouble-free operation. Please scroll down to see why this camera jib is in a league of its own. Proudly manufactured in Austin, TX with attention to every detail, the SnapCrane is a truly professional tool that will last generations with proper care.

Every SnapCrane kit includes the dolly, tripod, and carrying case so you get a turnkey system that's been matched, assembled, and functionally tested prior to shipment. Quality, performance, and safety are all taken very seriously with the SnapCrane, so we make no compromises in materials or labor. There are less expensive systems on the market, but none of them come close to the build quality or versatility of the SnapCrane.

What are the advantages of the SnapCrane over the QuickJib? Longer horizontal reach (15'6" vs 9'6" max), higher vertical extension (18'3" vs. 13'9" max), superior stability & rigidity, greater flexibility (4 lengths vs. 2), better counterbalance mechanism, upgraded hardware.

Jib Arm / Crane Body - Crane sections made from stiff, lightweight tubing are precision machined and powder coated before assembly and quality inspection. The upper extension section has a truss pattern cut into the sidewalls to retain strength while minimizing weight and reducing air resistance in light breezes (caution: never use a camera crane in windy conditions). The heavily reinforced, cable-tensioned design of the SnapCrane allows it to reach farther and higher without any sacrifice in stability or performance.

Pan/Tilt Base & Brake System - Our ultra-smooth, high-capacity pan/tilt base is built to exacting standards with oversize fasteners, sealed bearings, and beefy construction for a remarkably stable fulcrum point. Superior design, proud craftsmanship, and the finest components set this pan/tilt base apart from those used in other crane systems (it's also a significant upgrade over the QuickJib's). Our brake system utilizes a heavy-duty plate on the crane pivot section and a variable drag mechanism built into the right stator of the pan/tilt base. This system was designed to add significant variable drag and hold any position, but it's forgiving enough to slide under extreme force that could otherwise topple a jib with a locking-brake system.

Machined Dovetail Joints - Dovetail joint assembly allows for quick, extremely secure no-tools connection with redundant safety locks. A hefty stainless steel latch (w/ internal safety catch) clamps the joint from above while a secondary thumbscrew assures a tight and secure fit from below.

Deluxe Quick-Release Pins - Locking stainless aircraft pins of the highest quality and strength are used at the pivot points, and they are attached by lanyard to prevent them from ever being lost. These button-release, t-handle pins are simply the best available, and they represent an upgrade over those used on the QuickJib.

Cables and Couplings - Our modular cable system boosts crane stability and ridigity while keeping overall weight down by allowing us to use a single line of compact, lightweight tubing for the main arm. The superior-quality cable tensioning system keeps the SnapCrane taut, rock solid, and easy to control. The smooth-coated, corrosion resistant cables are easy to handle and will last a lifetime. Marine-grade stainless steel hardware is used exclusively throughout the SnapCrane, ensuring long-term field reliability.

Crane Case - Comes standard with VariZoom's new lightweight, heavy-duty Soft Case (hard case optional). This case has three reinforced handles (middle and both ends) along with a hefty shoulder strap, thick padding, and rubber feet. It can be used for other jibs, as well. Interior approx. 58"x11"x10"; Exterior 59"x12"x11"; Weight 4.9 lbs. Also available for purchase is the optional rolling hard case, for the ultimate in protected transport. Optional Hard Case: Exterior 63" x 15" (round); Interior 58" x 12" (round); Weight 20.5 lbs.

TCR100 Crane Tripod - Our custom TCR100 is the only tripod we recommend for use with any crane, no matter the brand. We recommend you never use a telescoping or collapsible tripod under a crane, no matter how small. When supporting an expensive camera on a jib elevated above other valuable equipment or people, it is simply a no-brainer to eliminate all risk and use a single-section tripod instead of a telescoping type.

The TCR100 was designed with safety & strength in mind, combining a solid machined baseplate (not molded), specialty heavy-gauge tubing, and oversize leveling feet for an ultra-stable design that will never falter or fail. With anodized aluminum, stainless steel fasteners and solid brass bushings, the TCR100 will last a lifetime.