Kessler KC5.5 or Pocket Jib

[Lowell Schlef]

Since I'm new to the forum and value your opinions, I thought I asked my first question about a Jib purchase. I'm interested in doing Product Videos where the camera glides around the product revealing details. It appears that the only effective way I can accomplish this is through the use of a fluid head mounted camera at the end of a jib. Unfortunately like most of us I have a limited budget available for the purchase of a crane/jib. I find the Kessler products very attractive both in quality and price. Since I would like my purchase to function both as a close-up Jib and yet have the expansion capability of a crane I am caught between two products. The Kessler Pocket Jib pushes beyond my budget when you add in a KPod, Hercules Head and accessories, however purchasing their KC5.5 or KC8 package with a Ball Re-locator and Ball Kit work within my limits. Will the KC5.5 configuration provide the flexibility I'm looking for? Putting aside the Pocket Dolly -- What will I gain and/or lose with this decision? Will I be fooling myself by trying to make a KC5.5 function as a Pocket Jib?

[Frank Glencairn]

You don't need a K-Pod and Hercules head with the PocketJib.

Mine lives just fine on a regular Vinten tripod with a 100mm bowl.
I really recommend the PocketJib, one of the best investments I ever did.

Here is some of my BTS:

Shooting Man of Steel - Behind The Scenes on Vimeo

[Lowell Schlef]

Thanks Frank for your response. I particularly enjoyed viewing your Demo Reel.
The more I see the Kessker Pocket Jib In action the more driven I am to acquiring one. I realize it's an overkill for the K-Pod with the Hercules Head but I have plans for using the K-Pod with other camera setups in both my limited space studio and in the field. That is why Kessler package for the KC5.5 is so attractive. I cannot find a benefit and limitation comparison between both so I wanted the opinions of guys who use one or both of them. The Pocket Jib looks solid for doing studio product videos but if the KC5.5 can be configured to work as a Jib and and can be extended as an 8 to 10 foot crand in the field, then I can gain the best of both worlds. Where you think?
Thanks
Lowell

[Mark Kenfield]

You may also want to look into a compact jib that Cartoni have just released, it's called the 'Jibo' I think. Looks like another solid alternative.

[Jon Fairhurst]

One drawback of the K-Pod is that it has a flat surface, rather than a ball socket. This makes it solid for supporting a jib but it doesn't make it handy for use with other heads. I have a K-Pod, track, Pocket Jib, and Vinten sticks and 3AS head - as well as a Pocket Dolly. I'd love to be able to mount the Vinten head and/or Pocket Dolly on the K-Pod, but I'd need some sort of an adapter to make that happen.

The K-Pod is heavy and it doesn't go low, but it's amazingly stout. That's why I'd love to be able to mount my 3AS on it!