Does the camera stay level as it booms up and down?

Yes. It uses a cable and pulley parallelogram system which will keep it level as it booms up and down.

How does it tilt the camera?

The Cobra Crane mounts on your tripods head, (there is no need to remove the head) and when you tilt the head, the unique pulley and cable system can tilt the camera up to 180 degrees, by simply tilting the tripods head using the tripod handle. Standing behind the tripod you would put your right hand on the back of the unit, for booming & panning, and your left hand on the tripod handle for tilting. This lets you swoop the camera from a low shot to a high shot smoothly and efficiently. You can also keep your eye on a monitor placed on the tripod. You can tilt the camera while the boom arm is either still, or in motion. This is a unique feature of the Cobra Crane, other low cost cranes on the market will not tilt from the rear like this.

Does it pan?

Yes it can boom pan 360 degrees continuously. This sweeping arc through the air makes a much more dramatic pan, than just turning right or left like when on a tripod.The Cobra Crane can do all three moves simultaneously if need be- boom, tilt, and boom pan. It can also be set up to do dutch angles without buying any optional dutch angle accessories. If you want to pan out on the end, we have a remote pan and tilt head available with a long wired remote control, that pans 180 degrees and tilts 30 degrees. Or you can put a tripod head out there and do it the old fashioned way. (its limited to how high you can reach, or how low you can bend. Plus its hard keeping your eye on a monitor).

How much does it weigh?

Approx. 25 lbs..

How do I see what the camera is shooting with the eyepiece so far away?

Professional work requires proper monitoring of the image. This is accomplished by running a video wire from the video out jack on the camera, down the Crane arm to a small portable monitor on or near the tripod. A "HEADSET MONITOR" (available from Classic Video Products) is also a very effective and professional way to monitor the framing of your image.

How high will it go?

Approximately nine feet high, or 12 feet high with optional extension kit.

What if I have a heavy camera?

The Cobra Crane 2 has a maximum capacity of 30 pounds for 9 foot high (15lbs for 12' height).

How long does it take to set up?

Since it mounts directly to your tripods head, it is very fast. Here is the complete set up and balancing process. 1) Put your tripods quick mount plate on the Cobra Crane, and mount it to the tripod. It attaches exactly the same way any camera would. 2) Mount your camera to the front end of the Cobra with the provided camera mounting thumbscrew. 3) Run a video wire down the Cobra arm to a monitor. 4) Add common barbell weights until the camera lifts off the table. The first time you do this might take 15 to 20 minutes. From then on it can be done in 2 to 5 minutes.

What kind of tripod should I use?

Any medium to heavy duty sturdy tripod will work. (metal, not plastic) The best one we like is a Bogen 3246 leg set with the Bogen 3063 or 3066 head. But again, it has been designed to work on virtually any common tripod. (We sell the Bogens at heavily discounted prices if you need one).

What is it made of?

Its made from super durable high strength lightweight steel, and aircraft quality aluminum.

What kind of weights does it use?

Common barbell discs found at any sporting goods store. You need approximately 3 times the weight of your camera in weight discs. We sell them if you need them. Metal weights are best. (They are thinner)

Can I put a tripod head out on the end of the Cobra?

Yes, you can front operate it with a tripod head under the camera.

What cameras work with the Cobra Crane 2?

Virtually any video or film camera under 25 pounds. The Canon XL-1, Optura, ES-2500, ES-4000, ES-5000, Es-6000, UCS-1, 2, 3, 5, Sony VX-1000, VX-2000, TRV-7, TRV-9, TRV-10, PC-7, PC-10, JVC cybercams, TR101's, V-101's, 701's, 801's, VX3, All Hi-8s, all VHS-c, all mini DV, DSR-200, DSR-300, UVW-100, EW-300, X-2, Supercam, 455, 456, newer Beta-Cams, Digital 8 and many, many more. Call if you are concerned about your camera model.

How long does it take to learn to use it?

15 minutes of working it is all the practice you need.

How do I focus and zoom the camera?

Its best to prefocus the shot before shooting. We have a variable speed remote zoom for Canon and Fujinon lenses. You will need to get an extension cable when using it on the crane. Call us about pricing. If you're a little short of funds, prefocus the shot, leave it at a very wide setting, and dolly the crane toward the subject. This is a simple, effective, and relatively goof proof method.

Cobra 2 has a weight capacity range of 1 ounce to 30lbs. Cobra(1) 1 ounce to 6.5lbs. Both come assembled and go to 9 feet high. Both can be extended with optional extension kits. Cobra (1) has one arm, Cobra 2 has 2 arms for higher weight cameras. They are basically the same, with the same features, the cobra 2 is a heavy duty version of the cobra(1).