[Alan “cow” Jacobsen]

Hi Everybody,

I have a few points to add, as an owner of BOTH the Porta-Jib Traveller and Microdolly jibs.

One unique element of the Traveller is that it is the ONLY (I believe) jib in the world that can balance with LESS counterweight on the back, vs. the front. When its dual-telescoping rear tubes are at full extension, the jib has a counterbalance ratio of only .75:1! That means you can balance a 40lb camera/head with only 30lbs, as opposed to the typical 1.25:1 ratio that would require 50lbs- A helpful detail for travel… HOWEVER keep in mind this works only if you have the SPACE to extend the rear shafts the full 7 or so feet! Good for outdoors in the desert!

Yet the Traveller is also uniquely capable indoors: by intentionally shortening the rear tubes, and loading up on counterweight, you can really squeeze this puppy into some tight spaces! I’ll put double the needed counterweight on, and shrink the backswing by half! With the rear arm at less than the radius of the tripod, you can push the tripod right into a corner and still enjoy the full swing of the arm!

Now, you can do the same “shrink trick” with the Microdolly Jib, but keep in mind there is a limited amount of space for additional weights on the rear “T” tube. (and no, you can’t use the weightcage at anything less than full rear extension-it’s secondary tube does not telescope any shorter- which means that in “travel-friendly” weight-cage mode, one ALWAYS needs a good 45″ of rear clearance for backswing)

Finally, the Microdolly has a GREAT unique feature in its “automatic tilt compensation”! By changing the geometry of the front arms (slide the adjustable joint between the secondary arm and the tongue) the jib will automatically tilt the front tongue as the arm is boomed thru its range. This comes in very handy when you need to rear-operate a big boom up from ground level to above head height, and want to maintain the horizon in frame via a counter-tilt. No remote head needed!

So, two great jibs with unique capabilities. I wish they could be combined into a single perfect jib! Alas, they remain two unique animals, so here I am owning TWO expensive jibs! How did that happen?!?

Well, I love the stability and flexibility of the Traveller, and find I reach for it almost everytime when weight is not an issue. Alas, with recent airline baggage restrictions, I am getting killed traveling with the Traveller! So, the Microdolly pays for itself in a few dozen round-trip baggage fees. Paris next week saves about $200.

Anyway, I hope this adds some details to this very worthwhile discussion! Happy Jibbing!

Alan Jacobsen
NYC

https://www.alanjacobsenDP.com