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Camera Cranes & Booms: From Junior to Megaboom
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Camera cranes and booms let you place lights where ordinary C-stands can’t reach — above the subject, at a steep downward angle, or over obstacles. However, every boom has strict limits on payload, reach, and counterbalancing. In this guide, we’ll cover three main types: the Avenger D650 (Junior), the Manfrotto Megaboom, and the Avenger 600 Mini Boom.
Part 1: Avenger D650 (Junior Boom)
Maximum load: 40 kg (88 lbs) — but only when fully collapsed.
At full extension of 3 meters (10 ft) — the safe working load is just 10 kg (22 lbs), not including counterweights.
How to set up a Junior Boom — with a partner
• One person holds the end of the boom arm.
•The second person adds counterweights until the first person no longer feels the weight of the arm.
• Loosen the friction screw and fine-tune the balance point.
Lifting with a windup stand
Crank the handle to raise it.
Once at the correct height, — tighten ALL locking knobs.
! Important: the windup stand has a 30 kg (66 lbs) capacity that includes the boom arm, all counterweights, AND the light fixture itself.
On an overhead stand, you can load up to 40 kg — but only at minimum extension.
Part 2: Megaboom (Manfrotto)
Megaboom
Despite the name “Megaboom,” it actually supports less weight than the Junior.
Maximum extension 3.2 m (10.5 ft), 6 kg (13 lbs)
Minimum extension up to 30 kg (66 lbs)
Advantages: fluid heads for smooth movement
The Megaboom features articulated joints that allow smooth motion along three axes:
· Pan;
· Tilt;
· Rotation.
Stoppers
The Megaboom will not tip over if the balance is slightly off. That’s convenient — but it can tempt you to be sloppy with counterbalancing.
Please don’t. Your gear’s internal gears and mechanisms will thank you.
Windup base with wheels
Remember this rule — always, without exception:
Every stand with wheels must have its brakes locked before use.
Part 3: Mini Boom (Avenger 600)
Mini Boom
Maximum reach: just over 2 meters (6.5 ft)
Load at minimum extension: up to 30 kg (66 lbs)
Load at maximum extension: up to 7 kg (15 lbs)
At the far end of the arm, there’s a hook for attaching counterweights.
! Don’t forget to properly sandbag every leg of every boom.
Proper balancing
• Never compensate for poor balance by over-tightening the friction knobs.
• Forcing a badly balanced boom with tightness is dangerous and damages the equipment.
We have fined clients for overloading in the past. Don’t be one of them.
Remember three things: Load capacity decreases as the boom extends further. Balance is achieved with counterweights — not by tightening locks. Every leg must be sandbagged or braked. If you’re ever unsure — call a second person, or ask our rental managers. We’re always happy to help.
Well-maintained gear = a safe shoot.
