By Nine times out of ten, a wobbly or jerky tripod jib traces back to a single culprit: an improperly balanced arm. Before you start second-guessing your gear or shopping for replacements, grab a spirit level and check whether your jib’s counterweight matches the camera load. If the arm drifts up or down when you release it at mid-height, you’ve found your problem.
The fastest diagnostic is simple. Loosen the jib’s pan lock, position the arm horizontally, and let go. A properly balanced jib should hold position without creeping. If it sags toward the camera or floats toward the counterweight, adjust the rear weights …
