What Is a Techno Crane? Uses, Advantages & When to Rent One
Capturing smooth, dynamic camera movement is essential for modern film, television, and live productions—but not every camera rig can deliver the precision, range, and repeatability that high-pressure shoots demand. That’s where a techno crane comes in. If you’re asking “what is a techno crane” or considering a techno crane rental, MTJIBS provides professional-grade cranes with experienced operators to ensure every shot is executed flawlessly.
Unlike traditional cranes or jibs, techno cranes feature telescopic booms, counterweight systems, and motorized or remote-controlled heads, giving productions the ability to achieve sweeping aerials, complex tracking shots, and cinematic movement that is both precise and repeatable. Whether you’re filming a concert, a live sports event, an awards show, or a cinematic music video, choosing the right techno crane can elevate your production value while saving time and reducing setup challenges.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about techno cranes—from how they work and their advantages to when to rent one and which models are best for your production needs—so you can make informed decisions and capture every shot with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- What it is: A techno crane is a specialized camera crane with a telescopic boom, counterweights, and remote or motorized heads for precise, dynamic movement.
- What it does best: Delivers smooth, repeatable aerials, crane-ins, tracking shots, and complex multi-directional moves traditional cranes can’t match.
- Why it matters: Elevates production value while saving time on complex shots—especially for live or multi-take environments.
- Best use cases: Concerts, live sports, awards shows, films, commercials, and music videos that need cinematic motion and flexibility.
- Techno vs. traditional cranes: Traditional cranes handle simple, fixed sweeps; techno cranes excel at intricate, controlled, and repeatable movement.
- Big advantages: Extended reach, high precision, reduced vibration, improved safety, and seamless integration with remote heads and gimbals.
Table of Contents
What Is a Techno Crane and How Does It Work?
A techno crane is a specialized camera crane designed for precise, high-speed, and dynamic camera movement in film, television, commercials, and live events. Unlike traditional static cranes, techno cranes are engineered with telescoping booms and advanced counterweight systems, allowing the camera to move seamlessly in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal planes.
Techno cranes often include remote heads or gimbal systems, giving operators the ability to capture smooth, cinematic shots with minimal vibration, even across long distances or elevated positions. They are highly versatile, capable of executing sweeping aerial shots, crane-ins, and complex tracking movements, making them a go-to tool for productions requiring both flexibility and precision.
How It Works:
- A telescopic boom allows the crane to extend or retract, offering variable height and range.
- A counterweight system balances the camera, making movements smooth and reducing operator fatigue.
- Remote heads or motorized systems can rotate and tilt the camera independently, ensuring cinematic control.
- Integrated controls let operators adjust speed, angle, and movement with repeatable precision, crucial for live broadcasts or multi-take setups.
Cost Over Time: Budgeting for Ownership vs Rental
Owning professional camera equipment is more than just a one-time purchase — it’s a long-term financial commitment. Beyond the initial cost, production teams must budget for upgrades, repairs, calibration, and secure storage, all of which add up significantly over time. Technology in film and broadcast evolves rapidly, and depreciation starts the moment a camera, jib, or stabilization rig is purchased. Even high-end rigs like Technocranes, Jimmy Jib systems, and Agito Dollies lose value quickly as newer, more versatile models become available.
By contrast, renting camera gear allows production teams to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in camera movement and motion control without the burden of ownership. MTJIBS ensures that every rental rig — from high-speed jibs to multi-terrain dollies — is maintained, calibrated, and field-tested before each shoot. This approach provides broadcast-ready performance while avoiding the long-term costs of depreciation and maintenance that ownership entails.
Techno Crane vs Traditional Cranes: What's the Difference?
While both techno cranes and traditional camera cranes achieve elevated and sweeping shots, there are key differences that impact production planning, crew requirements, and shot possibilities.
Feature | Traditional Crane | Techno Crane |
Boom Type | Fixed | Telescopic, extendable |
Movement Range | Limited, mostly vertical | Extensive vertical and horizontal reach |
Setup | Moderate | Longer setup but more flexible during shots |
Operator Requirements | Crane operator + camera operator | Specialized operator often handling remote head + crane movement |
Ideal Use | Static elevated shots | Complex, dynamic, repeatable motion for live and film |
Cost | Generally lower | Higher rental costs but higher production value |
Traditional cranes are suitable for simple, fixed sweeps or studio setups, while techno cranes excel in productions demanding intricate movement and real-time adjustments, such as award shows, concerts, and live sports broadcasts.
When Should You Use a Techno Crane in Production?
Techno cranes are not for every production, but they are invaluable in scenarios where dynamic, cinematic movement adds significant visual impact. Here are some examples:
- Live Events & Awards Shows: Capture sweeping stage reveals, audience shots, and dynamic presenter movement with precision and repeatability.
- Film & Commercial Production: Execute complex tracking shots, high-angle perspectives, and crane-ins without sacrificing stability.
- Music Videos & Concerts: Achieve fluid, dramatic shots across crowded or fast-changing environments.
- Sports Broadcasts: Track athletes with long-range, elevated, and smooth crane movement that traditional cranes can’t match.
Tip: Techno cranes are ideal for productions where repeatable, precise motion is required—especially when multiple takes or live feeds need consistent results.
Advantages: Precision, Range, and Dynamic Motion
The techno crane offers a combination of features that make it superior to many traditional camera support options.
- Precision Movement:
- Motorized and telescopic controls allow operators to repeat exact shots, essential for multi-camera setups and live events.
- Remote heads reduce the risk of operator-induced shake.
- Extended Reach and Flexibility:
- Telescoping booms can extend over large sets, crowds, or stadiums.
- Full 360° rotation allows dynamic sweeping and orbiting shots.
- Dynamic Camera Motion:
- Smooth crane-ins, crane-outs, lateral sweeps, and diagonal movements are all possible.
- Perfect for cinematic storytelling, live broadcasts, or high-energy concert footage.
- Safety and Operator Efficiency:
- Counterweight and stabilization systems minimize risk to operators and equipment.
- Remote controls reduce the need for multiple operators in hazardous positions.
- Compatibility with Other Gear:
- Can integrate with gimbals, camera sliders, and dollies to create hybrid setups for advanced production needs.
Limitations of Techno Cranes: Setup, Space & Crew Requirements
While techno cranes are highly versatile, they come with unique limitations and considerations:
- Setup Time: Full setup can take 1–2 hours depending on size, venue, and operator experience. Planning ahead is critical for live or tight-schedule productions.
- Space Requirements: Requires significant footprint for counterweights, boom articulation, and operator movement. Not ideal for extremely tight sets.
- Crew Requirements: Typically requires a specialized operator familiar with remote head controls, counterweights, and safety protocols.
- Cost: Rental fees are higher than traditional cranes or simple jib systems, though justified by the expanded capabilities.
- Weight and Transport: Large models require transport vehicles and rigging expertise for safe installation.
Despite these challenges, the production value and cinematic quality offered by techno cranes often outweigh the logistical constraints.
Popular Techno Crane Models and Specs
Several techno crane models are widely used in the industry, each with different specifications suited to various production needs:
| Model | Max Reach | Max Payload | Key Features | Best Use |
| Techno Crane 12 | 40 ft | 35 lbs | Telescopic boom, remote head, repeatable motion | Concerts, commercials, mid-sized film sets |
| Techno Crane 20 | 65 ft | 50 lbs | Extended reach, motorized tilt, integrated counterweight | Live awards shows, sports broadcasts |
| Techno Crane 22 | 72 ft | 55 lbs | Long telescopic reach, remote head support, smooth repeatable motion | Large live events, broadcast productions, feature films |
| Techno Crane 25 XL | 80 ft | 70 lbs | Heavy-duty, long telescopic reach, high payload | Stadium concerts, large-scale film productions |
Tip: When renting a techno crane, consider your camera weight, lens choice, and desired boom reach to select the right model.
Cost of Renting a Techno Crane vs Other Options
The cost of renting a techno crane varies based on model, location, duration, and operator inclusion. Typical pricing breakdowns include:
Equipment Type | Daily Rental | Operator Included? | Notes |
Techno Crane (12 ft – 40 ft) | $1,500–$2,500 | Yes | Ideal for small to mid-sized productions |
Techno Crane (20 ft – 65 ft) | $3,000–$5,000 | Yes | Suitable for live events, awards, and TV shows |
Techno Crane 25 XL | $6,000+ | Yes | Stadium concerts, large-scale film shoots |
Traditional Jib | $400–$900 | Sometimes | Lower setup time, less range |
Manual Studio Crane | $250–$700 | No | Basic static shots, limited movement |
Why Renting Often Makes Sense:
- Access to multiple crane sizes for different productions without long-term investment.
- Operators included, reducing setup risks and increasing shot reliability.
- No maintenance or storage costs, particularly for large telescopic models.
For a detailed guide, check out our blog on the true costs of renting vs. owning camera gear.
Ready to Rent? Get Help Choosing the Right Crane
At MTJIBS, we specialize in matching productions with the right camera crane for your project, crew size, and environment. Every techno crane rental comes with a trained operator to ensure smooth, repeatable shots, even in high-pressure live events or complex film setups.
Whether your project requires concert coverage, live awards broadcasts, or cinematic film production, our team can help you select the ideal crane, plan the setup, and integrate it with your camera package for maximum efficiency and impact.
Professional crane movement starts with professional planning. Contact MTJIBS today to discuss your techno crane rental and elevate your production quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A techno crane is a telescopic camera crane designed for precision, dynamic motion, and repeatable camera movement, commonly used in live events, commercials, and film production. It allows for smooth sweeping shots with extended reach.
Unlike a fixed jib, a techno crane has a telescoping boom and remote-controlled movements, offering extended range, precise repeatability, and advanced camera angles suitable for large-scale or live productions.
Renting makes sense for productions that need occasional use of a crane, want access to multiple models, or require experienced operators without the expense of ownership.
Yes, most modern techno cranes are rated for payloads ranging from 35 lbs to 70+ lbs, allowing them to handle professional cinema cameras with heavy lenses.
Yes. All MTJIBS techno crane rentals include trained operators who handle setup, counterweights, and motion control to ensure safe, smooth, and professional shots.
Absolutely. Techno cranes are ideal for live events like concerts, sports, and awards shows due to their precision, repeatable motion, and ability to integrate with multi-camera setups.
Setup time depends on the crane size and location, typically ranging from 1–2 hours. MTJIBS operators streamline this process to keep productions on schedule.
Elevate Your Production with a Techno Crane Rental from MTJIBS
For filmmakers, broadcast teams, and live event producers, a techno crane is more than just a camera accessory—it’s a tool for dynamic, cinematic storytelling. At MTJIBS, we provide a full range of techno crane rentals designed to suit productions of all sizes, from intimate music videos to large-scale live broadcasts. Every rental includes a trained operator, ensuring your crane movements are precise, safe, and repeatable.
By choosing a techno crane from MTJIBS, you gain access to:
- High-precision camera movement for complex shots and sweeping cinematic angles
- Flexible setup and mobility, making it easy to adapt to multiple locations and live environments
- Professional-grade cranes and remote heads, capable of handling heavy cinema cameras and lenses
- Expert guidance from experienced operators, ensuring your production runs smoothly and on schedule
Whether you’re planning a live sporting event, an awards show, a concert, or a commercial shoot, MTJIBS helps you select the right crane for your crew size, production type, and creative vision. Don’t compromise on movement quality—trust a techno crane rental to deliver the precision, reliability, and cinematic impact your project deserves.
Ready to take your production to the next level? Contact MTJIBS today to discuss techno crane rentals and expert operator support, and make every shot count.
P.S. We have been awarded Emmys! Your production benefits from award-winning experience and expertise of the MTJIBS team — giving you the confidence that your next project is in the hands of true industry professionals.
MTJIBS
Contact us today for a quote on the best professional camera movement & crew rental for your next video production project.
![[Top #1] Film Equipment Rental | Get a Quote Today | MTJIBS | Technocrane 22 Telescoping Camera Crane | Camera Movement Equipment Rentals | Corporate AV Productions](https://mtjibs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/MTJIBS-Featured-Image-1280x720-equpment-page.jpg)
