Curved stabilizing arm or cable — connects crane head to counterweight distribution. Adds flexibility to rigging setups without permanent structure.
The banana is one of those grip tools that can easily be overlooked on set—but once you need to stabilize a crane or a heavy camera rig without it, you'll understand its value. It is a flat, slightly curved steel cable or reinforced arm that runs between the boom of a camera crane, jib, or similar structure and the counterweights. The characteristic bend—hence the name—allows for smoother distribution of tensile forces and makes the system more flexible during setup and breakdown.
In practice, the banana works as follows: When balancing a crane, you need to balance the weight on one side (usually the camera and lens) with counterweights on the other. Instead of rigidly attaching these weights, the banana allows you to place them in various positions and readjust. This means less drastic corrections to the boom itself and less wear and tear on the entire rig. Especially with heavy cameras—such as IMAX setups or large Arri Alexa cameras with extensive optics—this elastic connection can make the difference between a stable shot and micro-vibrations.
The connection to other grip elements is close: the banana works in conjunction with the counterweight system and the jib arm itself. Unlike rigid connections, it also allows for faster adjustments when configurations change. If you've mounted a different camera head or need to rebalance the setup, the banana can be repositioned in a few simple steps. This saves time when re-rigging between takes.
Important: The banana is not a substitute for precise balancing—it is an aid for fine-tuning and for the structural flexibility of the rig. Relying too heavily on the banana without correct initial balancing will lead to sloppy movements and potentially unstable shots. Good grip teams work with it subtly: it's there when you need it, but it remains in the background.