Scorpio head for sale: what to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

• Axes: pan, tilt and roll where fitted move smoothly at slow and fast speeds, with no play, grinding or jumps.
• Stabilization: on stabilized heads, ask for a video of the head holding a level horizon while the crane or vehicle moves.
• Controls: wheels, joystick or pan bar units and every cable between them, included and working.
• Payload and mounting: the rated payload against your camera and lens, and the plates and adaptors your cameras need.
• Slip rings and connectors: video, power and lens control signals pass cleanly as the head turns.
• Service history: when ServiceVision or a qualified technician last serviced it, and its firmware version.
• Cases: they show how the head has traveled.

Questions buyers ask

Who makes Scorpio heads?

Scorpio remote heads and Scorpio telescopic cranes are made by ServiceVision.

Will a used Scorpio head fit my crane?

Remote heads mount to cranes through adaptors. Check the mounting interface, the crane's payload at full reach with the head and camera on it, and the power and cable runs before you buy.

Should I buy a head and crane together?

A pair can save setup work, since the head, cables and controls may already be matched to that crane. Check each item on its own all the same.

Can I have a used remote head checked before I buy?

Yes. Ask for a demonstration of every axis and the stabilization, or have a remote head technician you trust inspect it. Condition on every listing is the seller's own grade.