Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Arm with Bracket (Black) for Photographers and Videographers

There's a saying 'that you get what you pay for' and this has rarely been more true than this piece of sublime equipment. Manfrotto have been one of the prime choices for professional photographers for many years, for their various arms, brackets and tripods, within both professional circles and keen prosumer photographers. They don't always get it right, particularly with some poor budget products, which they really should have never made, but their professional kit is exemplary.This friction arm, along with their ubiquitous Super Clamp, is of such stuff. What seems like a simplistic bit of kit transpires to be more than the sum of the parts. What seems to be a crude large knob that tightens one axis of two arms, is in fact a design so clever that it controls the main articulating arms, plus both ball joints, plus the swivel ends of those joints, through insanely clever linkages.Not only does this make a complex series of joints ridiculously easy to set-up and adjust, but the quality of the materials and manufacture make this something that you would only part with through your cold dead fingers.Now here's the thing, it can hold all sorts of things. Still cameras, Video cameras. Lights, Audio Field Recorders, Ham Radios (e.g. Icom IC-705) and the list goes on.This gadget (and I have quite a lot of Manfrotto kit) is one of the very best investments I have ever made and whilst a Friction Arm with Camera Bracket and Super Clamp might not seem to be the most exciting items, when you put them into action, you will know you have made one of life's better decisions.Top notch, First Class!!!

I'm pleased with this, which I am using initially to support an LED light panel but now to support my mirrorless camera. By having my studio camera on the end of this, which is connected to my scaffold light/shelving frame, I negate the need for a tripod, which helps a lot in my small office space.It's a bit weird to use initially, you turn the knob and all the joints loosen (no idea how, it's like magic) then you move things in place and tighten up. Even with the camera at the end of the extended arm, it didn't move easily or sag.One thing I will say, you need a light fixing clamp or socket etc to stick this in, which in my case is the weakest part of the whole thing - the fractional give means that when I level my camera, tighten it and let go, it moves ever so slightly. I have mitigated this by using a ball and socket attachment for my camera and I use that for micro adjustments (I hope that makes sense) and use a quick release plate too.

I use two of these along with other related Manfrotto brackets and kit. They are strong, never fail me and great for quick adjustments. My use case is a mix of Youtube streaming where I need to have a camera on me and on the desktop and for various lighting setup's where I need a bracket. I noticed they use them on the International Space Station for holding up their cameras (although probably lighter versions). Very flexible kit and so much better than a tripod.The clamps that come with them are brilliant because you can use them on a flat shelf or on a round pole by removing the plug of plastic from them.They really are the best at the price point.

Used as part of a movable overhead gantry system for a video camera. Variable friction control excellent for quick and accurate repositioning of the camera.

Having seen one demonstrated, I'd been looking to cop me a Magic Arm for a while, and instantly, no regrets!When a light stand isn't feasible - whether a tripping hazard, or it would get in the frame of your shot - having a Magic Arm about will revolutionise your use of space, and equipment you bring with you.I've used it for mounting a light overhead and out of the way for photographing puppies (could you guess?) as well as mounting a locked-off camera for recording footage.Once manoeuvred into the desired position, a twist of the tension wheel and your equipment is immovable! I will of course add some safety bond cables for additional guaranteed redundancy, but once locked in place, it's staying there. And despite it's atom crackingly tight clamp strength, it's never damaged the objects its been clamped to.I was going to opt for another manufacturer for this, but I wanted the reassurance I will never get let down (or sued for injuring someone!), and after relentlessly testing it, it's always been a handy accessory!

Manfrotto quality better than I thought it would be... very sturdy and well made.