SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm

Comments about SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm:

I have two of these arms that I use with reflectors, mainly in the studio. I have used them outdoors, but they are very light-weight and I am always afraid a big gust of wind will break them, especially if I have a large reflector on the arm. I do not have any other mounting arms to use as a reference, but I believe these are not nearly the highest quality to be had. Unfortunately, I am a student on a very tight budget and in need of equipment that will free my hands for other things. With that said, for the money, I think this product works well and in the way in which described. I will upgrade to something more sturdy when I am able.

Here are a few things of which one should be aware. The arm screws into the light stand. If you are not careful, you can break the piece on which the mounting arm screws onto the light stand. I did. It did not affect using the arm or the light stand, for now. The piece used to adjust the angle of the reflector comes loose easily so you will need to tighten it frequently. I have used a 42 inch reflector, but I believe this is pushing the weight limits of the arm. The arm pulls out from one side to adjust the wide for a reflector. This can make things difficult when trying to position in a studio setting with a still life subject on a table.

However, knowing the limits of the product, I have been able to use it quite well. It is easy to expand the arm to fit reflectors or boards in a variety of sizes. The clips have grooves that work well with collapsible reflectors, but also work well wth foam board. The arm can be used in a horizontal or vertical position and there are two control pieces that allow a variety of angle combinations to position a reflector exactly the way you want it.

I would definitely recommend this product to someone on a limited budget who is just starting to use this type of equipment. However, I also recommend upgrading to a more sturdy product in the future if you plan to use it for more than hobby photography.

Comments about SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm:

This is a very lightweight system. Tried to use it outdoors with sandbags, but it couldn't withstand a slight breeze.

Comments about SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm:

OK, I should known better...I have a couple of Westcott illuminator arms, and that is what I should have bought...but I wanted to save a couple of bucks and saw this. I assumed it would be similar...WRONG!The biggest thing it is missing is the super double ball joint and solid steel mounting cup that allows the reflector held by the Westcott to be positioned infinitely with one turn of the lever.PLUS...this does not have a mounting cup at all...it uses a 1/4-20 threaded insert in a little 1 inch square plastic block...not only is that painful to setup because you would have to screw it in, one good gust of wind and that is ripping right out.PLUS, a limited range of adjustment for attitude and angle of the reflector.To be fair, if you are a casual user, this is probably fine...if you are a pro that has to use this stuff everyday you need to know there is much better choices out there.I just opened this box from B&H, and I am taping it back up again[...]

Comments about SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm:

This Is the cheaper assistant that you could have. You can avoid the use of sandbags in the stand if you use it vertically and not horizontal like the photo. This with my 5 side reflector Is a great part of my equipment.[...]

Comments about SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm:

Mounts easily to standard light stand, holds reflector in place. Allows all positioning keeping hands free. Versatile, will hold any size reflector.

Comments about SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm:

It allows for independce; I don't need an assistant everytime I go on a shoot.

Comments about SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm:

This reflector mounting arm comes in very handy when you're not working with an assistant, or your assistant doesn't have a "third arm". Although I love the product, I do suggest getting a sandbag to hold down your stand. The balance of the stand is off due to the extended arm. Even working indoors my stand had a hard time staying upright.

Comments about SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm:

This item works as intended, providing a means to attach a reflector (usually the round folding type) to a light stand with a standard 5/8" stud.

I find it works well, holding the reflector securely no matter if it's a small or a big one. The clips work well with my reflectors, but sure they're not as heavy-duty as on more expensive reflector mounts. I haven't had any problems, and this is all that I require.

You _will_ need a sand-bag on the base of your stand to keep the stand-arm-reflector assembly from tipping over. You can just throw some bricks in a sack, but a purpose-made lighting sand-bag certainly looks more professional.

No longer will you have to get someone to stand to the side of your scene holding up a reflector, I'd consider this (and the whole assembly) essential to portrait work, indoors or out.

Comments about SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm:

It cam barely hold it's own weight. The mounting arm slips when using anything but the smallest reflector. very week design.

Comments about SP Studio Systems Universal Reflector Mounting Arm:

Will hold just about any size reflector, might want to use a sandbag on the lightstand as the extended arm can become top-heavy and tilt or topple the lightstand if it isn't secure.