Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m)

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

Outside of the counterweight, it is a light but well built system. Watch out though when unpacking, the counterweight hit my toe when it slid out of the mailing tube. Also, assembly/disassembly is fairly easy, yet I would suggest a pair of grip style gloves or use graphite to lubricate the male/female ends of each section. Getting them apart is a little tricky. A set screw in each section will tighten the connection together to be sure they don't slip apart, not just a twist lock that has come undone like on my background system by another manufacturer.

My use for this is for an over head light. Might be a bit over kill but extending something that high with a long reach I felt it justified.

Yes it is missing the thumb screw to mount to a stand. Numerous reviews stated this. I am just going to go to the hardware store for one. I have lost screws and such like that many times and it is a cheap and easy part to replace. But Manfrotto missing it many times? PLEASE!

It seems my light stand, though the mount is too small, could take the weight, but I would buy the stand that goes with this as well.

Compacts down nicely. My one suggestion is to add a carrying case for transport or storage.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

Sturdy, robust, boom arm with a long reach. Could use more detailed instructions for assembly, since there are none as it is, but mostly intuitive to figure out. The critical missing piece, as mentioned in other reviews, is the set screw for locking onto a light stand. Manfrotto should include this, or at a minimum, list the size and type needed in the instructions and description of the product. Seems like such a small item and detail not to include, but critical. Would be nice to have this ready to go out of the box. A big thank you to the other reviewer who listed the size---an M6 (metric) thumb screw.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

I was wanting a substantial, rock-solid light stand to add a boom arm to, and this one fits the bill perfectly.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

Excellent stability, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive - what more could one ask for. [it does not come with a set screw, so go to the hardware store and pick up an M6(metric) thumb screw for $0.60 if you don't have a screw that will work.]

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

I needed a boom that would hold an EOS-1DS with a large lens (total weight of 9+ pounds). This boom fit the bill and has room to spare. Soft boxes and lighting also work well. I was happy to see the clips to hold the wires as well, no fighting with cords dropping into view or casting shadows. Very solid, easy to assemble and well worth the money.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

This is a wonderful product for the price. I found the three section boom to be very heavy duty, but easy to put together. I had read before that it was hard because it didn't come with any instructions but I found it was easy to assemble and easy to use. One thing other reviews have mentioned is that it does not come with a screw to attach the pivot clamp to a light stand as it is meant primarily to work by dropping down into a manfrotto stand. Manfrotto needs to state this more clearly in the documentation that they sell the boom with or just provide the screw as part of good customer service and usability. I had to make a quick trip to the hardware store to get a screw as I did not want to go out and purchase the more expensive manfrotto stand when I already had 3-4 heavy duty stands in my studio.
Other than that the boom does what it is intended to do support lights, beauty dishes, softboxes etc. Overall a good value.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

It's SOLID! The think extends like forever. I can put my light right on top of my subject. It takes the weight od my Alienbee with a big softobox (pretty heavy) at no problem. Feels sturdy, and is very heavy.
I love it.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

I use this boom for portraits as well as product photography.

I like the range and ease of use, but instructions form the manufacturer would be helpful in assembling it. I am pretty handy and figured it all out, but a parts diagram or something would be nice.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

This is an item I won't use everyday, but when I do need a boom, I'll be really glad this is the one I've got. Setup was a breeze and in minutes I put together what looks, feels, and operates like a higher quality boom should. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars, is due to the complaint everyone else has. Manfrotto sends this boom without any screw or knob to tighten the boom to the top of whatever heavier duty lightstand you'll presumably be using this on. Therefore, after getting it you then have to track down a knob to tighten the swiveling head to the lightstand you'll be using. I understand it can be used with their cinestand but not everyone has one, nor wants to use one. Most people like myself I would assume would be using this on a lightstand they already have. Pretty poor planning on Manfrotto's part, but other than that no complaints.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

The boom came in a very studt tube that I will use for paking it and a stand when I travel, The boom is very strong and easy to put together. It came with the best pivot I have ever used. with its long reach and heavy counter wt I can support my largest light and soft box over 16 ft above the ground and feel safe it will not fall over even after being moved or bumped. It was a great new piece for the studio.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

This is a great boom, but there was much confusion when I received it. First off, you need to use this boom on a CINE stand, for maximum sturdiness. If you choose to use it on a lighter duty stand, then you will need to obtain a thumb-screw or knob to tighten it down to the smaller shaft. If you see the other reviews, you'll notice that there's always a part missing. According to Manfrotto, that is not really so, when used on the proper stand. I had stands, but I ended up getting a 7' 008BU stand to accomodate this boom (very nice). If you need a taller stand, Manfrotto recommends a 15.75' 269BU.

Unfortunately, did not come with instructions. If you're handy, you can figure it out, or you can call Manfrotto. They'll send you a diagram of the boom, which will help.

Be warned, that this is a heavy boom, and it will topple on a ligher stand if you extend it out all the way. When you choose stands, check the maximum load against the boom, lights, accessories, boom weight, etc. The one I bought, works very well.

All in all, a very nice, sturdy boom. I would've given it 5 stars, if it wasn't for the lack of directions. (Manfrotto makes great stuff).

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

Manfrotto always produces a high quality product, and this boom is no exception. Assembly is a breeze and the required hex key wrench is included.

One thing to be aware of, and everyone complaining that the boom was missing the thumb screw is making a grave mistake. This boom is not designed to mount on a light stand with a 5/8" tip style. This boom is designed to mount onto a heavy duty stand with a 1 1/8" receiver. What looks like it should go over a light stand tip and use a set screw to tie it down is actually the stud itself, designed to drop *INTO* a 1 1/8" receiver, such as you'll find on the Manfrotto 008BU Cine Stand.

My only complaint was the lack of user manual. I was able to assemble it properly without the guide, but it would be reassuring to have a manual to read any warnings and to know that I have the counterweight attached correctly.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

It would of gotten 5 stars had I received all the parts in the package. Its confusing at how so many people are saying the same problem. How this product is clearly being miss-packaged at the manufacture. I contacted both BH Photo and they asked if I wanted a refund or if I want to return it and have them send another. The only thing that was missing was a $3 thumb screw to secure the boom pole to your light stand. Why would I return the entire thing if I was missing 1 little piece. I called Manfroto and it appeared as if I would quickly receive the missing part. I ended up using a part from another product while waiting for my missing piece, and it simply never arrived. Still a mystery. Oh well. It also does not come with instructions and takes a few minutes to figure out where all the pieces go.

Aside from the missing part, the product is awesome. Very very heavy and durable. Very good counter weight. The few times I've used it on location, it was very easy to setup (once you get it assembled the first time). There are 3 sections to the pole, so you can actually shorten it from 9' to 6' by removing one of the poles.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

I use this product for on-set over head lighting, and it performs well. Not as solidly constructed as I'd hoped, but if you don't exceed it's published weight limit, you've a fine tool for location, and studio lighting. I read customer reviews before purchasing this arm, and yes, Manfrotto failed to include the yoke knob in the box. Five dollars and trip to the hardware store put this in use on the day I recieved it.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

The arm can be used at three different lengths depending on how many sections you want to use. The boom arm/pivoting arm bracket is very durable and built to last and the whole system is very easy to use. The only reason why I rated it 4-stars was because it was missing the locking bolt that secures the pivoting arm bracket to a light stand. A quick call to Manfroto had them shipping the missing part to my home, but it took another week to receive. [...]

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

This boom is a must for anyone with studio strobes or monolights. This is a heavy duty unit perfect for lifting a studio strobe and softbox above the subject. The boom pole is 3 sections joined with couplers. I often use only two sections with I am in more confined working spaces. The 3 section design appears to make the boom more rigid, however it is a little more cumbersome to extend out and balance the counterweight than the lighter weight 420B stand. This is my only knock on an otherwise outstanding product.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

Mamfrotto's boomarm is great when I use my3x3 or 30x60 softbox overhead
It's stable and reliable. The only thing missing was the Allen screw that secures the arm to a stand.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

It took me a while to figure out how to set it up since it was missing the manual. Setup time for an individual to throw it on the top of a lightstand was about 3-4 minutes. Most of this was due to the hex screws that connect each of the three arm tubes. The arm tubes are solid and lightweight because they are made of aluminum. Working with the counterweight is probably a bit more cumbersome that a hook to hang a sandbag, but because it can slide along one side, it also offers more options for how long the light head is away from the stand pivot point.

My unit was missing the thumbscrew that secures it to the top of the lightstand, but an email to Manfrotto USA had them ship me the replacement part without question.

Some folks have stated that this is not good for the field, but honestly I like something this heavy duty when the wind picks things up and you've got folks walking around the lightstand and head. Just set an expectation that it will take some extra time to set up and tear down, but the performance will satisfy.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

I was not sure about needing a boom of this build, but I also wanted to avoid the mistake of buying something too flimsy and regretting it later.

After using this boom I greatly appreciate the sturdy build and the ability to handle monolights with 53" octabank or 27" beauty dish. The adjustability that the hardware provides makes things nice and easy. You are still wrestling a fair amount of weight, and keeping it all under control is careful work. But once you get the hang of setting up and breaking down things are not bad at all.

My only gripe is that one of the set screws that keep the tube joining hardware in place was set incorrectly from the factory and is essentially useless - that joint cannot be completely secured. Also, the set screw (presumably, a thumb or wing type) was not provided which keeps the device on the stand post. Other than those minor annoyances, the boom is a very well designed and effective tool. I am glad I did not go with a 'light duty' version, and would buy this heavy duty boom again.

Comments about Manfrotto Heavy Duty Boom Arm, Black - 9' (2.7m):

BOTH pivots MISSING locking screw or knob whichever it's suppose to have?

Overall, good buy -- holds lights & softboxes well -- sturdy build.