Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

I bought this so I could rig my 7D off my A camera tripod to get a second angle. It holds the weight fine and is easy to adjust.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

I use this arm with two clamps, one on each end.
It holds my light, flash, laser pointers.
It holds my heatgun, or something I need to glue.
It's my third arm. I use it for everything.
I Love it.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

This is the one you want, to support remote cameras, strobes, and other grip equipment.
Much better than the levered 143, which can't be micro adjusted and will go limp if the lever is nudged.

I purchased the 143BKT separately, instead of the 244N + 143BKT package - it was cheaper. This may be so for you, so do check.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

A very handy addition for the studio & camera bag. I support my Nikon SB-900 speed lights for water drop photography to support the lights in a rather confined area, very easy to position, clamped on the table with Manfrotto's Super Grip clamp. I liked the product so well I ordered a second one with the 143BKT Camera Platform for future use.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

We use this product for machine vision (cameras and lighting). With the locking lever, it is very difficult to keep the unit position exactly as desired. With the varible friction handle, it is very easy to position the unit exactly where it needs to be and tighten without losing the position.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

The variable friction knob on this version is much better than the locking lever on my previous model. My favorite use of the Magic Arm is to replace my tripod while traveling in places that tripods aren't allowed.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

Using it to mount microphones for external sound measurements. Use it along with a shock proof microphone mount. It is very durable and last long!

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

Nothing else really like it, when you factor in all the accessories for it too. Variable one is better than the lever style. A little awkward but what's the alternative.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

Very Tight, Very well made.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

I wish someone told me about this earlier! I tried to order another one today but they are out of stock and the price went up $10!

I've used this to mount a monitor on my tripod and a boom mic. I also plan to use it to mount a small POV camera and some lights.

I recommend getting the variable friction arm over the other model.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

It is excellent and better than the other one. IT almost allow you to do micro adjustments.. like if it was a tripod head.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

Like a few other reviewers I'm using the 244N as part of a wheelchair camera mount solution.

I originally purchased the Manfrotto 143 Magic Arm Kit (the arm with the locking lever with a Super Clamp etc.) but found that, with my reduced physical strength, I had difficulty locking the unit in the right position. The variable friction mechanism on the 244N makes adjustments and locking a breeze.

The arms on my wheelchair have play in them so I have to attach the Super Clamp/244N lower on my chair. I'm fairly tall so to get the right height I used a couple of Manfrotto 118 male spigots with a 119 female spigot in between with a 494 Mini Ball Head w/RC2 QR Plate. This combination is perfect for me.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

Very handy and durable in and out of the studio.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

I just got the "variable friction" Magic Arm after having used the old "locking lever" version for many years. The old design is great, but I find the new design to be even more useful. You no longer have to support the entire weight of the payload (with one hand) when adjusting the Magic Arm position. The friction allows the Magic Arm to support part of that weight for you.

The downside of the new design is it takes a little longer to tighten the joint because you have to twist the knob two or three times. To me that's a minor issue.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

The industry standard

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

I use things in the studio to take away light... flags mostly... I need some'thing' to hold them in place. These are by far the best for doing just that. AND they're cheaper than an assistant. They are made to be very sturdy with no plastic parts except for the handle. You'll have them for years. When I shoot remote this is what I use to hold my camera. They are super fast to set up...

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

This arm works really well and will support lots of weight. Limited only by your imagination. My only minor complaint is that it makes a "creaking" sound when you tighten it down all the way.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

This works great. I have used it to hold a mono light and with the camera platform to set up a remote camera. Works great and attaches to just about anything you want it to. This was a great purchase.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

I use the Magic Arm for prototype work and it works great as a 3rd hand.

Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:

I work in the forensics unit of a police agency. The Magic Arm in combination with a Super Clamp works great in holding the light guide of our lab's ALS unit while photographing latent prints. I also use the Magic Arm to position a metric scale when photographing irregular-shaped items that present problems with their shallow depth of field in macro photography. The range of motion with the Magic Arms's pivot is incredible! Wonderful product.