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Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm
The Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm differs from the regular Magic Arm, in that the Variable Friction Arm allows partial locking in place of a light, grip, or a camera. This comes in handy when using a light or camera to track a subject. It is a pivot arm with a large locking knob. One end will support a light that has a baby (5/8") receptor. The other end is designed to fit into a Super Clamp socket, or other 5/8" receptor.
- The Variable Friction Magic Arm is modular -- Stand it on the floor or a table with an optional Backlite base (3095).
- The Variable Friction Magic Arm is modular -- Lock it into an optional Super (2915), or Maffer Clamp, on a pipe or shelf from 1/2 - 2" in diameter or thickness.
- The Variable Friction Magic Arm is modular -- Use it to mount a camera with the optional camera bracket (143BKT), or order #2929 which includes a camera mount, or #2930QR, which has a Quick Release Camera Plate.
| Capacity | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 30 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to setup (19)
- Reliable (18)
- Consistent (12)
- Attach securely (7)
- Durable (7)
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography (12)
- Artificial lighting (7)
- Strobe lighting (7)
- General purpose (5)
- Indoors (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (15), Photo enthusiast (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (17)
Most Liked Positive Review
Crazy Magic Arm
This is the one to get! If you are tying to get your remote camera or even lights into new and exciting places (ie: behind the backboard of a basketball game, third base ...Read complete review
This is the one to get! If you are tying to get your remote camera or even lights into new and exciting places (ie: behind the backboard of a basketball game, third base fence, etc) this is the friction arm you want. It's the one the pros use most often. Why? Because of the locking knob. Don't get the other one. You won't feel comfortable putting your expensive camera or lighting equipment on it.
Oh yea, you will need a super clamp or a base to use it, so don't forget that!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good gear to have around
The magic arm is a good piece of gear to have. Well made and functions well. It says it'll hold up to 6 pounds but I wouldn't go more than 5lb.
The magic arm is a good piece of gear to have. Well made and functions well. It says it'll hold up to 6 pounds but I wouldn't go more than 5lb.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 30 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Sports
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.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:
Very Tight, Very well made.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Outdoors
- Special Events
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
- Wheelchair camera mount
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:
Very handy and durable in and out of the studio.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- High Quality
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
- Well thought-out
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Remote camera setup
Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:
The industry standard
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
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...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjusts to any angle
- Consistent
- Easy To Setup
- Reliable
Cons
- Creaks when tightened
Best Uses
- Almost anything
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Artificial Lighting
- Photography
- Remote camera
- Strobe Lighting
- Weddings
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Engineering prototyping
Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:
I use the Magic Arm for prototype work and it works great as a 3rd hand.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Range of Motion
- Solid construction
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Forensic photography
- Lighting Support
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Setup
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:
This is being used for my disabled son to hold game controllers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy Setup
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:
Great product - I'm not really sure how it does what it does but it does it well. You set all of the joints where you want them, tighten the knob and all of the joints stay in place. I want a few more!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy Setup
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Solid
Cons
Best Uses
- Artificial Lighting
- Photography
- Portraits
- Strobe Lighting
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:
I use this with the two below items to make a portable, compact, covert travel tripod. You can take it into places the conventional tripod isn't allowed. Also small enough to fit in a small camera bag to setup a tripod for stable shooting. Many applications that you can use this on.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy Setup
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Artificial Lighting
- Photography
- Strobe Lighting
Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:
Used this to get some behind the backboard shot! Worked great i own 2 of them.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy Setup
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Artificial Lighting
- Photography
- Portraits
- Strobe Lighting
- Weddings
Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:
The product is great. I use them to hold AB 1600's, 800.s , and Einstiens WITH the small sq softbox and the small octa that ABs sells.I had finally ordered one, fell in love, and ordered 2 more right away.[...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy Setup
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography
- Strobe Lighting
- Weddings
Comments about Manfrotto 244N Variable Friction Magic Arm:
The magic arm is a good piece of gear to have. Well made and functions well. It says it'll hold up to 6 pounds but I wouldn't go more than 5lb.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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