Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black)

  • Price: $129.95
  • B&H # MA131DDB
  • Mfr# 131DDB

Product Highlights

  • Replaces #3153B

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The Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads mounts onto the center column of tripods with 3/8" threads. The platforms feature 3/8" screws, which allow a standard tripod head to be mounted on either or both sides. In addition, the horizontal bar features 3/8" screws on both ends, allowing mounting of tripod heads from the sides.

Replaces part number 3153B.

Horizontal Arm Travel 12" (30.7cm)
Length 23.6" (60cm)
Weight 2.4 lbs (1.1kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black)
 
4.6

(based on 25 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (16)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (8)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Improves tripod function (20)
  • Easy to use (18)
  • Solid/sturdy (15)
  • Fits well (12)

Cons

  • Heavy (4)

Best Uses

  • Portraits (16)
  • Landscape/scenery (7)
  • Night shots (6)
  • Video (5)
  • Photography (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Pro photographer (11), Semi-pro photographer (10)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (13)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Very useful piece for your studio setup

I ordered this piece after reading Terry White's blog awhile back (A blog I highly recommend) while he was discussing shooting tethered. I wanted to try, picked up this piece and have yet ...Read complete review

I ordered this piece after reading Terry White's blog awhile back (A blog I highly recommend) while he was discussing shooting tethered. I wanted to try, picked up this piece and have yet to do so. However, I've found so many additional uses for this support it was well worth the purchase.From multiple camera setups and flash units, you can really do some fun - creative things with this arm. It is also very solidly constructed, very sturdy, and fits with precision.I only gave it 4 stars for a minor complaint - it's a little heavy for my light carbon fiber tripod and unless you've got the legs at least 2/3rds extended it will easily tip. Of course you need to use a counter-weight on the other end to balance out if you don't have an equal amount of gear weight fixed. Simple, I use a couple of velcro ankle weights with adjustable weight inserts [...]Also be aware, you're potentially sacrificing a bit of image stability, if your not a little extra careful, as your camera is not directly over the center of your tripod. It hasn't proven an issue for me so far - I always use a remote trigger.Bottom Line; Very versatile piece to add more possibilities to any studio setup - I'm pleased with it.D

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Strong and stable but with problems

It is strong and stable but due to size and weight of accessories you attach to it shakes your tripod, I mean a strong tripod with 3 straight legs. You either need a super ...Read complete review

It is strong and stable but due to size and weight of accessories you attach to it shakes your tripod, I mean a strong tripod with 3 straight legs. You either need a super strong tripod or don't mind the shake. Also if you remove an item from it, there is a risk of it tipping over due to change in the balance. You definately need sand bags hanging from your tripod. Over all, I was wondering if I would be better off if I bought a separate tripod.
The attachments on the top has no small screws to fix the attachments (end attachments have it), so attachments can get loose easily.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 25 customers

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4.0

"Nice and Sturdy construction"

By MTC Photography

from Morristown, NJ

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy To Use

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Portraits

Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

Useful for Portraits sessions

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4.0

Pricey, but, it is a good tool

By Fcianflone

from Malden, MA

About Me Pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Improves Tripod Function
  • Solid/Sturdy

Cons

  • Pricey

Best Uses

  • Video
  • Weddings/Events

Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

You can find cheaper from other brands
It is very important tool for my video Shooting
Very solid and heavy. Well made

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5.0

As in my dreams

By Zé De Boni

from Sao Paulo, Brazil

About Me Pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy To Use
  • Solid/Sturdy
  • Versatile

Cons

    Best Uses

    • 3D Imaging
    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Portraits

    Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

    I was planning to build such an accessory arm but before I waste my time in my workshop I found this excelent solution from Manfrotto. The only weak link may be the tripod head on which this arm is mounted, thus my recomendation of a heavy duty geared head. I use it in two ways:
    - Mounting two similar cameras with exactly the same lenses and settings to capture two simultaneous frames or video clips, which I later blend to view on a 3D monitor. It is easy to set the distance between the two lenses so I can get natural or hiper-3D results. The two cameras can be easily aligned with high precision required by this technique. So, for 3D, it is better not to use other tripod heads between arm and cameras; I use instead two identical panorama plates, so I can position the two cameras with any degree of convergence to shoot close subjects ;-)
    - The other use for this arm is for outdoors, mounting up to 4 bodies with different prime lenses to get ready for any event that is rather quick or requires my attention and I would rathes not miss while changing lenses, like sunrise, sunset, twilight or eclipse, or for long exposure night shots. Same way, it is useful for studio or sports, so you can follow the subject with many cameras and different lenses simultaneously.

    Share this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Excellent Product and Service

    By Dick's Digital

    from West Linn, OR

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Improves Tripod Function
    • Solid/Sturdy

    Cons

    • A little heavy

    Best Uses

      Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

      I use this arm mounted on my tripod to support my camera and computer for tethered shooting. Note: the computer tray is sold separately.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Great for tethered shooting.

      By JP in BP

      from Brooklyn Park

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy To Use
      • Improves Tripod Function
      • Solid/Sturdy

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Night Shots
        • Portraits
        • Real Estate

        Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

        This is a solid accessory and works great when I have my camera tethered to my Macbook and need to shoot real estate or still life photos. Easy to adjust to get the correct balance between camera and laptop, as well as connect to the tripod in general. I would usually have my laptop only on a tripod and handhold the camera, but there are situations where I like to have both mounted and this does the trick.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Makes My PhotoLlife Easy

        By MIBOtt

        from T&T in the Caribbean

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Fits Well
        • Improves Tripod Function
        • Solid/Sturdy

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Night Shots
          • Portraits

          Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

          I use the 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black) by Manfrotto as a support for my Mac Pro.
          It's great in studio and Location.
          It's comfi.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Superb Product

          By haze

          from Phoenix, AZ

          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use
          • Improves Tripod Function

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Portraits

            Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

            I use the Tripod Accessory Arm to shoot tethered. My Macbook Pro 15" is mounted to a Teather Tools Table on the left and the Nikon D7000 is mounted to a ball head on the right. It sits atop a heavy duty carbon tripod and provides a perfectly elegant solution to tethered shooting.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Excellent choice!

            By Barry

            from Columbus, Ohio

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Fits Well
            • Improves Tripod Function
            • Solid/Sturdy

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Portraits
              • Studio

              Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

              I am using this with a tripod head at one end and a Gitzo G-065 monitor platform at the other. What a treat! Its easy to teather the camera to my laptop and see immediately what the shot looks like. I have the tripod on a wheeled base and can more the entire unit around a subject easily. Well built, easy to use and overalll an excellent choice.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Solidly Built and Very Useful

              By SnapClick

              from Virginia

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Good fit and finish
              • Improves Tripod Function
              • Quality
              • Sturdy

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Portraits
                • Sports/Action

                Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                I use the tripod accessory arm to hold my camera on one end and my computer on the other (with the Gitzo computer tray). Considering I have more than a grand hanging off of each end, having a sturdy, high-quality arm is a must. The Manfrotto 131DDB delivers.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                So far I love this Manfotto Arm.

                By Tim

                from Cleveland, OH.

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy To Use
                • Fits Well
                • Improves Tripod Function
                • Solid/Sturdy

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Portraits
                  • Video
                  • Weddings/Events

                  Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                  I'm using the 131DDB to hold my laptop and camera while shooting tethered. It's strong, no flex. I feel secure using it. You need a heavy duty tripod to handle the weight and balance challenges.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Solid, Flexible, Infinite Uses

                  By NEWORLD3D

                  from San Diego, CA

                  About Me Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use
                  • Fits Well
                  • Improves Tripod Function
                  • Infinite Uses
                  • Solid/Sturdy

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Home
                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Night Shots
                    • Portraits
                    • Sports/Action
                    • Video
                    • Wildlife

                    Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                    I use this product primarily to mount two cameras on individual 3-way tripod heads, or directly onto the unit's 3/8" male bases using 3/8" to 1/4" adapters. I could mount two more items on the two ends of the unit. The adjustments are totally free-form, and when you lock them down, they stay locked. The configurations of connected equipment are endless. Well worth the price for a lifetime product.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Cool tool!

                    By yipDog

                    from Mesa, AZ

                    About Me Pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Use
                    • Fits Well
                    • Improves Tripod Function
                    • Solid/Sturdy

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                        Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                        As a video guy who does stills too, it can be a real time waster to swap between camcorder and DSLR.

                        This bar has allowed me to mount both cameras on one tripod each with a 503hdv head. might get really creative someday and put lights on the side posts.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        3.0

                        Strong and stable but with problems

                        By imaj photography

                        from Dublin, Ireland

                        About Me Pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Improves Tripod Function

                        Cons

                        • Loose Clamp
                        • Need a verystrong tripod
                        • Tipping over risk

                        Best Uses

                        • Landscape/Scenery
                        • Night Shots
                        • Product photography

                        Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                        It is strong and stable but due to size and weight of accessories you attach to it shakes your tripod, I mean a strong tripod with 3 straight legs. You either need a super strong tripod or don't mind the shake. Also if you remove an item from it, there is a risk of it tipping over due to change in the balance. You definately need sand bags hanging from your tripod. Over all, I was wondering if I would be better off if I bought a separate tripod.
                        The attachments on the top has no small screws to fix the attachments (end attachments have it), so attachments can get loose easily.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Perfect for mounting my laptop

                        By Mike Mahoney Media

                        from Lakeside, AZ

                        About Me Pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Use
                        • Fits Well
                        • Improves Tripod Function
                        • Solid/Sturdy

                        Cons

                        • Heavy

                        Best Uses

                          Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                          I had been looking for a way to mount my laptop next to my camera on my tripod to make shooting tethered easier. I figured that if Joe McNally does it, it must be the hot set up! This arm combined with the "183 Aluminum Projector Platform
                          " mounted to a good tripod is the answer. Very solid and stable. Obviously it adds some weight to your gear if you're on location, but if you're shooting tethered, you're probably already packing a car load of gear anyway. It's great to be able to fine tune your lighting and settings using a 15" screen rather than the 3" LCD on the back of the camera!

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Excellent for tethered and photobooth

                          By Dan

                          from Washington, DC

                          About Me Pro Photographer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • Fits Well
                          • Improves Tripod Function
                          • Solid/Sturdy

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Portraits
                            • Weddings/Events

                            Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                            I use the 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm by Manfrotto along with the Gitzo G065 MONITOR PLATFORM - GIG065 for tethered shooting. It is solid, versitile, and much more than I expected for such a low price. When mounted as a crossbar on top of a sturdy tripod I put a camera on one mount and the monitor platform on the other. You can really lean on this thing!Recently I used one for a photo booth setup at a wedding. Check it out at [@] was very easy to setup and was a big hit! As far as being sturdy, kids literally hung on it trying to see the monitor and it didn't bend, break, or fall over. (It was on a sturdy, but light carbon fiber Gitzo tripod that had a decent weight holding it down.)

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Just what I have been looking for

                            By Spiffman

                            from St Louis, MO

                            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Easy To Use
                            • Fits Well
                            • Solid/Sturdy

                            Cons

                            • Heavy

                            Best Uses

                              Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                              This Four Head accessory arm is more versatile that the application I had intended to apply. Very quickly, my son, saw several different applications and was interested in getting one himself.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                               
                              4.0

                              Should not have waited so long to buy.

                              By Dean

                              from Broomfield, Co

                              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Easy To Use
                              • Fits Well
                              • Improves Tripod Function

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Home
                                • Portraits

                                Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                                Instead of using a table or chairs this product saves time and is very convenient for tethered shooting.

                                Share this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                Adds versatility to my tripod set-up!

                                By Digital Dave

                                from Baton Rouge, La.

                                About Me Pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Easy To Use
                                • Fits Well
                                • Improves Tripod Function
                                • Solid/Sturdy

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Night Shots
                                  • Sports/Action
                                  • Travel
                                  • Video
                                  • Wildlife

                                  Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                                  I bought this bracket to go with the 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black) by Manfrotto. It works beautifully with it, and allows me to add, yet another piece of equipment to my tripod. Great for working out in the field, or on location where you need to have everything on one tripod.

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                                  5.0

                                  Great product. Solved my problem!

                                  By Digital Dave

                                  from Baton Rouge, La.

                                  About Me Pro Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Easy To Use
                                  • Improves Tripod Function
                                  • Solid/Sturdy

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Landscape/Scenery
                                    • Travel
                                    • Wildlife

                                    Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                                    As with all Manfrotto products, this one is well made. Now I have the ability to mount more than one camera on my tripod. Also, I plan to use it to mount my camera on one side and a tray to hold my Lap Top on the other side. I would recommend this product to anyone that needs to use more than one camera on a tripod at the same time or someone that would like to shoot to a Lap Top.

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Functional, useful accessory

                                    By Benjamin Sisko

                                    from Visalia and La Puente, CA

                                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Easy To Use
                                    • Solid/Sturdy

                                    Cons

                                    • Bulky
                                    • Poor Design

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Landscape/Scenery
                                    • Night Shots
                                    • Portraits
                                    • Video

                                    Comments about Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black):

                                    In use with a Gitzo monitor platform, excellent for tethered photography. By itself, it allows use of 2 cameras to capture images or video from nearly the same vantage point- if you're testing equipment or want to show the scene from a telephoto and wide angle perspective, for example, very useful.

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                                    Manfrotto 131DDB Tripod Accessory Arm for Four Heads (Black)
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