Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket
The Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm is a fully articulated arm with 90° pivotable and 360° rotatable ends, and an elbow that rotates 360°. The knob allows partial loosening for safe and precise positioning of a light head or camera. It has 5/8" studs on ball joints at both ends with 3/8 and 1/4" female threads. Although it is supplied with a camera platform, it requires a Super Clamp or Base (available separately) for use.
| Length | 20.87" (53cm) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1kg) |
| Load Capacity | 6.61 lbs (3 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 48 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (27)
- Solid/sturdy (24)
- Fits well (15)
- Improves tripod function (15)
- Durable (14)
Cons
Best Uses
- Video (14)
- Home (9)
- Sports/action (8)
- Night shots (7)
- Outdoor events / games (7)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (24), Photo enthusiast (8), Semi-pro photographer (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (27)
Most Liked Positive Review
Pretty dang cool
I wasn't sure what to expect with this thing but I knew I needed something to hold my new 7" monitor. I was done trying to negotiate looking at the 7D viewfinder for anyt...Read complete review
I wasn't sure what to expect with this thing but I knew I needed something to hold my new 7" monitor. I was done trying to negotiate looking at the 7D viewfinder for anything.
When it arrived I thought the arm was big and heavy but the genius is how well it's made. Classic Manfrotto, affordable excellence. Very solid piece where all the joints are tightened with the oversized tightening knob. Perfectly. Loosen it a little and adjust all the angles with just enough tension to keep things from flying all over the place. I guess you have to see it to believe it.
Absolutely smart, well designed provided your rig can handle the weight.
By the way, since I also shoot stills with this rig, photographers will get addicted to the bigger screen as well. Hard to imagine the time when we didn't get to see what we were shooting.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Works ok, not a replacement for a tripod
Although it does grip super tight and does not slip or become loose whatsoever, I found that when I attached a Canon 5D and a 24-205mm lens, the whole rig wobbles slightly, and...Read complete review
Although it does grip super tight and does not slip or become loose whatsoever, I found that when I attached a Canon 5D and a 24-205mm lens, the whole rig wobbles slightly, and it shows up in the photos with blurring and smearing when using it for long exposures, especially when zooming in. I wouldn't recommend it for long exposures with heavier cameras on the end of it.
Also the Empire State Building would not allow it past the security check point no matter what I told them- they knew what it was and don't want cameras being clamped to the fencing.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 48 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
I do quite a few overhead view how to videos. I used to set a tripod on the table but the tripod legs were always in the way. I tried some other articulating arms, but they weren't strong enough to hold my camera steady. This arm is solid. I have it mounted to a 4 foot piece of 1 1/2 inch steel pipe, which is mounted on my table top using a pipe flange (available at any hardware store). Of course I'm using the Manfrotto Super Clamp to clamp to the pipe. It will hold my XF105 straight out which puts the lens 24 inches from the pipe. I bought two arms and two Super Clamps so I can do side by side videos. I can think of hundreds of ways to use this. The quality of the materials is excellent.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
- Poor Documentation
Best Uses
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
Bought this to use with a superclamp to secure a camera in different kinds of situations. I've only used it a couple of times, but I'm very impressed so far.
A bit of documentation would have been nice, however. It took a bit of fiddling to figure out that the big knob controls all of the pivot points. Once I figured that out, I was absolutely amazed at the engineering that went into this.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
I use this for a remote camera behind a basketball backboard, it works just like I thought it would. Super Sturdy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
I've used this product so many different ways on the job. For rigging cameras monitors or any other kind of mount it works perfectly!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
Great arm...held a pro body with wide angle and pocket wizard attached with no problem at all during a game with several dunks. Highly recommend.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
I love it, you can position it any way you like. Very sturdy and does not cost bounce, I use it for rig shots and it benefits me in every way.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
Endless uses.
Very versatile.
Compact enough to bring as a skeleton kit.
You will need to purchase a clamp with this.
For it's price, can't be beat.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
This variable friction arm works amazingly well, and will hold anything I need to hang up in the rafters. Has held up a 1D body and a 70-200 with no problem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
Very heavy duty, when it's locked in place it's not going anywhere!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
Good functional product. Holds my ring lights no problem.
The super grip clip accessory is a must though.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
Very strong & versatile!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
Best Uses
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
Although it does grip super tight and does not slip or become loose whatsoever, I found that when I attached a Canon 5D and a 24-205mm lens, the whole rig wobbles slightly, and it shows up in the photos with blurring and smearing when using it for long exposures, especially when zooming in. I wouldn't recommend it for long exposures with heavier cameras on the end of it.
Also the Empire State Building would not allow it past the security check point no matter what I told them- they knew what it was and don't want cameras being clamped to the fencing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
It was a little heavy for what I thought it would weigh.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
Great because you can mount any quick release plate on it, or your camera directly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Allows flexibility
- Durable
- Strong
Cons
- No assembly insrtuctions
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- Remote shooting
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
A handy tool to have in your kit. I use it to place both camera's and speed lites in difficult or out of reach spots to get desired results. Great for remote shooting.
It comes unassembled in the box with no instructions which is a small hassle as their as a few washers and bearings that fit into the pivot that need to go in the right order for it to work properly.
It is a very sturdy piece of kit when in use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
This clamp is great! It works better than expected. The center knob allows you to tighten not only the two arm links, but also the swivel ends with just a single twist! I have yet to put substantial leverage on the arm, but it feels rock solid.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
Just what it says, variable friction. Pure genius. And when you tighten it, it wont move at all!
Pros
Cons
- Poor Design
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
The 2 pins that are part of the ballhead do not move freely in their sockets. They are stiff enough that it takes considerable strength to move them in their sockets. And this is when the arm is fully loosened. [...] The only way to get around this is to purchase several arms, hope that at least one works, and return the ones that don't work.Manfrotto's suggestion is to use adjustable wrenches to adjust the control over the pin tension. I ended up ordering the arms and sending them directly to Manfrotto. I do not own the necessary tools and lack the expertise to make the adjustments.In the end, the ballheads movement is slightly improved but its still a jerky scratchy motion to move the pins. The videos on youtube show the arm moving freely. Something has happened in recent production. Manfrotto is adiment this is the way the arm is designed. I can not recommend this product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
It's not a question of whether you should buy one; it's just how many you should buy. Very handy piece of kit and will get you out of tricky situations on set.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro
Comments about Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket:
Just what I was looking for.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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What's in the Box
- 143BKT Camera Platform for Magic Arm
- One Year Manufacturer's Warranty
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