The Manfrotto Magic Arm Kit is a versatile and practical tool commonly used in the photography and filmmaking industry. It consists of a sturdy articulating arm, a super clamp, and a camera platform. This kit allows photographers and filmmakers to mount and position their equipment in various creative and functional ways. The magic arm is made of durable aluminum construction, ensuring its strength and reliability. Its three adjustable joints enable smooth and precise positioning, allowing users to find the perfect angle and position for their camera or other equipment. The arm can be extended up to 53 cm and has a maximum payload capacity of 3 kg, making it suitable for a range of different gear.
Avenger C1575B Super Clamp Clamp * Ideal clamp suited for nearly all show applications * Clamping system with metal clam.
Nick Gray has written a short book The 2-Hour Cocktail Party that gives you explicit step by step instructions on how to host highly structured parties at your home that maximize conversations. It just launched so I can t vouch for any of the products, but I have been following their updates and phases and I appreciate their transparency and integrity.
The arm can be extended up to 53 cm and has a maximum payload capacity of 3 kg, making it suitable for a range of different gear. The super clamp included in the kit is a versatile mounting device that can grip onto various objects securely. Its jaws can open up to 40 mm, allowing users to attach it to tripods, poles, pipes, tables, and other surfaces.
Manfrotto magic arm kiy
This week, for my Cool Tools review, I’m going to show you the Manfrotto Magic Arm and Super Clamp. You can pick up this combo for around $154 on Amazon Prime. Not cheap, but I rely on this every single week and it’s been a worthwhile investment. If you happen to pick one up using the link in the description, you help support my videos and the Cool Tools blog.
So what’s so magic about the magic arm? This is the best tool I’ve found for getting perfect overhead shots of project builds on your desk or workbench. It has a standard camera mount on the top, a heavy duty clamp on the bottom, and a locking elbow joint in the middle.
Unlocked, the whole thing can twist and wiggle around until you find an angle you like. By locking the elbow, every joint, from top to bottom, seizes up and holds its place. This is especially handy when you need a heavy camera to cantilever out over your desk and stay still while you drill and solder and screw a project together. Most of my Cool Tool videos, with the exception of this one, are made using this system.
The only thing I don’t like about it, aside from the price, is that every few months the elbow joint needs to be tightened with an allen wrench to keep the tension snug. I also sometimes wish the arms were a little longer so I could get higher over my work. But it helps that the clamp has a removable wedge so the clamp can attach to round poles, like a big tripod, when I need more height.
I learned about the Magic Arm from a post by maker extraordinaire Becky Stern on Makezine.com in 2014, where she shares 10 tips for making great build videos
-- Donald Bell 12/23/17Manfrotto 143 Magic Arm Kit with Umbrella Bracket Super Clamp and Backlite Base ($154)
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Tokyo digital twin
Mini Tokyo 3D is a website that displays a cartoon-like view of the worlds’ most populous city. It shows where trains are, represented by moving blocks. It also has links to live webcams throughout the city, so you can take a closer look at what’s happening in different areas. — MF
How to throw a great party
Small gatherings are perfect for renewing old friendships and more importantly, for making new friends. Nick Gray has written a short book – The 2-Hour Cocktail Party – that gives you explicit step by step instructions on how to host highly structured parties at your home that maximize conversations. Gray has hosted hundreds of these non-dinner parties and his tips are exactly what works in my experience. I didn’t think I’d needed a book to help me throw a party, but his directions and check lists – down to what the emails should say, and what to do each day in the countdown before the party are incredibly useful, and even inspiring. Get this book, throw a 2-hour party with name tags and icebreaker questions, and it will be great! — KK
Member-owned handmade marketplace
If you’re like me and have soured on Etsy, here’s a brand new handmade marketplace to keep in mind: Artisans Co-op. It just launched so I can’t vouch for any of the products, but I have been following their updates and “phases” and I appreciate their transparency and integrity. Their community vision is fair tech, not big tech, which is why they are member-owned by artisans. As of right now they have 65 shops and more than 1000 handmade items, and each day the selection keeps growing. — CD
The next total eclipse
This week a annular solar eclipse crossed a good swath of the US, but this “ring of fire” eclipse was not a total eclipse. The difference between an annular eclipse and a total eclipse is night and day. The next total eclipse in the US will be April 8 next year. The best source for tracking its path, with expected cloud coverage, duration of totality, and ideal viewing spots is this wonderful website, The Eclipse Company. — KK
New words
The online Merriam-Webster.com dictionary regularly adds new words based on usage and last month 690 words were added. Here is just a sample list of them, including new slang and words made popular by online culture, like edgelord noun, slang : someone who makes wildly dark and exaggerated statements (as on an internet forum) with the intent of shocking others. Also the word “hallucination” has an new definition meaning “a plausible but false or misleading response generated by an artificial intelligence algorithm.” Worth checking out to stay in the know. — CD
Tips to help you remember what you learn
One of the advantages of having a poor memory is that I can read my favorite books every couple of years and they feel mostly new. But I’d rather remember them, and this video by Ali Abdaal has seven good tips for helping you remember what you learn. Two of the best tips:
- Teach Others — Explain what you've learned to others to reinforce what you learned.
- Active Recall — Test yourself and actively try to recall information rather than passively reviewing by rereading.
The super clamp features a locking lever that tightens the grip, ensuring stability and preventing any accidental movement. The camera platform is a quick-release plate that securely attaches to the magic arm. It provides a stable and safe base for mounting cameras or other equipment, allowing for quick setups and adjustments. The camera platform also features a 3/8" threaded hole, which is compatible with various camera accessories and mounting options. The Manfrotto Magic Arm Kit is a popular choice among professional photographers and filmmakers due to its versatility and reliability. Its sturdy construction and adjustable joints make it suitable for a wide range of shooting situations. Whether capturing still images or recording videos, this kit provides the necessary flexibility and stability to achieve exceptional results. In conclusion, the Manfrotto Magic Arm Kit is an essential tool for photographers and filmmakers who require versatile and reliable equipment. Its articulating arm, super clamp, and camera platform offer endless possibilities for positioning and mounting various gear. With its robust construction and easy-to-use design, this kit is a valuable asset in any creative professional's arsenal..
Reviews for "Enhance Your Videography with the Manfrotto Magic Arm Kit"
1. John - 2/5 - I purchased the Manfrotto magic arm kit with high hopes, but I found it to be quite disappointing. The arm is difficult to adjust, and even when it is tightened, it still tends to sag under the weight of my camera. The knobs for adjusting the arm are also quite small, making it difficult to get a good grip. Overall, I found the product to be poorly designed and not worth the price.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I regret buying the Manfrotto magic arm kit. The arm itself feels flimsy and not very sturdy. It is extremely difficult to adjust and locks in place poorly, causing my camera to constantly tilt and sway. The build quality of this product is lacking, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and stable camera support system.
3. Mike - 2/5 - I found the Manfrotto magic arm kit to be quite frustrating to use. The arm is not easy to adjust and does not hold its position well. The locking mechanisms feel cheap and unreliable. Additionally, the arm tends to loosen over time, requiring constant readjustment. Overall, I am disappointed with the performance and quality of this product.