Review: Manfrotto Magic Arms 143N & 244N Magic Arm - Which is Best?

[@RabbitHariton]

Thanks!

[@Thicketworks]

Thank you for precisely the right balance of information, demonstration, and a glimpse of your overall setup, my friend. Extremely useful.

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, I'm glad it was useful! The setup you're seeing works great for multi-cam editing. Took a few years to figure out how to get a good overhead shot, but this seemed a great way to do it. Lacking space achieves wonders sometimes. :)

[@mikegrok]

My wife has a disability. She lost her limbs a decade ago, including both arms at the wrist. . Thank you for showing how both are used. I plan to get the lever lock (she is not good with twisting knobs) arm for her to mount her iPhone to her wheelchair. Currently she uses the uses the 3 second timer, then swings the iphone (via it's strap) in the direction it needs to go, then checks if it is too blurry. This works often enough, but I want to get her something that has more control when we go to an event. I have a nice ballhead for her to use with it.

[@FirstL00k]

There's an idea! That's a unique way to use the magic arm; I hope it works for her.

[@mikea.2306]

Outstanding video. Simple breakdown of each arm, and real-time video showing how to actually use each arm. This allows the viewers to see how they are used without having them actually in their hands. Keep your videos as simple, quick and easy to follow as this one was.

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks very much, we're doing our best!

[@brownreport]

I was looking all over for a comparison of the two and why I should buy one over the other. You have hands down the best video comparison and demo and practical reasoning for buying one over the other. From one KZbinr to another... great video, thanks.

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks buddy! I always wondered about these models myself before I picked them up and I'm glad it's of help to you!

[@dukekiduke]

Love this video! Straight to the point, no fancy shmancy fuzz, useful and practical information, good explanations/visualizations, unbiased review, no annoying adverts/self promo. Thank you very much and keep up your good work. KZbin needs more videos like this!

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks buddy! I didn't know which one to buy at first too, so I wanted to help others figure this out after I used them both.

[@TheJumiFilm]

This was such a good review! All the information I was looking for :)

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@ahmedadambd1939]

My respects because despite the small space available you manage to find solutions and present good content.

[@FirstL00k]

Thank you sir, I appreciate that! Always on the lookout to see how to improve.

[@edge8edge]

Excellent review. I have the 143N lever lock. I appreciate your detailed description. I acquired mine through work and while I knew what it was I wasn’t certain how to use it. Thank You!

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome buddy, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@SmokeIdeas]

Just what I need in my setup, I was searching for a video of a magic arm to decide which to buy and find your video and you save me to buy different options and then decide what suits me. Excellent demonstration!!!! Thank you so much!

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, I'm glad the video was helpful to you!

[@jakewrightnet]

Thank you, this video was extremely helpful!

[@FirstL00k]

Awesome, glad it helped!

[@jettlandon6283]

instablaster.

[@TweakMDS]

You know, I've been lookin at these items for a few years now, and never saw it as clear as I do now... Thank you!

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, I'm glad it helped!

[@DianneArnold]

Thank you for this video. This was the info I needed to understand the various uses for the Magic Arm. I love that you were precise spare with your words, The demo of the arms and the look at your setup was very useful. Only question I had was for more information about your table/shelf/post setup and that got asked and answered in the Comments. Just excellent!!

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks very much, I really appreciate it! In case you want to see the actual setup, I made another video detailing the table setup.

[@هُناعبير]

you've helped me in my setting so much i can't say thank u enough!

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, I'm glad it helped!

[@DaraStarrTucker]

Thank you for this.

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, I'm glad it helped!

[@marksvideos835]

Great video and explanations. The lever lock had me fooled - I didn’t expect the jerky movement in order to lock it. There aren’t very many videos that actually show how to lock the 143N.

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks! I was excited with my first 143N purchase - until I saw how difficult it was to get an exact angle set up for a camera (so it got relegated to lighting duty most times!) I'm glad it helped, it sucks to have to spend time returning things just to buy another one.

[@TheTrackdriver]

I didn't even dare to use the lever because I was afraid to break it. The instruction doesn't mention that you have to use quite some force to move it into the locking position. This video helped me out so thanks!

[@abas1r]

Mine arrived today and I had no idea how to use it, thank you for making this super clear..

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, glad it was helpful!

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks very much. A very clear explaination of two very similar and confusing products.

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, I'm glad the info was helpful!

[@keepitshortnsweet]

Working in production sound I've used the 244N for years on set, in picture car rigs to set mics. Like cameras, mics have to be precisely placed and the lever could be time consuming; at the cost of roughly $10,000 per minute, time on set is not something to "consume". This is a solid, concise explanation and demonstration, of the differences between the 143N & 244N.

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks for putting that into perspective! It's great insight for those wanting to get involved in bigger budget productions. Every minute does count; get gear that let's you do it right the first time.

[@cribbsprojects]

Awesome space use there... and nice origami in the background. Good explanation that does not show up on the retail sites.

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks a lot buddy! Haha, you're one of the few people who noticed the origami!

[@DianaMJoice]

Thank you! You're review is amazing and helped me to make a decision which one to get for what! Keep up the good work!

[@FirstL00k]

Thank you! And I'm glad to be of help! :)

[@Edsdrafts]

Thanks for sharing. One thing to add on level lock is that lever itself can be in the way in certain situations.

[@KennyJakobsson]

Thank you! Very helpful comparison!

[@FirstL00k]

Glad it was helpful!

[@churlishbeardo]

Great, brass-tacks video here, and really helpful. Thank you. Also, whatever weird thing happened to your brain when you said "over there" the way you did at 9:18, keep it coming, ha.

[@MakerFabio]

Very good video Many thanks, ill take the knob then for my camera

[@FirstL00k]

Awesome man; the knob version is sooo much easier to use for a camera.

[@MakerFabio]

@@FirstL00k i bought it, and really love it. Thanks . I also have 2 Chinese versions, but they are so floppy compared to it

[@FirstL00k]

@@MakerFabio Chinese copies with grip equipment always seems to be an unknown quality even now except for simpler things like A-clamps and such.

[@satarcarpet297]

We have also bought same product, it's extremely efficient and practical, the only deference as explained in this video is that if you want it for camera then go for the one with the knob, this is my personal experience of the past two years plus.

[@FirstL00k]

Awesome to hear, glad there are others who find this piece of gear to be useful to them. Just as you said, efficient & practical and still works!

[@PrevMedHealth]

Helpfull. Thanks.

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome!

[@boakium3089]

Thank you so much for this precision. I will definitely buy the variable one for my camera. And thumbs up for your video. Right to the point, precise and compact. I love it.

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, glad this helped!

[@realadamkasix]

Awesome demo. So clear , practical and USEFUL. thank you

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, and thanks! Glad it was of use!

[@steveedelen3251]

Man using that rack like that is pure genius... might copy u.... what a money saving multi functional idea....

[@FirstL00k]

Go for it man! I have one piece of advice: If you're using this as a desk and laying a tabletop, test it out first with your computer for several hours first. You don't want to have to raise or lower a shelf after putting all your stuff on it (and moving just one notch can make a big difference.)

[@steveedelen3251]

@@FirstL00k thanks for the advice. I have a nice uplift desk for my Computer etc. But Its cluttered. Just want to use it for having a cleared space to place items for reviewing etc. Might actually get a second smaller uplift desk for it but you idea seems good fro saving money and preserving walk room by not needing a lot of stands cluttering the room. easier set up to.

[@akshermer]

Great review! Thank you for clearly explaining the differences.

[@FirstL00k]

You bet!

[@damdamatuko]

This is the video that I have wanted to watch. Thank you !

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome! I always wondered what the difference was and thought other people might find it useful.

[@steinhoffski]

Thanks so much for this, I’m not into photography but need to make a setup for filming my work. This helped so much ❤

[@FirstL00k]

I'm glad it helped! Best of luck in your filming endeavors!

[@samiturunen5335]

Good and detailed comparison and review!

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks very much!

[@samuelsulaiman]

wow...what a nice presentation. I hope your channel grow bigger!

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks very much, I appreciate it!

[@jfitzpatrick6108]

Great demo! Never imagined how complicated lighting for a KZbin video might be.

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks! Any kind of video production benefits from good lighting (but since I work in tv/film, I may take things a tad more seriously. :-)

[@LowGainElectronics]

Thanks for the video. Really helped to see the difference between the two. 2 143’s and 1 244 for me!

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome! I'm also thinking of picking up another couple of 143's for more lights. It's getting expensive, lol!

[@arieldavid20]

Great video!! Just what I needed.

[@FirstL00k]

Great, glad it helped!

[@tomim7187]

Super explanation! This really helped me make a decision on which one to buy.

[@FirstL00k]

Glad it helped! This was bugging me for a while so it was worth sharing once I found out.

[@hubionmac]

Voting for 244N in the long run. We have got both (10 in total) now for several years as antenna and iPad arms... After a while the screws on the 143 came loose and the 3 tiny metal balls inside the mechanism started moving into a wrong place. As a result you cannot lock it, until you open up everything, put the balls at the correct spot and tighten the screw again (have fun when you are outside and there is no table or clean space to open and fix it, because when you loos one of the metals balls it doesn't work any more)...fixed it... until next time and yes, it happens again (so you better transport it, when it is locked) and when you put it close to a wall or some other narrow space, the lock-mechanism (that tiny moving arm) of the 143 gets in the way and you have to twist and turn it until you can look it. The 244N instead has a simpler and more durable mechanism in the long run... when it falls apart you have not more than 4 single parts + screw. Easy to fix in the field and no issues when you want use it in narrow locations, since the wheel is just wheel and not a moving arm that might hits something when you try to look the arm. So Once more 244N only from now on ;-)

[@FirstL00k]

That's great to know, thanks! I've only had one 143 long term before getting the 244N. Will have to keep tabs on this issue for the future.

[@thenestpodcast]

Superb! Ditto to previous comments.

[@FirstL00k]

thank you!

[@79MD]

Nice explanations. Simplified. Thanks !

[@FirstL00k]

You're alcove! Glad it was helpful!

[@kcalb_com]

Thank you. Very well explained and demonstrated !

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, glad it helped!

[@le_roi_nu]

Excellent review; thank you very much !

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jayf9259]

Great review ... you helped me know which one to buy!

[@FirstL00k]

Great, I'm glad to be of help!

[@Toyrapy]

Great answer to my question, thanks!

[@FirstL00k]

Glad to help!

[@PASquared]

Perfect video, thank you. Gonna go with the 244N for my purposes

[@FirstL00k]

Awesome, I hope you love it as much as I do!

[@tachiza1]

Thank you!!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 love all your videos!

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome! Glad these videos help!

[@thatsagoodone8283]

Thanks, that were good information. Helped me with my choice! Especially the part about the locks, which is for camera and which is for lights.

[@FirstL00k]

I'm glad it helped! What are you setting up?

[@thatsagoodone8283]

@@FirstL00k I want to set up my Canon a7iii for streaming, but my gorillapod/subwoofer elevation is not really satisfying to me and your explanation about the locks gave me that epiphany, which one of those versions would be more to my desires :-) (since I want to draw as well, I would rather have a flex arm)

[@FirstL00k]

It's really helpful for overhead shots like drawing! Good luck, I hope you make a good setup!

[@brianleecy]

Thank You,this is a great review the locking lever model is the one I will get to place a overhead flash for aquaria photography.Really appreciated.

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome! It'll save you so much time and space - I hope you find it as useful as I do!

[@hugomonstah]

thanks man .

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome! I hope the video was helpful!

[@iNSANiTi0111]

Great video, keep em coming!

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks, will do!

[@4ngeek]

Very informative. I’ll use your amzn link when I’ll decide to buy one

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks! I'm glad it helped!

[@takumik077]

Awesome review. Thanks!!

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks buddy, hope it was helpful!

[@fabricegosnet9569]

Thank you, your video was of a great help for me to choose the right magic arm ;-)

[@FirstL00k]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck on your setups!

[@itsBenChang]

This is a great video! Thanks for explaining the best uses for both. Going to get the 244N Magic Arm to mount a camera. Have you ever considered getting the Manfrotto Deluxe Autopole 2? That's what I'm using to mount the camera & lights off of.

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome man, I'm glad it was helpful! It's funny you mention autopoles because I really (REALLY) wanted to use them. But my apt is tiny and I can't keep moving them around when I want to shoot a video; so not a realistic option for me. But if you have the space and funds, I'd enthusiastically say go for it!

Fantastic video! Thanks

[@FirstL00k]

I hope it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@vatansalvery]

Very helpful video. Thank you sir!

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, hope this helped!

[@jamiecakesf8159]

Super helpful! Thank you so much!

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, glad it helped!

[@beckyfitts8223]

So helpful thank you!!

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, glad it helped!

[@randyreed3264]

Great demo of the friction arms

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@MomentphotographyCoUk]

Really helpful video. I bought two of the lever arms originally and find the jolt really annoying when I have my iPhone rigged up on it. I've just ordered two of the knob style arms now so I will have the best of both worlds.

[@FirstL00k]

Awesome, I know you're going to make great use of all of them!

[@KadianArtworks]

Very nice review

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks very much!

[@peterhobbs9107]

Tremendous review - thank you!

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, glad it helped!

[@Phb_777]

Excellent explanation. Merci 👍🏽

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad it helped!

[@heyroodeanwings]

Thank you for this guide . Q1: The magic clamp not included with magic arm right? U have to buy separately. Q2: I have similar steel shelf like u which I intent to convert as a workstation / table . How do I fixed the wheel as seen in your video? What model of wheel is that?

[@FirstL00k]

I use 2 attachments on the arm - one that holds the clamp, and one that holds a DSLR for overhead shots. Arm and bracket looks like this: amzn.to/3ft7NkO Super clamp is separate, looks like this: amzn.to/2XsjgLb I get this question a lot so I should probably make a video on this too. About the shelf, if you mean the wheel attachments so you can move it around, I got mine from Home Depot (I like them, they're very good with a good price) set of 4 for about $24 and looks like this: www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-4-in-Industrial-Casters-with-Bumper-4-Pack-30260PS-YOW/100658236 The screw size is 3/8", so if you want to buy online, I think these look very similar and also have brakes: amzn.to/33qzxnJ

[@ghaithalom6941]

great explanation

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@mariuszchojnacki5714]

Thanks for the video. You helped me a lot (!) choose which arm to buy. This table on wheels is great - where did you get it from :) ?

[@FirstL00k]

Not actually a table, but a rack system. You can pick up a metal "home" version with wheels from Amazon: amzn.to/2TibMHG (it's an affiliate link - doesn't cost you anything) The link above was the best cheapest one I could find. Couple of things to note: 1. The shelves are wire frame so you need a hard surface (or maybe a heavy cloth) to lay on top of it for a "table". 2. The link above has a wheel option. If you buy another brand, you'll probably have to buy those separately. 3. Racks all look the same in pictures. If you're buying on line, be sure to measure everything out first. 4. Buy as wide a length as possible (I have 48" length) or the poles may be visible in your videos. Having said that, they're great for using overhead cameras. To be totally candid, I own industrial food grade Metro racks (there were no other options back then; I got mine more than 10 years ago for a food business.) But now there's home versions of this shelving system at much cheaper cost. Of all the things I've bought in my life, these racks have easily outlasted most of my other possessions - and still serve me well! Nowadays, it double duties as a KZbin video "table" and a standing desk. I guess when you live in a tiny space, you start getting more creative with what you have. :-)

[@michalwalks]

wonderful video about the magic arm, but I just want some of your motivation, too, you just seem to get stuff done no matter what the circumstance

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks, that's much appreciated! On camera, everything is good - but I'm like everyone else, I have downer days when I'm not motivated for anything, lol!

[@genkiferal7178]

Asian work ethic = no excuses

[@seasonedgambler9704]

hi, im hoping to get a clamp on one of these, attach to a gimble and then lock unto an electric scooter.or bike. do you think these will be stable or strong enough?

[@kentvandervelden]

Very interesting setup!

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks! I'm getting enough comments on this that I might do a video to show the setup I use.

[@TaedeMathis]

Nice, thanks for sharing.

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome! I hopeit was helpful!

[@homesavvytech]

Great explanation. What would you recommend for a desk mount camera arm? I guess I'll have to look at something longer than these?

[@FirstL00k]

These are probably too short to be usable when desk mounted. There's no easy way to do it, might have to use a tripod, or if the desk is deep enough, maybe a larger Joby gorillapod.

[@homesavvytech]

@@FirstL00k Thanks. That's exactly what I thought. Will have to see if a gorilla pod will fit in

[@FirstL00k]

@@homesavvytech good luck man!

[@metmonsters2804]

Do you think this arm would be strong enough to support a promaster TRIPOD TABLE with a laptop on it mounted to one of the legs of my tripod?

[@ChrisLeeX]

thank you for the tips :D

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome, I'm glad this was helpful!

[@Sokrates1966]

Hi there! Thanks for the video. I was wondering what "clamp" you are using for your flash. Might also make sense to add an affiliated link to it.

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks, I appreciate it! I got that one on ebay - search for "umbrella holder flash bracket". You can also buy this at Amazon, BH Photo or Adorama - lots of choices.

[@omidyoutube]

Great comparison. Thanks for the video. May I know what lights and softboxes are you using?

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome! I'm using affordable DOF led lights - here's the video of them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYGUdJ6Jj6meY7c

[@martinblazik3624]

How does this technology work? How do three points move with a single tighten?

[@carloscast1]

Well done.

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@rolofrangipan3719]

Thanks for your review! I didn't realise there were two types. I am wondering, if I want to use the arm to fix a light to the table does that mean I need the 143N and a clamp too?

[@FirstL00k]

You're welcome - and that's correct, you need a clamp to connect the magic arm to a table.

[@foodlover6613]

Is it possible to take the clamp off and put it onto my motorised dolly? Thanks

[@keepitshortnsweet]

Which Super Clamp are you using, the 635 or 035? It's hard to tell but it looks like the 635 to me.

[@FirstL00k]

In the video, I use both. The bigger LED light was on a black Manfrotto 035 & the camera flash was on a silver Matthews 635.

[@itsdannyftw]

Great video, thank you! Just curious, if you have the space for it, would a C-stand basically be able to do everything that a magic arm can do? Or is there any reason to get a magic arm if you buy a C-Stand, any other benefits/uses? Thanks!!

[@FirstL00k]

A stand is more stable, I'd use this first if I could. Magic arms are good in areas with space constraints or if you need to set up in weird angles. C-stands are expensive and heavy, but if that doesn't bother you, go for it!

[@itsdannyftw]

@@FirstL00k Thank you! Do you think the magic arms can hold a light with a softbox? Or would that be way over load capacity? Ok that's probably wishful thinking and the likely answer is no I'd imagine!

[@FirstL00k]

@@itsdannyftw that sounds way too heavy. You'll need a stand for that one I'm afraid.

[@4al]

Do you have any information or links for the table top pad you mentioned at the end. You said that it costs a bit extra.

[@FirstL00k]

Yes, I can give you more info. You need two pieces to make it work - the tabletop itself (model 183) and the camera bracket (model 143bkt). The bracket is the grip that holds either a camera or the tabletop to the arm. This is the link to the camera grip: amzn.to/3ugxZrm And this is the link to the table top: amzn.to/3scrmV7 Hope this helps.

[@4al]

@@FirstL00k Thank you !

[@FirstL00k]

@@4al you betcha!

[@InvertLogic]

nice informative video.

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks! Glad it was useful!

[@msbuttercup2073]

Thanks foe the video! Does this have an extension pole to be raised taller?

[@FirstL00k]

I've never seen an extension for this. I don't think it'd work either, the weight to extend would be too much.

[@TT-rl4su]

What is that table with side poles that you are using?

[@FirstL00k]

I'm using a metro rack. You can see how I set it up to use as a "table" here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fme1mqGAlNKrsJY

[@MEGATestberichte]

Really nice, oke, i need them both :)

[@FirstL00k]

Great, it really sounds like you know which to get for what purpose!

[@MEGATestberichte]

@@FirstL00k Yep. One for my Lumix S5 and another for a softbox :)

[@incomeinnovations247]

nice review can I use this as a microphone stand and what stud would I need if its possible to connect a mic clip?

[@FirstL00k]

Some mics can, some can't. You'd have to find out what add-ons your mic supports - I don't have your mic in my hands, I'd have no way of knowing what you need. See if you can find a KZbin video of your mic to see what accessories people use with it.

[@marksvideos835]

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/304651-REG/Manfrotto_013_013_Double_Ended_Spigot.html I bought this adapter which is perfect for me. It has both thread sizes for mic clips. The two ends of the Manfrotto are the two different thread sizes (female) so you really have a lot of flexibility. I mostly need the 5/8” male thread adapter for mic clips, so I have my male-male adapter in the 3/8” side and I keep a super clamp on the other side.

[@JBGecko13yt]

purchased based on your review!

[@JBGecko13yt]

i bought the lever kit

[@FirstL00k]

These come in real handy, hope you like them!

[@JBGecko13yt]

@@FirstL00k its going to hold a small Sony rx100m5, and it will be attached to a vivo monitor mount. I will put out a video once its all done

[@FirstL00k]

@@JBGecko13yt awesome, let us know when so we can see it!

[@laurivettegarcia]

can this hold zv e 10 camera for overhead shots?

[@FirstL00k]

I use mine to hold a Canon 80D and a 18-135 lens. If the ZV-E10 weighs less than this (as I suspect that it does), it should hold it up just fine.

[@mogbaba]

Great presentation, better than the company's staff!

[@FirstL00k]

Thanks, I really appreciate it!

[@snydicus]

Can you chain multiple of these together?

[@FirstL00k]

They only support 6.6 pounds, so it's probably not practical to do so.

[@studio382net8]

can you tell which superclamp u using ? can support dslr ?

[@FirstL00k]

For superclamps, I use Manfrotto 035 and Matthews Super Mafer clamps - they work the same. I use these and the magic arms with a dslr, yes - Canon 80D.

[@studio382net8]

@@FirstL00k thankssssss

[@TechNTactic]

just for the bathroom wow interesting

[@FirstL00k]

Yup! When you gotta go, you gotta go! :)

[@jacquelynnacopoulos1278]

Hello, Congratulations Cool 👍👏👏👏

[@ZeScarab]

Rotule ball between magic arm and camera.

[@AntonRAY-p8u]

Отличный обзор!

[@FirstL00k]

Spaciba!

[@genkiferal7178]

ANY ONE TRIED THESE AT A THIRD THE PRICE? pangshi 11inch Adjustable Articulating Friction Magic Arm & Large Super Clamp

[@RiccardoRessi]

On Amazon IT costs 77 euros.... way cheaper ;-)

[@FirstL00k]

So jealous... (tears in my eyes) :-p