Manfrotto Magic Arm or Kupo Max Arm or ?

I need to get one of these units for remote camera work at weddings, the prices are spread apart but I prefer to buy the better unit.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …43_143_Magic_Ar​m_Kit.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …upo_KG100211_Ma​x_Arm.html

Cheers.

I prefer the variable tension Magic arm, such as the Manfrotto 244N. I can’t tell if the Kupo is variable tension, or simply loose/tight like the Manfrotto 143N.

seres wrote in post #17162160
I prefer the variable tension Magic arm, such as the Manfrotto 244N. I can’t tell if the Kupo is variable tension, or simply loose/tight like the Manfrotto 143N.

Not sure what the difference is between the 2 actually one has a round knob the other a lever?

picworx wrote in post #17162878
Not sure what the difference is between the 2 actually one has a round knob the other a lever?

The variable friction arm allows you to tighten the arms slowly, as you wind the knob, you get more and more drag, until it locks up.

The magic arm with the lever is loose, until the arm is swung round and it locks, its a bit of a pain to use as its very floppy, you really need three hands to work one
(if you have a choice, get the variable friction one)

Ok I understand now, thx the last question is to get the bracket that is shown or buy the unit with the quick release adapter plate? as shown as I use these plates on my manfrotto tripods.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …iable_Friction_​Magic.html

or is this bracket the preferred choice for securing a remote camera above a wedding couple?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …iable_Friction_​Magic.html


The other issue is whether this arm will support a 5DMKIII with grip?

picworx wrote in post #17163591
Ok I understand now, thx the last question is to get the bracket that is shown or buy the unit with the quick release adapter plate? as shown as I use these plates on my manfrotto tripods.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …iable_Friction_​Magic.html

or is this bracket the preferred choice for securing a remote camera above a wedding couple?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …iable_Friction_​Magic.html


The other issue is whether this arm will support a 5DMKIII with grip?

I have the bracket (not QR) on my magic arm - the QR will be easier to use, but you lose the ability to easily take the bracket off and attach a superclamp, or umbrella swivel or studio flash.

And they should hold a 5d ok
I have used mine with a 1d and 70-200, or 1d/16-35/flash
I use two when rigging to cars though (with suction caps, and lots of safety lines)

You will get a little movement in the camera though, if you need it rock solid, you need to triangulate the mounting (build a tripod out of magic arms)

I'd stay away from the Magic Arm that comes with QR which is permanently built into the arm, i.e., there's no way to take the QR off. When I was making the same decision some years ago, that's how it was unless they changed it recently. What I decided to do was to get all the components separately: 1) Magic Arm, 2) Bracket, and 3) QR. With the Magic Arm and the Bracket, you have the choice to employ QR or not.

SYS wrote in post #17167312
I'd stay away from the Magic Arm that comes with QR which is permanently built into the arm, i.e., there's no way to take the QR off.

Ya, I found this out the hard way.