The world famous Magic Arm from Manfrotto has a universal 16mm spigot at both ends so it can be used with the Lovegrove Flash bracket, a Broncolor Mobil head, a reflector holder or just about any other kind of portable studio light or attachment.

Here you can see the detail of a lighting rig. Damien clamped his magic arm onto a 15mm steel fillet and angled the flash towards Natasha. It was a 430EX11 Speedlight connected to a Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 that in turn was connected to a Lovegrove mk1 flash bracket.

The kit version includes a brilliant base stand that is useful in so many ways plus a camera  plate. This can be used in conjunction with the plate that comes with a Speedlight plus there’s a brolly holder too. The kit is a true value for money option that shouldn’t be overlooked.

The Lovegrove-recommended Manfrotto Magic Arm and SuperClamp are available here on their own or with a useful grip kit.

Manfrotto Magic arm. This articulated arm has 90° pivoting and 360° rotating ends, and an elbow that rotates 360°. The center lever tightens and locks all 3 movements for precise positioning of a small light head or camera. 5/8" (16mm) studs on ball joint at both ends with 3/8" and 1/4" female threads.

Manfrotto Superclamp. The SuperClamp is one of most useful pieces of equipment any photographer can have. It will clamp onto round poles up to 50mm diameter and flat surfaces up to 35mm thick.

Manfrotto MagicArm Kit. This kit includes a MagicArm, a SuperClamp, a Camera/Umbrella bracket and a Backlite Base. (see below)

Magic Arm Key Features:

•  Weight: 1.07 kg

•  Maximum load 3.6kg

•  90º pivoting & 360º rotating ends

•  Arm length 53cm

•  Universal 16mm spigots

Damien's top tips:
The Manfrotto Magic Arm is one of the most versatile bits of kit you will own. I bought mine in 1996 when shooting and lighting documentaries for the BBC. The problem then was getting backlight into my shots without seeing the stand. Every room I was shooting in had a door and every door combined with a Magic Arm and Super clamp was the perfect lighting stand. It was invisible up to 6’6” and that kept it out of shot. When you next watch a documentary look out for doors left slightly ajar, notice the backlight and you will know how it’s rigged.