Tripods

I already had a Manfrotto Magic Arm, but wanted to try the Manfrotto arm with a friction knob for tightening, and I can only recommend this model over the somewhat awkward Magic Arm with its very tight lever and its definite on-off tightening. The friction arm allows for some fine adjustments under tension and a final and very firm tightening using the oversize knob.

This Gitzo tripod is different than most tripods - even Gitzo's own. The construction is very compact with legs in four sections and it collapses into a very small package. Being made from carbon fiber and magnesium also makes it very light, so the name Explorer is very suitable. It's an excellent travel tripod.

I used to own a Manfrotto tripod one generation older than this. The center column could be loosened through a series of operations, and remounted upside down or horizontally. It was a nice tripod, but cumbersome to operate. This newer model is so much easier to handle with it brilliant flexible head, which allows the center post to be tipped to horizontal with one simple operation. And you don't even have to remove the camera.

A swan neck style arm that fits onto a Super Clamp. Not stiff enough to hold anything substatial - and almost unable to hold itself with no load. Place it in a certain position, and it will slowly creep to somewhere else. It's basically useless for cameras and will definitely shift if moved or shaken. It can be OK for static work and really light loads like small flashes or reflectors, but nothing heavier. Go for a Manfrotto Friction Arm in stead if you want something flexible that can actually hold stuff.

The Magic (AKA Holding) Arm isn't really magic at all, but a jointed arm that locks with a snap and can hold even a large SLR. It's paired with a Super Clamp. Today I much prefer the Friction Arm over this one. This Magic Arm's magic has broken on me twice and is awkward and hard to use with its very firm locked/unlocked positions, which often require a harrowing amount of force to tighten and untighten, and in my case often gives off some nasty grinding sounds.

The Super Clamp is the connection between Manfrotto's arms and the rest of the world. Crudely made, but with an amazing grip. I have four, which will do for now.