Magic Arm vs. Tripod

[sam_gordon]

Has anyone used a Magic Arm
http://www.fastfilms.co.uk/images/clamp-mounts/super-clamp-magic-arm/super-clamp-magic-arm.jpg instead of a tripod? I'm considering using it for fireworks instead of a tripod.

Pros: Easier to carry around
Takes up less space
Easy to change angles

Cons: Need a place to clamp to (fence or post of some sort)
Not easy to balance

Thoughts?

[Marlton Mom]

This would work well clamped to the fence in front of the Crystal Palace for fireworks. No one can hop the fence and stand in front of you to block your camera. They will try however....

BUT...... there are so many other ways (night landscapes, Lit building facades, etc) that you can use a traditional tripod for at the parks, that you'd be limiting yourself by just having the clampy thing.

If you are only wanting to photograph fireworks and you are willing to shoot from a limited location (Crystal Palace or other suitable, but hard to manage places) I'd say go for it. If you are trying to walk around the parks and get other things at night I'd say skip it.

One night I was at Hollywood Studios and I sent the tripod home with my Sherpas. I opted to shoot with the monopod only. The pictures sucked and I've regretted that ever since. I'll never shoot at night again without my 3 legged friend.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Marlton Mom

[ssanders79]

You may run into a Cast member who may take issue with something of yours clamped to something of Disney's.

[boBQuincy]

Guests sometimes bang on the fence, kick the fence, or otherwise cause vibration in the fence so it is not always a good steady support.

[MarkBarbieri]

I've got one. I most often use it on my tripod to hold a monitor. I don't think it would make a great camera support. It would transmit too much vibration too easily. I suppose that if you attached it to something that wasn't being touched and you either had very little window or a very little camera it would work OK.

[MarkBarbieri]

I just did a quick comparison. It weighs about the same as my tripod, so while you could save some bulk or cost, you wouldn't necessarily save any weight.

[sam_gordon]

The weight didn't concern me. It was more the bulk & the size.

Good point about the vibration. I hadn't thought about that.

I have put Handycam (video cameras) on them with no problem with stability. I was thinking if I can get to the fence line around Casey's/CP, it would avoid having someone step in my shot.

I'm guessing Disney won't let you put a tripod (or even a leg or two) OVER the fence would they?

[Raindown]

There are some pretty compact travel tripods. People have been surprised there is a tripod in my Benro case. The twist system isn't amazing but, for the size it's no deal breaker.

[Experiment_626]

I'm guessing Disney won't let you put a tripod (or even a leg or two) OVER the fence would they?I can't remember whether I've actually placed a tripod leg over any fences in the parks or not. I might do so if there's nothing on the other side of the fence that I'd damage, but honestly I'd suspect that it would seldom be necessary. I have put a tripod foot or two (and therefore, part of the legs to which they were attached) through gaps in fences -- sometimes getting that close is the only way to keep the top of the fence out of a shot when I'm shooting ultra-wide.

Scott