I purchased the “K&F CONCEPT 9.8" Magic Arm Clamp” specifically to light my subjects when doing close-up and macro photography. I looked at a number of different brands and decided on K&F because I have been very happy with their products in the past. I opted for the version that included the “cold shoe’ option so that I could mount it directly to my camera if I chose/needed to.

When I opened the box and looked the clamp over I was extremely happy and surprised with the quality of the construction. For the money I spent I actually expected that the clamp would be on the flimsy side, but NO this is built crazy good! All metal construction The main elbow joint has teeth to help lock the clamp very securely and ensure it does not slip! The single elbow joint knob screw loosens & tightens the elbow as well as the two ball joints at either end of the arm. This allows for quick and easy adjustments that lock down super tight.

The main clamp, used to attach it to poles, posts, branches, tables edges, whatever is amazingly well machined making for smooth and easy operation. I was actually very surprised at how smooth. The grips are rubberized to ensure a better grip and make for a ’no-mar’ attachment. The clamp also features a 1/4” and a second 3/8” threaded hole for attaching the arm or a tripod. Well thought out.

The hot shoe attachment and the knurled tighteners at either end of the arm are heavy duty plastic, not metal, but I see no problem there. In fact all cold shoe attachments that I have are plastic as well. So I see this arm lasting a long, long time.

I have not taken this out in the field yet, but I have shot a bunch of images on my back patio using the arm to support a mini-led light (that’s what I bought the arm for) snd it worked great. Easy to set up & adjust, held the lights position perfectly clamped to my tripod as well as on my camera (see my ‘action’ photos) what more could one want?

The only drawback with this arm is now I think I need a second one to complete my in the field macro studio lighting set up!