We all know that a cinema rig is much more than just a camera and a lens; it's a conglomeration of various tools and gadgets designed to make using the camera and lens a lot easier. Today we’ll be looking at the unspoken heroes in the world of cinema rigs: the trusty articulating arm. They hold our monitors, lights, and microphones, give us more mounting points, and are just so darned fun to use. Not all articulating arms are made equal, though, so let's take a glance at some of the best that money can acquire.
Noga DG9038CA CineArm DG
When you hear the name Noga, you can expect a quality articulating arm. Designed to keep your accessories locked in place when needed, or quickly adjusted on the fly, this stylish sleek arm provides both a male 3/8" and male 1/4"-20 on a three-joint mounting system, each of which can be simultaneously locked or released by twisting the central mechanism. The 10-pound weight capacity will make short work of any conventional accessory you hope to attach to it. It's quick, efficient, and built to last. I also find the touch of red to be attractive, although I may be biased―red is my favorite color.
Axler 12" Dual Mega Ball Clamp Arm with 1/4"-20 Accessory Mounting
This groovy-looking fellow is an anodized aluminum unit with four points of articulation. It offers particularly convenient construction in which O-rings are utilized on the ball ends; this makes it lock snugly into place when screwed down yet gives full maneuverability when loosened. Another plus of the O-rings is that they remove a great deal of strain from the clamps since they effectively dismiss any need for over-tightening. The arm is light but also flexible; each end offers more than 180° of rotation, which makes it perfect for creating access and mounting points on your camera rig where normally there couldn’t be.
Kondor Blue Cine Magic Arm Pro
I never get tired of Kondor Blue’s ability to craft pieces of equipment that are functional yet stylish. This aerospace-grade aluminum magic arm features four points of articulation and measures 10.2" in length. While this specific model features ball ends with 1/4"-20 male screws, Kondor Blue has made it possible to switch these pieces out with optional 3/8"-16 ball heads. I am particularly fond of the blue tightening mechanisms because they offer a lot of grip, which increases the torque one can generate when tightening or loosening. That blue is also handsome.
SHAPE Medium Flex Arm 1/4"-20 to Anti-Twist 3/8"-16 Monitor Mount
In a fun-sized form factor is this medium flex arm from SHAPE. Measuring 6" in length, this arm can handle a solid 8 lb. There's not much to say other than it’s an excellent solution for individuals who need a compact, low-profile arm that's not too obtrusive on a rig but can support a decent amount of weight. This would be a great addition to a run’n’gun setup, because it could position a monitor/light in a way that would not hamper the cinematographer.
iFootage MA5-6 Spider Crab Magic Arm with QR Mounting
I’m a sucker for any sort of gear with a quick-release system, and iFootage’s Spider Crab is one of the more modular options that we have on the list, thanks to its quick-release capabilities. Both 1/4"-20 heads on this system can be swapped out, moved around, and replaced seamlessly with various other head sizes offered by iFootage. Its QR system is reliable and fool-proof, thanks to its dual-lock safety systems, which greatly mitigate any unforeseen user error. Additional features range from anti-slip gears, ARRI-compatible anti-twist pins, to a carrying capacity of an impressive 13.2 lb.
SmallRig Articulating Arm
For those who are looking for a more budget-friendly option, SmallRig is always a great bet. This 9.5" articulating arm offers a recommended load capacity of 3.3 lb. While it’s not as heavily rated as the prior options listed, it would still serve to carry a wide range of tools reliably that are commonly used in cinema rigs, especially for those who prefer a lightweight setup. It is constructed of aluminum and stainless steel, making it quite the durable option for those who are more aggressive with their gear.
If you’re in need of some reliable rigging accessories, you can never go wrong with the arms on this list; as long as you mind their load capacities, you’re all good to go. A cinema rig should be designed to remove undue burdens and strain on you as a filmmaker, and although simple in nature, when utilized correctly a solid articulating arm can make a world of a difference in your setup.
How would you use the arms listed in this article? Are there any you’d prefer over the other? Let us know in the Comments section.
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