SLIK Creator’s Series: Sliding Arm II – 19.5” Mini Boom Arm, Black (Model: 618-757)

I am very happy with this sliding arm extension pole. I use it for top down food photography in conjunction with my Sirui tripod.At the end there is a loop ring that has a tiny gap. I use a simple bag (that came with the Neewer light modifier seen here) that has a loop handle on it. I put a few cups of sand into a ziplock bag, then put that ziplock bag into the Neewer bag. The loop handle of the bag slides into that tiny gap but then stays hanging there due to the weight of the sand. The loop ring on the sliding arm seems sturdy and I've had no problems with the sandbag falling off in any way. The sandbag is critical to keep your camera safe while it hangs off center on the extension arm.I like that this pole is a solid piece, not two pieces that screw together. It is sturdy and appears well built.I like the attachment unit, which screws directly onto my tripod. It has metal and plastic construction. There are knobs to adjust the angle of the pole and the tightness of the pole within the sliding ring. All works well. You can slide the pole farther out. I didn't get a longer pole because I think the longer you slide your camera away from the tripod, the more challenges may appear. In my case I am able to extend the pole all the way out, balanced by the sandbag, and having room for a clear shot on the table.I like that the attachment side of the pole where it meets your camera has a sturdy piece of metal where I attach a ball head. This means my camera isn't only attached to the end of the pole, only choosing to face down. The attachment piece angles up so my ball head goes on upright, and from there I can adjust the camera and then tilt the camera into place, using the slot for portrait mode on my ball head. Other models of extension arms did not appear to have this attachment piece, which I think makes this brand better.That end of the pole also has a tightening knob for that metal piece. You could attach a camera directly to it without a ball head if necessary. You could remove the attachment piece I think. But I really like it.Overall I am happy I took the time to research the options and choose this model. It looks professional and works very well. I think it will last my lifetime.The item came in the brand box and also a shipping box. It was well packed and came on time in excellent condition.

Nice product for non-critical uses. I'm just a photo hobbyist and figure the components on this would start to wear out over time but it's great for occasional or set-it-forget-it use. Definitely needs a counterweight for even small cameras but works great - stable with a total 10 pound load, doesn't even wiggle or bend much. Decent price for the quality too, and love that it's a standard tripod-head mount.That said you will probably want to add a ball head for easier positioning.

I didn't get this on Amazon, but it has been an awesome setup for both replacing a tripod when I don't want to use one in the field and for scanning slides or even creating YouTube videos. 5 stars for the ability to take this thing anywhere as it is super lightweight. The hidden features like the dual accessory ports to attach an extra light or my phone is also sweet. 5 star product!