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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: SMsound on October 08, 2021, 04:59:50 PM
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Does anyone know of a *quality* alternative to Manfrotto's Nano Clamp (386B)?
I'm working on making my rig smaller/lighter, so I have started taking my one Nano Clamp instead of one of the heavy Mafer Clamps (Manf 035) I usually carry, but I'd like to replace the rest of my big clamps too. I also have some SmallRig mini clamps, but they don't feel as solid as Manfrotto's. Someone must make a baby clamp for <$40...
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I haven't tried one of these ( Impact Atom clamp ME-100 ) but they appear to be a Nano clone for 1/2 the price (at B&H), has anyone used one?
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^^Nice find. It looks like they may have a better rubber pad inside the jaws compared to Manfrotto---my Manfrotto one has a very thin rubber pad that still lets the clamp scratch stuff---had to be 'improved' with gaffer's tape.
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9.solutions makes the best clamps I have ever seen. I own the Savior Clamp With Stud.
https://9.solutions/products/clamps/ (https://9.solutions/products/clamps/)
For a Nano alternative, you might try the Savior Mini.
https://9.solutions/portfolio-item/savior-clamp-mini/ (https://9.solutions/portfolio-item/savior-clamp-mini/)
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I picked up one of these not long ago. Tiny and lightweight - nothing fancy but it sure is cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H8934S4?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
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^ And surprisingly compact and strong, too. There are a number a variations sold on amazon/ebay. Mine's been a great addition to the rowi and manfrotto suite.
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While I dont have a rowi I second the amazon ebay style mini clamp Goodcooker linked to. In fact I like mine better than my Windtech clamps used for similar purposes.
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Those Amazon clamps are knock offs of the Smallrig mini clamps that OP mentioned he doesn't find robust enough. I use them and I like them but that's why I didn't suggest them. To each their own.
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I say again, if you want robust get the 9.solutions clamps I linked. They are totally solid; more so than Manfrotto.
To OP: I feel very strongly that clamps are one area where you do not want to save money buying a cheap clone. Consider that you are trusting this clamp to securely hold what is usually the most expensive part of your rig, your mics. There may be additional stresses placed on the mic if using an extension arm. Cheapie clamps may be made with lower-quality parts that are much more likely to fail.
Would you rather pay a little bit more for a high-quality clamp, or replace your mics after they come crashing down?
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I would only use a little clamp like this to hold my active setup which maybe weighs 8 ounces.
If I was hanging an extension arm or clamping out over a balcony rail I would use a superclamp and safety cable. Like a lot of people I prefer to clamp onto the top tube of my (or others) stand instead of use the top threads. These little clamps are perfect for that.
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I haven't tried one of these ( Impact Atom clamp ME-100 ) but they appear to be a Nano clone for 1/2 the price (at B&H), has anyone used one?
I have a couple of the Atome Clamps and I think they are great.