This mega magic arm was developed on our request as a dedicated Kestrel mount for target shooting. The optimal and simplest spotting setup is mounting your scope/binos in the main tripod head and the kestrel mounted on the side via a magic arm.
The AM-7 has a total length of 600mm (in straight position), which allows the kestrel to be mounted well above even the largest spotting scopes. This is so that the spotting scope does not interfere with the wind reading.
Proprietary Leofoto Connection
The AM-7 can be configured with Leofoto's "kit" tips, which feature a 3/8" screw, flanked by two male pins, which correspond with female grooves found on the apex of all Summit tripods. This provides the most stable connection for magic arms.
Please note that SA tripod kits do not have this connection - you can make use of the either the MC-40 or MC-60 clamps to connect it to a leg or you can remove the kit tips and replace them with the standard 1/4" tips.
More about Leofoto's Magic Arms
Leofoto's magic arms offer endless mounting solutions for accessories and come in a massive range of sizes. The arms are split into 3 different size categories as below, with each offering different lengths and amount of joints.
- AM-1 & AM-2
The AM-1/2 series is small, compact and lightweight, features 1/4" screw tips and we would not recommend mounting anything heavier than 500g using these.
- AM-3/4
The AM-3/4 arms are larger and stronger and can handle loads of up to 500-1000g, depending on balance and positioning. The standard version has a 1/4" screw thread tip, while the kit version of these have a larger 3/8" tip and a special mounting head with stabilising bevels that correspond with a female port found on Summit tripods and some of Leofoto's clamps and accessories.
- AM-5/6
The AM-5/6 arms (released Dec 2022) are a heavy duty upgrade of the smaller arms previously available. We recommend these for use in the cine industry, to mount monitors, lights mics etc.
The kit version features tips with Leofoto's super solid proprietary accessory connection system found on the Apex of Summit tripods as well as many clamps and other accessories. The kit includes two 1/4" replacement tips - one standard and one of the new style 1/4" tips with the independent locking control.
- AM-7
The AM-7 kit was developed on our request for the South African PRS and ELR market. This allows the simplest possible mounting combination of a spotting scope and Kestrel on a tripod without requiring multiple tripods or any special rail. Simply mount your scope on the tripod head, while the magic arm accepts the Kestrel on the rotating vane. The length of the AM-7 ensures that the Kestrel sits well above the scope, so that the scope does not influence the wind measurement. Mounting the kestrel leaves you free to focus on the rest - you don't have to constantly pick it up and take a measurement as the wind changes.
Leofoto also developed the CF-7P universal spirit-level to be combined with this to ensure that the kestrel's vane sits perfectly level so it can swivel easily in a light breeze for the most accurate possible reading.
The AM-7 can be used for any application - as with the AM-3 and AM-4, the special 3/8" mounting points can be replaced with a standard 1/4" tip.