Manfrotto

Manfrotto 023 Balance Counterweight 10 lbs

4.5 (2 reviews)
10 lbs

A 10-pound cast counterweight from Manfrotto designed to stabilize boom arms and prevent costly equipment tip-overs.

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Overview

The Manfrotto 023 Balance Counterweight is a 10-pound solid weight engineered to mount on the back end of a boom arm, counterbalancing the equipment mounted on the front end. This is a critical safety and stability component for any boom arm setup — without proper counterweight, an extended boom carrying a light fixture or microphone can tip over, potentially damaging thousands of dollars in equipment. The 023 solves this with a simple clamp that secures onto boom arm poles between 0.86 and 1.3 inches in diameter.

Designed specifically for the Manfrotto 3085 and 3385 boom arm models, the 023 integrates seamlessly into existing Manfrotto grip setups. The solid construction means the weight is always exactly 10 pounds — unlike sandbags, there's no settling, shifting, or moisture absorption to change the balance over time. For studio photographers, videographers, and production crews who regularly work with boom-mounted equipment, this counterweight is a small investment that prevents the much larger cost of a toppled light stand or damaged fixture.

Key Features

ENHANCED STABILITY - Provides a 10 lbs counterweight, ensuring your light stands remain stable and secure, preventing accidental tipping and protecting your valuable equipment.

DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Crafted with high-quality materials, this Manfrotto counterweight bag is built to withstand rigorous use, offering long-lasting reliability in various shooting conditions.

EASY TO USE - Designed for quick setup, simply drape the counterweight over your light stand for immediate balance, saving you time and effort during your photography sessions.

SECURE HOLD - Guarantees a firm and balanced hold, preventing unwanted movement or instability, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shot without worry.

VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY - Compatible with a wide range of light stands, this counterweight bag is an essential accessory for photographers and videographers seeking added stability.

Specifications

Weight
10 lbs
Compatibility
Manfrotto 3085 and 3385 Boom Arms
Clamp Range
0.86" to 1.3" diameter
Type
Solid Counterweight
Brand
Manfrotto
Model
023

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 10-pound solid construction provides consistent, reliable counterbalance without shifting or settling.
  • Clamp mechanism attaches securely to the boom arm pole without additional rigging.
  • Designed specifically for Manfrotto boom arms, ensuring proper fit and balance.
  • Eliminates the risk of boom arm tip-overs that can damage expensive lighting equipment.
  • Durable build quality withstands repeated use across professional production environments.

👎 Cons

  • Compatible clamp range of 0.86" to 1.3" limits use with thicker or thinner boom arm poles.
  • At 10 lbs, it adds significant weight to transport for on-location shoots.
  • Fixed weight cannot be adjusted — heavier setups may need additional counterbalancing solutions.
  • Only designed for two specific Manfrotto boom models, narrowing its intended use case.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's specifically designed for the Manfrotto 3085 and 3385 boom arm models, clamping onto poles with a diameter between 0.86 and 1.3 inches.
The 023 uses a clamp mechanism that secures directly onto the boom arm pole, sitting at the opposite end from your mounted equipment to provide balanced counterweight.
As long as the pole diameter falls within the 0.86" to 1.3" clamp range, it can physically attach to other manufacturers' boom arms, though it's designed and tested for Manfrotto models.
The required counterweight depends on the weight of your mounted equipment and how far it extends on the boom — 10 lbs is suitable for typical lighting fixtures on the compatible Manfrotto boom arms.
The Manfrotto 023 is a solid counterweight, not a sandbag, which means it maintains a consistent weight and doesn't shift or settle over time.