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Manfrotto 172 3 lbs Camera Counterweight Orange — main product image
Manfrotto 172 3 lbs Camera Counterweight Orange
Manfrotto 172 3 lbs Camera Counterweight Orange
Manfrotto 172 3 lbs Camera Counterweight Orange
Manfrotto

Manfrotto 172 3 lbs Camera Counterweight Orange

★★★★★4.6 (96 reviews)
3 lbs

Keep every boom arm in perfect balance with the Manfrotto 172's robust 3 lb counterweight — the simple fix for front-heavy lighting and camera rigs.

$32.95*
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

A poorly balanced boom arm is a liability on any shoot — it drifts, strains the pivot joint, and in worst cases, drops your light entirely. The Manfrotto 172 counterweight is the straightforward mechanical solution: 3 lbs of precisely sized mass that clamps to the rear of your boom tube to offset the load of whatever head you've mounted at the front. For portrait photographers running a medium softbox on a standard boom, or event photographers positioning a beauty dish for a quick setup between shots, this counterweight keeps the arm where you put it so you can focus on the frame.

The construction is solidly utilitarian — durable materials, a clamp range that spans 0.51 to 1.18 inches to accommodate most boom tube diameters, and the signature Manfrotto orange that makes it easy to locate in a packed gear bag. It's not a complex piece of equipment, but it's one that earns its place in every studio kit. Position it, tighten the clamp, and your arm stays put. For heavier rigs, combine multiple units until balance is achieved — the system is designed to accommodate stacking.

Key Features

weight: 2.9 lbs clamp range min round tube: 1 in clamp range max round tube: 1 in color: orange

Specifications

Brand
Manfrotto
Model
172
Weight
3 lbs
Clamp Range (Round Tube)
0.51 in. (min) – 1.18 in. (max)
Color
Orange
Material
Durable composite materials

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The 3 lb weight hits the sweet spot for balancing most mid-range lighting setups on standard boom arms without over-compensating and tipping the arm rearward.
  • The clamping range of 0.51 to 1.18 inches accommodates a wide variety of boom tube diameters, making it compatible across multiple support systems.
  • The orange finish makes the counterweight immediately visible in a cluttered studio or during load-in, reducing the chance of misplacing it.
  • Durable construction holds position firmly on the boom tube during repositioning and through the vibrations of a working studio or location shoot.
  • Lightweight enough to pack easily while still providing meaningful balance correction for front-heavy rigs.

👎 Cons

  • At 3 lbs, a single counterweight may be insufficient for heavy monoblock or large LED panel setups at full boom extension, requiring the purchase of additional weights.
  • The clamp relies on proper tightening — if under-tightened, the weight can slip along the tube during use, requiring you to re-balance mid-session.
  • No markings or measurement guides on the counterweight itself to help you recreate a balanced position quickly after breaking down and rebuilding a setup.
  • The bright orange may feel out of place in a minimalist studio aesthetic where all-black equipment is preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 172 is designed for Manfrotto booms and similar support systems that accept a round-tube clamp in the 0.51 in. to 1.18 in. diameter range. It's widely used with Manfrotto's own boom arms where offsetting the weight of a front-mounted head or light is needed to prevent drift and protect the arm joint.
That depends on the distance of your load from the pivot point — the further out the head, the more counterweight you need. For many mid-weight softbox and speedring setups on standard boom positions, 3 lbs is appropriate or can be combined with additional counterweights. For very heavy monoblocks extended at full boom length, you may need more.
Yes — multiple weights can be stacked or positioned along the boom to achieve the precise balance point for heavier loads. Many photographers use two or three in combination to balance larger lighting setups.
The 172 uses a clamp-style attachment that grips round tubes between 0.51 in. and 1.18 in. in diameter. Once clamped and tightened at the desired position on the boom, it holds firm without slipping during typical studio use.
The orange color is primarily a visibility aid — making the counterweight easy to spot in a busy studio or quickly identify in a packed gear case. It has no effect on balance or attachment performance.

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