Ebay light stands

[thestraydog]

I'm after a cheap light stand that is sturdy enough to hold a studio strobe and large softbox. Has anyone had experience with the cheap ebay stands such as this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Heavy-Duty-Photo-Studio-Light-Stand-MAX-2-8m-Alum-D5J_W0QQitemZ140199246565QQihZ004QQcategoryZ30088Q QtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

I wont be using it very often so it doesn't warrant spending a lot of money on a brand name stand. I'm in Australia so please don't suggest any overseas shops

[SkipD]

The specifications leave out one critically important piece of information - the footprint diameter. That is important because a large softbox will put the load off-center and you need to have a footprint large enough to keep it from tipping.

You also need a stand durable enough to add weight at the bottom for stability. In my opinion, the 8Kg rating is a bit wimpy for the purpose, but you might get away with it.

All this assumes that the ratings are really as-published. I don't always believe no-name ads.

[RichNY]

I wont be using it very often so it doesn't warrant spending a lot of money on a brand name stand. I'm in Australia so please don't suggest any overseas shops

Ummm.... isn't China an oversea shop if you are in Australia? ;)

[elwood58]

Cheap light stands can be offset by using sandbags for stabilization. I would not go larger than maybe a 20X28. If you are going larger, or using one of the new octagonal models, save yourself the headaches and get a heavy duty stand.

You will also want to check the height of the cheap stands. Many of them are limited to 6.5-7 feet.

[thestraydog]

Ummm.... isn't China an oversea shop if you are in Australia? ;)
I was just meaning shops that regularly ship to Australia and have reasonable freight costs.

[RichNY]

I was just meaning shops that regularly ship to Australia and have reasonable freight costs.

I was just having some fun with you ;)