Good stand for off-camera strobe?

[gorby]

So I finally got my second flash unit today (Sigma 530 super), so much fun playing with them. But it sorely pointed out the fact that I needed a light stand.

What's a good "go to" light stand? (for flash/strobist) Fairly inexpensive if you will.


Side question: Anyone use a C stand to hold their flash?

[Curtis N]

It doesn't take much.

I got a couple economy light stands from the local camera shop. They handle a swivel bracket, flash unit and 45" umbrella easily.

When asking questions like this, it's always good to know where in the world you live.

[gorby]

I live in SoCal /LA, but wouldn't mind ordering via the web

I remember reading a strobist article that (I think) had something of a warning to do with stands/brackets ---- something about a screw or something potentially frying your strobe. I know it sounds stupid from my description, I just wish I could find it again.

[ofdphoto]

Strobist rightly recommend you use tape to prevent the main contact on the base of your flash hitting the metallic hot shoe on the swivel mount. It basically stops it shorting out.

[FlyingPhotog]

So I finally got my second flash unit today (Sigma 530 super), so much fun playing with them. But it sorely pointed out the fact that I needed a light stand.

What's a good "go to" light stand? (for flash/strobist) Fairly inexpensive if you will.


Side question: Anyone use a C stand to hold their flash?

I think C-Stands would be overkill for just a normal flash unit...

However, having them around would certainly come in handy for holding other things like reflectors or backgrounds...

[gorby]

thanks guys

yeah, the c stand question is kinda thinking ahead for the future. i think they are really useful, with the arm and whatnot

[SYS]

When I had the same question you're having now, I decided to get an Impact Heavy Duty, Air-Cushioned light stand (cheap but durable) to use for my 580EX flash and in case I do end up getting a softbox. Obviously, you don't need a heavy duty, air-cushioned stand just for a flash, but I'm always thinking multipurpose...

[gorby]

Thanks Sys, I tried searching for that but couldn't really find it.

How's this Wescott stand (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWestcott-750-Photo-Basics-7-5-Foot%2Fdp%2FB000NIKQ7Q%3Fpf%5Frd%5Fp%3D305206101%2 6pf%5Frd%5Fs%3Dcenter-3%26pf%5Frd%5Ft%3D701%26pf%5Frd%5Fi%3D20%26pf%5Frd %5Fm%3DATVPDKIKX0DER%26pf%5Frd%5Fr%3D0GEDJB9KGDF2D XJJ0HGT&tag=songgallery-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)?

It's in my 'gold box' today on amazon

[SYS]

Thanks Sys, I tried searching for that but couldn't really find it.

How's this Wescott stand (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWestcott-750-Photo-Basics-7-5-Foot%2Fdp%2FB000NIKQ7Q%3Fpf%5Frd%5Fp%3D305206101%2 6pf%5Frd%5Fs%3Dcenter-3%26pf%5Frd%5Ft%3D701%26pf%5Frd%5Fi%3D20%26pf%5Frd %5Fm%3DATVPDKIKX0DER%26pf%5Frd%5Fr%3D0GEDJB9KGDF2D XJJ0HGT&tag=songgallery-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)?

It's in my 'gold box' today on amazon

The Westcott light stand seems to be about the same built as the Impact brand that I was talking about, here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253069-REG/Impact_LS_96HAB_Air_Cushioned_Black_Stand.html

The main difference is the height and the cost. The Westcott is cheaper but much shorter.

[gorby]

9.5 foot, sweet!

Now you need a clamp or something to go on top right? Any recommendations?

[SYS]

9.5 foot, sweet!

Now you need a clamp or something to go on top right? Any recommendations?

This:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html

Cheap but works. I have it, and I'm happy with it. Just don't play with it upside down.

[gorby]

Thanks pal, I think I've got an idea of what to go for now!

[gorby]

What do y'all think of this kit?

Seems like a good deal to me:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475575-REG/Impact__Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html