Portable studio: Bogen Nano Light Stand vs Bogen 682B Monopod w/ Detachable Legs

[SteveNC]

Has anyone used the Bogen Monopod with detachable legs (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=5495&is=REG) with the Bogen 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=546375&is=STUD) to convert a monopod to a lightstand?

I've heard mention of the Bogen Nano Light stand (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=512196&is=STUD)as a very good portable stand for an ultra-compact portable lighting rig (with the westcott 43" umbrella (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=501164&is=REG)), but I'm thinking of buying just the monopod (which I also need) and use it for double duty as a light stand.

Thoughts, suggestions? Thanks guys.

[Bernt-Inge]

How about these?
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/291660769.htm?utm_medium=productsearch&utm_source=google

I´ve been looking at these, they are cheaper than the Manfrotto/Bogen and seems to be good built.

[SteveNC]

How about these?
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/291660769.htm?utm_medium=productsearch&utm_source=google

I´ve been looking at these, they are cheaper than the Manfrotto/Bogen and seems to be good built.

^ Seems like another valid option; I'm just curious why more photogs don't go for these monopods with legs versus the Nano stand. Seems like a more functional setup with dual purpose usage potential. For example, besides the light stand functionality, one could leave the legs at home when you need a monopod, bring the legs for a "tripod" where tripods aren't allowed (sporting/theater events), etc. (There are some sportsshooter videos from a previous thread that gave me this thought, by the way.)

[gryphonslair99]

Has anyone used the Bogen Monopod with detachable legs (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=5495&is=REG) with the Bogen 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=546375&is=STUD) to convert a monopod to a lightstand?

I've heard mention of the Bogen Nano Light stand (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=512196&is=STUD)as a very good portable stand for an ultra-compact portable lighting rig (with the westcott 43" umbrella (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=501164&is=REG)), but I'm thinking of buying just the monopod (which I also need) and use it for double duty as a light stand.

Thoughts, suggestions? Thanks guys.

First and foremost does the word TIMBER mean anything to you?:D

Seriously, monopods with legs are not very stable. My first concern would be them tiping over outside. Also is a max of 6' really tall enough for what you want to do. Two of my lightweight stands are 10 footers and two are 13 footers. They weigh next to nothing and fit nicely into a small three pocket stand bag I found. The third sleeve is perfect for two umbrellas.

[SteveNC]

First and foremost does the word TIMBER mean anything to you?:D

Seriously, monopods with legs are not very stable. My first concern would be them tiping over outside. Also is a max of 6' really tall enough for what you want to do. Two of my lightweight stands are 10 footers and two are 13 footers. They weigh next to nothing and fit nicely into a small three pocket stand bag I found. The third sleeve is perfect for two umbrellas.

Some more info

- Height: Bogen Nano 6.20' tall, the 682B monopod is 5.64.'

- Footprint: Bogen Nano 3.3' wide. Footprint isn't specified on the 682B monopod's legs.

[TMR Design]

I would absolutely NOT use a monopod as a light stand. Risky on so many levels.

[Rudi]

I bought that monopod some years ago, not because I wanted the legs but because I wanted the sturdiness of that particular model monopod (it worked out at a better price than buying the next model up). IMO, the legs (which I took off immediately anyway) are ABSOLUTELY USELESS! They are thin, flexible and wobbly, and the monopod has enough problems standing up on its own. I would not put a flash on top, and an umbrella would definitely tip it over. I have since bought a Gitzo CF monopod, and my Manfrotto is coming up for sale, legs and all. It's a great monopod, but the legs are an afterthought. Still, as an aluminium monopod, they don't come much better!

If you want a monopod, buy a monopod. If you want a light stand, spend the money on a proper light stand. It will save you money in the long run.

[dehoff]

You could buy two Calumet 10' air cushioned light stands (http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/MF6045/) for the price of that monopod(or one for the price of the nano), and actually be able to get the light above a standing subject. You'd also be able to mount a monolight with a decent modifier down the road, as well.

[Lotto]

I've use the light stand few times as monopod legs, but not the other way around. Mono and tripod just don't have the height.

[SkipD]

... I'm just curious why more photogs don't go for these monopods with legs versus the Nano stand. Seems like a more functional setup with dual purpose usage potential.The "legs" that you can get with/for some monopods are very thin, very short (as compared to most decent tripods and light stands), and in a word - USELESS.

You would be risking total destruction of the equipment if you put a camera or lighting equipment on a monopod using only the little legs to support the rig.

I have not figured out what the intent is for the little legs on a monopod. In my opinion, all they do is defeat the primary advantage of using a monopod - being able to move around and re-aim your camera while having the vertical support (taking the weight off your arms) for your equipment.

[Rudi]

I have not figured out what the intent is for the little legs on a monopod.

Me neither. I would not leave that standing with any equipment on it for fear of breaking it, and not gonna leave it standing on its own anyway, so... no idea! They must make them for a reason, I just haven't been able to figure out what that reason is... :D