Boom stand for beauty dish?

[ExPOSED]

*** This thread was split off from another thread since it really deserves to be a thread on its own. :) ***

Not to hijack this thread or anything, but I too just purchased a AB 22inch BD with sock and grid. I currently have the impact 9.5ft air cushioned heavy duty light stand. From doing research here, it seems like a lot of people use a boom stand/arm when using a beauty dish. I was wondering if using a boom stand/arm is required in order to use a BD properly.

Also, if it is, can someone recommend me a good boom arm? Since I recently just purchased my studio equipment, money is kind of tight. From my understanding, I can just attach a boom arm to my current light stand. Thanks.

[TMR Design]

Not to hijack this thread or anything, but I too just purchased a AB 22inch BD with sock and grid. I currently have the impact 9.5ft air cushioned heavy duty light stand. From doing research here, it seems like a lot of people use a boom stand/arm when using a beauty dish. I was wondering if using a boom stand/arm is required in order to use a BD properly.

Also, if it is, can someone recommend me a good boom arm? Since I recently just purchased my studio equipment, money is kind of tight. From my understanding, I can just attach a boom arm to my current light stand. Thanks.

The boom is not required but depending on how it's positioned (clamshell style lighting, for instance) you want the stand out of frame and off the set with the dish coming in from above and the side.

If you're using the dish as you would a softbox then it can just be on the stand. No rules, just creativity and a bit of knowledge of how to control light. :D

[ExPOSED]

The boom is not required but depending on how it's positioned (clamshell style lighting, for instance) you want the stand out of frame and off the set with the dish coming in from above and the side.

If you're using the dish as you would a softbox then it can just be on the stand. No rules, just creativity and a bit of knowledge of how to control light. :D

Thanks TMR. Minus the boom, will I be able to tilt the BD on just my light stand or does it only face straight? Would you happen to have any recommendations for a boom arm? I want to be able to get the most out of the BD so I'll probably end up purchasing an arm.

[epatt250]

Keep in mind, when you boom things out you may need a more hardcore stand as well. I would not boom out a studio light + soft/octabox or beauty dish without going to a steel stand.

You can get by w/o a boom but it will limit you quite a bit. Since you would not be able to light directly center of subject and stand back much. You will have to shoot right up against the lightstand. So you either have to use a wide angle up close and get distortion or use the light further back and have harder light with less rapid falloff.

[TooManyHobbies]

Keep in mind, when you boom things out you may need a more hardcore stand as well. I would not boom out a studio light + soft/octabox or beauty dish without going to a steel stand.

You can get by w/o a boom but it will limit you quite a bit. Since you would not be able to light directly center of subject and stand back much. You will have to shoot right up against the lightstand. So you either have to use a wide angle up close and get distortion or use the light further back and have harder light with less rapid falloff.

I use aluminum stands and booms but I have power pack lights so the heads are light even iwth a 30x60 box. I also replaced the plastic Alien Bee pivots with steel ones.

[ExPOSED]

Thanks for the great info everyone.

So does anyone have a recommendation for a boom arm? From my research it appears the alien bee boom arm is not good enough.

[Bumgardnern]

For mounting a beauty dish I like to use c-stands with an extension grip arm and a T top to mont it on the stand.

[ExPOSED]

For mounting a beauty dish I like to use c-stands with an extension grip arm and a T top to mont it on the stand.


Would this be sufficient? It fits within my budget, but want to make sure it's not going to topple over if a light breeze hits it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3 ... ury_C.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/320208-REG/Matthews_B756040_Hollywood_Black_Century_C.html)

[Bumgardnern]

That looks good to me. You have to remember that these weigh about 20 pounds. I generally also put a sand bag on them to make sure they don't fall over.

[ExPOSED]

That looks good to me. You have to remember that these weigh about 20 pounds. I generally also put a sand bag on them to make sure they don't fall over.


Ok, I'll look into that one. I also found this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162697-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_420CSUNS_Boom_Stand_Con vertible_with.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162697-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_420CSUNS_Boom_Stand_Con vertible_with.html).

Due to my budget, would I be able to use either of these as a normal light stand to hold up the BD or any other modifier?

[Bumgardnern]

I prefer the c-stand over that one. You can use a c-stand to hold all of your normal lights and modifiers. A c-stand offers you alot of ability. I have mounted the big Elinchrom El-Octa on a c-stand before. C-stands are the go to stand in many circumstances on both photography and video sets.

[epatt250]

Isnt the disadvantage to C stands is that they are a pain to transport for location work? Thats a consideration if you ever take your stuff outside the studio.

What is the advantage of a C stand over a A700?

[Bumgardnern]

C-stands are bulky. I do not find them overly hard to transport by car/suv/truck. The legs on most c-stands will fold in and on some you can take the legs off. For mounting a BD or other small-medium sized modifier I will go for a c-stand every time over an A700.

[Tareq]

I have one of that Lightstand with a boom, but i use it with softbox, but my beauty dish i just use it on lightstand normally without any boom, maybe one day i will try it on a boom.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4404/a0000819.jpg

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/4611/a0000836.jpg

[epatt250]

C-stands are bulky. I do not find them overly hard to transport by car/suv/truck. The legs on most c-stands will fold in and on some you can take the legs off. For mounting a BD or other small-medium sized modifier I will go for a c-stand every time over an A700.

Why? I understand that you prefer the C stand. But why?

I am not disagreeing. I just dont know much about them and need educating on what makes them so great.

[Bumgardnern]

Compared to an A700 a c-stand is much more moveable. A c-stand weighs in at around 20 pounds while an A700 is closer to 35 pounds. A c-stand fits in a smaller area. You can have several c-stands with in a few inches of each other while with an A-700 they each take up more room. Also in a studio environment because of the way the legs are made you can have a nice row of c-stands.

[ExPOSED]

Compared to an A700 a c-stand is much more moveable. A c-stand weighs in at around 20 pounds while an A700 is closer to 35 pounds. A c-stand fits in a smaller area. You can have several c-stands with in a few inches of each other while with an A-700 they each take up more room. Also in a studio environment because of the way the legs are made you can have a nice row of c-stands.


I've been looking at the C stands on BH, and most of the ones that I can afford say medium duty. Is that still stable/strong enough to deal with a AB BD or any other modifier when using the boom arm that come with them? Fully extended, most of them say a maximum weight of about 13 pounds. I will be using a B800 with such modifiers.

[Rudi]

Isnt the disadvantage to C stands is that they are a pain to transport for location work? Thats a consideration if you ever take your stuff outside the studio.

What is the advantage of a C stand over a A700?

A C-stand will be much more transportable than an A700 - those things are HUGE and HEAVY! So, for location work, if I need a heavy-duty stand it will always be a C-stand. Also, C-stands take up much less room inside a studio, since you can position them much closer together (because of the way their legs are shaped).

That said, for location work I much prefer aluminium light stands and lots of sandbags, or an assistant to hold things steady. The Manfrotto 420 convertible boom stand is a nice lightweight alternative to some heavier steel stands, for location work. (In fact, it's a nice studio stand, too).

[ExPOSED]

A C-stand will be much more transportable than an A700 - those things are HUGE and HEAVY! So, for location work, if I need a heavy-duty stand it will always be a C-stand. Also, C-stands take up much less room inside a studio, since you can position them much closer together (because of the way their legs are shaped).

That said, for location work I much prefer aluminium light stands and lots of sandbags, or an assistant to hold things steady. The Manfrotto 420 convertible boom stand is a nice lightweight alternative to some heavier steel stands, for location work. (In fact, it's a nice studio stand, too).

Hi Rudi, so would you recommend the Manfrotto 420 convertible boom stand for the use with a AB800 and AB 22in beauty dish?

[DerekW]

Do you still have to weight the c stands or do they stand without support using a boom?

[Rudi]

Hi Rudi, so would you recommend the Manfrotto 420 convertible boom stand for the use with a AB800 and AB 22in beauty dish?

Don't see why not. :) You will have to make sure the boom is properly counter-weighted, but that is the case with any boom stand (with the possible exception of the A700, which is the Hulk of convertible boom stands :D).

I have both the A700 and the Manfrotto 420, and use both of them inside the studio. But I only use one of them on location... :)

[ExPOSED]

Don't see why not. :) You will have to make sure the boom is properly counter-weighted, but that is the case with any boom stand (with the possible exception of the A700, which is the Hulk of convertible boom stands :D).

I have both the A700 and the Manfrotto 420, and use both of them inside the studio. But I only use one of them on location... :)


This is perfect! Thanks Rudi. The Manfrotto 420 fits right in my budget! Would you happen to know what the ideal amount of weight would be sufficient for the counterweight?

[Rudi]

Ok, I'll look into that one. I also found this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162697-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_420CSUNS_Boom_Stand_Con vertible_with.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162697-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_420CSUNS_Boom_Stand_Con vertible_with.html).

Due to my budget, would I be able to use either of these as a normal light stand to hold up the BD or any other modifier?

That is the 420 with steel base. If you can afford it, get it.

[Rudi]

This is perfect! Thanks Rudi. The Manfrotto 420 fits right in my budget! Would you happen to know what the ideal amount of weight would be sufficient for the counterweight?

It really depends how far you plan to extend that boom, but with two 3lb weights you should be able to counterbalance just about anything that you're likely to mount on that AB strobe. :)

[epatt250]

Rudi do you have the 420 with the steel base or all aluminum? I would like a 420 to go with my A470. My last shoot I had a warm blooded assistant for a boom so I did not break out the A470.

[Rudi]

Rudi do you have the 420 with the steel base or all aluminum? I would like a 420 to go with my A470. My last shoot I had a warm blooded assistant for a boom so I did not break out the A470.

I have all aluminium.

[tetrode]

It really depends how far you plan to extend that boom, but with two 3lb weights you should be able to counterbalance just about anything that you're likely to mount on that AB strobe. :)

Nothing like empirical evidence, eh Rudi? My experimental setup:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3312239399_368d2df620_o.jpg

That's my 420 with a monolight and Elinchrom 44cm square reflector mounted. The square was already out and I was too lazy to get the beauty dish. The square and the dish weigh about the same.

The orange blob on the other end is a 4kg weight.

I must report that the stand seemed *really* unhappy with this load. As you see it, the boom weight distribution is extremely unbalanced. If I were to loosen the locking mechanism, my monolight and nearly-impossible-to-replace reflector would be toast.

I wouldn't dare extend the boom any further than you see it in the photo. But that's just me. I guess I've been permanently spoiled by the A700.

For something stronger and more confidence inspiring than the 420 while more portable than the A700, I might be inclined to go with something like the Avenger A225S C-stand and an Avenger D600 Mini-boom.

However, with care, the pictured setup will work.

Dave F.

[thumphrey]

Dave, do you have any idea how rude that was to show Rudi that 44cm reflector?;-)

[tetrode]

Dave, do you have any idea how rude that was to show Rudi that 44cm reflector?;-)

As a matter of fact, I do.

Stay tuned ....

[Rudi]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[ExPOSED]

Nothing like empirical evidence, eh Rudi? My experimental setup:



That's my 420 with a monolight and Elinchrom 44cm square reflector mounted. The square was already out and I was too lazy to get the beauty dish. The square and the dish weigh about the same.

The orange blob on the other end is a 4kg weight.

I must report that the stand seemed *really* unhappy with this load. As you see it, the boom weight distribution is extremely unbalanced. If I were to loosen the locking mechanism, my monolight and nearly-impossible-to-replace reflector would be toast.

I wouldn't dare extend the boom any further than you see it in the photo. But that's just me. I guess I've been permanently spoiled by the A700.

For something stronger and more confidence inspiring than the 420 while more portable than the A700, I might be inclined to go with something like the Avenger A225S C-stand and an Avenger D600 Mini-boom.

However, with care, the pictured setup will work.

Dave F.


Hi Dave,

Thanks for the image and description. Due to my budget, I'm not sure if I could afford the Avenger C-Stand and Boom you mentioned. I did dig around BH Photo last night and was wondering if this set up would be equivalent to the avenger set up...

Impact Air Cushioned Heavy Duty Stand:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253069-REG/Impact_LS_96HAB_Air_Cushioned_Heavy_Duty_Light.htm l

Avenger D600 Mini Boom(that you mentioned):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3599-REG/Avenger_D600_D600_Mini_Boom_3_8.html

I looked at the specs for the impact stand, and it was pretty close to the Avenger C-Stand in respects maximum load, maximum height, and footprint. Or would the 420 combo be better than the two items I linked? Again, thanks for any input and advice.

[Tareq]

If i am not wrong then this one is what i got

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/512958-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_085BS_Heavy_Duty_Boom_a nd.html

[Tareq]

This one looks good, but not sure

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/513014-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_420NSB_420NSB_Convertib le_Boom_Stand.html#includes

[ExPOSED]

Hi Tareq,

Any opinions on the setup I listed about two or one post above your post?

[Gentleman Villain]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

the square reflector is a nice light...but it's funky and clunky

I got so pissed dealing with mine one day that I actually just threw it in the garbage. That was about 3 years ago :)

[tetrode]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the image and description. Due to my budget, I'm not sure if I could afford the Avenger C-Stand and Boom you mentioned. I did dig around BH Photo last night and was wondering if this set up would be equivalent to the avenger set up...

Impact Air Cushioned Heavy Duty Stand:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253069-REG/Impact_LS_96HAB_Air_Cushioned_Heavy_Duty_Light.htm l

Avenger D600 Mini Boom(that you mentioned):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3599-REG/Avenger_D600_D600_Mini_Boom_3_8.html

I looked at the specs for the impact stand, and it was pretty close to the Avenger C-Stand in respects maximum load, maximum height, and footprint. Or would the 420 combo be better than the two items I linked? Again, thanks for any input and advice.

Let me start by saying I have NO first hand experience with that particular Impact stand so take my comments as purely conjectural.

Personally, I do not think the combination of an Avenger mini boom and Impact light stand would work very well if at all. If the Impact stand is as similar to my Giottos stands as I believe it to be, I would go so far as to say save your money and don't even try it.

For one thing, the Impact (and Giottos) stands have much smaller riser tube diameters than C-stands and are, therefore, far less rigid under bending forces. The max load rating of these stands is based on weight bearing straight down on the risers. Add a boom and now the stand is confronting extreme bending forces (as it is unlikely the boom will be sufficiently counterweighted to achieve neutral buoyancy). Narrow tubes (and associated hardware) will raise the white flag very quickly in such a situation.

The other thing is that the Avenger boom is designed for a Type 33 mount. While still 5/8" in diameter like the studs and spigots you're used to seeing, the Type 33 is significantly longer. Take a close look at the top of an Avenger C-stand. The longer stud and correspondingly longer female receptacle of the D600 (or grip head, or other "pro" accessory) make for an extremely strong interface between the two pieces. Not so with the short spigots/studs that come with lesser stands. It's not inconceivable that the top-mounted stud on a consumer grade lightstand might be twisted out of its thin-walled riser under the load of a boom arm with attached light.

I do understand your budget constraints but really can't recommend the combination you suggest. If I may offer a somewhat more attractively priced counter proposal:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371907-REG/Impact_CT40M_Turtle_Base_Master_Century.html#revie ws

I've seen this particular stand on display at B&H and remember it appearing extremely solid (and heavy).

Do keep us apprised of your progress ...

Dave F.

[tetrode]

the square reflector is a nice light...but it's funky and clunky

I got so pissed dealing with mine one day that I actually just threw it in the garbage.

I can hear Rudi groaning (between his tears) all the way from Sydney.

Dave F.

[Tareq]

Hi Tareq,

Any opinions on the setup I listed about two or one post above your post?

My opinion is that they are good, can't judge or comment because i didn't try them, but check reviews.
In all cases, it seems you can't decide on one yet, i bought that one i have and i am happy, very heavy duty.

[Hermes]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the image and description. Due to my budget, I'm not sure if I could afford the Avenger C-Stand and Boom you mentioned. I did dig around BH Photo last night and was wondering if this set up would be equivalent to the avenger set up...

Impact Air Cushioned Heavy Duty Stand:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253069-REG/Impact_LS_96HAB_Air_Cushioned_Heavy_Duty_Light.htm l

Avenger D600 Mini Boom(that you mentioned):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3599-REG/Avenger_D600_D600_Mini_Boom_3_8.html

I looked at the specs for the impact stand, and it was pretty close to the Avenger C-Stand in respects maximum load, maximum height, and footprint. Or would the 420 combo be better than the two items I linked? Again, thanks for any input and advice.

I use those D600 mini booms as well as my A700s for overhead work - don't be fooled by the name, they are big and heavy. The C-stands mentioned earlier are the minimum that I'd use a boom like this on. Once you add the weight of the boom, the strobe & dish and the counterweight, you're approaching the max load of the c-stand.

One other thing you may have overlooked is that a stand that has to take a boom should have wheels unless it's literally going to stay in one place the whole time - trying to lift a boom & stand all in one is pretty dangerous. I'd recommend you pick up one of these:-

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/67815-REG/Avenger_A660_A660_Folding_Base_Wheeled.html#specif ications

They are what I use as my all-purpose stands and they are absolutely brilliant. They have pretty much everything you could need - wheels, low profile, enough strength to use a boom, easy to store, small enough footprint to move around - and on top of that they're cheap by Avenger standards. The only thing they don't have is the sheer size & weight of the A700 that allows you to put a light pretty-much anywhere at huge distances, but that's not something that everyone needs and as long as you counterweight properly, the A660 will do 99% of jobs perfectly.

[GenuineRolla]

Here's how I have mine boomed:

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/153/pridepromos25.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6365/setupl.jpg

[tetrode]

I use those D600 mini booms as well as my A700s for overhead work - don't be fooled by the name, they are big and heavy. The C-stands mentioned earlier are the minimum that I'd use a boom like this on. Once you add the weight of the boom, the strobe & dish and the counterweight, you're approaching the max load of the c-stand.

One other thing you may have overlooked is that a stand that has to take a boom should have wheels unless it's literally going to stay in one place the whole time - trying to lift a boom & stand all in one is pretty dangerous. I'd recommend you pick up one of these:-

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/67815-REG/Avenger_A660_A660_Folding_Base_Wheeled.html#specif ications

They are what I use as my all-purpose stands and they are absolutely brilliant. They have pretty much everything you could need - wheels, low profile, enough strength to use a boom, easy to store, small enough footprint to move around - and on top of that they're cheap by Avenger standards. The only thing they don't have is the sheer size & weight of the A700 that allows you to put a light pretty-much anywhere at huge distances, but that's not something that everyone needs and as long as you counterweight properly, the A660 will do 99% of jobs perfectly.

I'll second that. I have an A660 as well and, as Hermes says, it's brilliant! Just be mindful of the small footprint.

Dave F.

[ExPOSED]

First, I just want to thank everyone for all the advice, opinions, and references. I can't say enough about this place. Everyone always helping each other out. Speaks volumes of this place.

I realized after going back and reading everything that I didn't explain my use of the BD. I want to use it indoors and outdoors. I don't have a professional studio or anything so indoor shoots would be in homes. Ceilings of 8-12 ft. My budget was also under $200. I guess when there is so many options, it gets a bit difficult trying to make a choice.

Based on budget, it seems like GenuineRolla's set up would fit the bill. Based on the setup photos he provided, that would basically be how I would use the BD as well. I think I will go with the heavy duty impact stand and the AB boom. I hope to get it some time next week, and after my first go around I will come back and let everyone know how it went. Thanks again everyone! For someone who is getting their feet wet for the first time in regards to studio strobes, this place really helps make it a bit easier.

[GenuineRolla]

If you can bro, get the AB 13' stand to hold the boom arm. You can see in my pics that the Impact's footprint isn't as wide and not sure if I'd use that one to hold my boom. Indoors would be fine but I wouldn't use it outdoors.

Glad we could offer you some help and whatn0t man. I have a couple more shoots to do this week so, i'm sure i'll be posting up pics from that.

[ExPOSED]

I will definitely take a look at the AB 13ft.

[Bumgardnern]

Yeah if you are going with the super portable light stands like the AB I would at least go for the 13ft model. I still think that a c-stand is the ideal solution. I have worked with the AB stand and boom and have never felt confident with them. For conditions outside on uneven ground I prefer a c-stand with a rocky mt. leg, because it allows you to level out the base. The Impact c-stand that was linked to above as a nice c-stand but I would prefer the Avenger or Matthews.

I have owned the AB Boom and returned the AB Boom. I found it to be poorly constructed and I always felt like it was going to break. The plastic knuckle that links it to the stand feels like it is super cheap. Also it seems to be more awkward to use than some of the other booms out their.

For whatever reason I put more of my trust in a good c-stand it could be because I have used them everyday in a studio and it is just what I know...

[tetrode]

Before you plop down any money for the AB boom and stand, you might want to read this brief thread:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157606020734327/

A little googl'ing will yield plenty more similar reviews.

Dave F.

[Rudi]

I can hear Rudi groaning (between his tears) all the way from Sydney.

Dave F.

I'm sorry, what? I must have passed out for a moment... :D

[TooManyHobbies]

Before you plop down any money for the AB boom and stand, you might want to read this brief thread:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157606020734327/

A little googl'ing will yield plenty more similar reviews.

Dave F.

I have no problem with the light stands. I think they are better than impact but not as good as my Italian Avengers which are very compact.

As for the AB boom, I used it very carefully until I replaced the plastic knuckle with a manfrotto one. After that it was fine. I used the boom with the 30x60 light box 90% of the time with Zeus heads. Of course the manfrotto knuckle wasn't cheap, but all my connection stuff is manfrotto or related brand.

[TooManyHobbies]

Before you plop down any money for the AB boom and stand, you might want to read this brief thread:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157606020734327/

A little googl'ing will yield plenty more similar reviews.

Dave F.

I have no problem with the light stands. I think they are better than impact but not as good as my Italian Avengers which are very compact.

As for the AB boom, I used it very carefully until I replaced the plastic knuckle with a manfrotto one. After that it was fine. I used the boom with the 30x60 light box 90% of the time with Zeus heads. Of course the manfrotto knuckle wasn't cheap, but all my connection stuff is manfrotto or related brand.

[GenuineRolla]

Like I said before, I haven't had any problems with mine. I would imagine with any boom system you'd want to be careful with the way you use it. Take care of the AB one and you should be fine. I know other people who have it and they have had little to no problems with theirs.

I love their light stands. They're absolutely fine to use with the octabox and holding them bare.

[ExPOSED]

Ok, so in the interest of getting the right stand and boom, I continued to do more research this past weekend before making a purchase. I plan to make a purchase no later than Tuesday. I have listed two links below of the ones I'm trying to choose from. Please help me decide! I noticed the Avenger A470 and the Manfrotto 420 have identical specs, so I don't know if one is better than the other. I checked the A700, but it seems too big. Thanks.

1.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/184625-REG/Avenger_A470_A470_Baby_Combi_Boom_Steel.html

2.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162697-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_420CSUNS_Boom_Stand_Con vertible_with.html

[TooManyHobbies]

Ok, so in the interest of getting the right stand and boom, I continued to do more research this past weekend before making a purchase. I plan to make a purchase no later than Tuesday. I have listed two links below of the ones I'm trying to choose from. Please help me decide! I noticed the Avenger A470 and the Manfrotto 420 have identical specs, so I don't know if one is better than the other. I checked the A700, but it seems too big. Thanks.

1.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/184625-REG/Avenger_A470_A470_Baby_Combi_Boom_Steel.html

2.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162697-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_420CSUNS_Boom_Stand_Con vertible_with.html

One additional note...

I have the AB (11lb) and the Manfrotto (10 lb) booms.

My AB boom telescopes, but my manfrotto does not.

My Manfrotto flexes a lot but has a solid knuckle, my AB flexes less.

The AB boom is a lot longer but compacts smaller than the manfrotto. This is a problem for the manfrotto when you go from horizontal to vertical while shooting. The end of the boom hits the floor when you try to bring the light down low without flipping it around.

The AB boom moves freely in the plastic knuckle and can be adjusted with one person, but the manfrotto binds up in the knuckle and can need 2 people to adjust when heavily loaded. There is another knuckle ( I thought it was Manfrotto 0123, but not sure) that makes a metal knuckle that fits the AB, it works good and doesn't bind too badly.

[epatt250]

Exposed I have a A470 and love it. Its what i would recommend from my own experience if you work on location. Right now Adorama has free shipping on the A470 and shipping is almost 50 bucks. So keep that in mind.

Avenger and Man/Bogen are the same company I'm pretty sure. I think the only difference in the stands you linked is one has tubular legs the other square.

[TooManyHobbies]

Avenger and Man/Bogen are the same company.

All under the same parent company of Bogen Imaging.

[epatt250]

I wonder if something is going on with that Manfrotto link. It says its a 3400 but the link at top says 320. The features says it has a steel base with aluminum risers. My 470 sure feels like steel everywhere and is chrome. So I wonder why the weight is the same if only the base is steel.

The mismatches makes me go hmmm..



1.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/184625-REG/Avenger_A470_A470_Baby_Combi_Boom_Steel.html

2.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162697-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_420CSUNS_Boom_Stand_Con vertible_with.html

[ExPOSED]

Exposed I have a A470 and love it. Its what i would recommend from my own experience if you work on location. Right now Adorama has free shipping on the A470 and shipping is almost 50 bucks. So keep that in mind.

Avenger and Man/Bogen are the same company I'm pretty sure. I think the only difference in the stands you linked is one has tubular legs the other square.


Hi epatt250,

It seems the A470 may be sturdier than the 420 combo. Are you able to extend the boom comfortably with your strobe and large modifier?

[epatt250]

Yea, but as with any boom I use a counterweight. The downside is this thing is like over double of weight of the 420. So I always make an assistant carry it. :p

Its always a trade-off of weight vs stability.

[ExPOSED]

Yea, but as with any boom I use a counterweight. The downside is this thing is like over double of weight of the 420. So I always make an assistant carry it. :p

Its always a trade-off of weight vs stability.


Ok cool. I think I'm leaning towards the A470. I see on Amazon and BH that it comes with an empty sandbag to use as a counterweight via the hook. Do you know how to calculate the amount of counterweight needed depending on whats on the boom? I'd say most of the time for me, it will be the B800 and AB beauty dish on it.

[epatt250]

I use a B800 on mine and usually use 10lbs. I just put dumbell weights in it and can take some out if I need less, though I have always just used 10lbs. Its all about the mechanical advantage and how far out you have your arm. You can just do it by taste b/c its going to vary based on how far out it is.

[Cathpah]

I think if the A700 seems to big for you, then the A470 is your ticket.

Given you're putting up an expensive light with an expensive modifier, I'd think you not only don't want to risk it falling/breaking...but you'd also not want to have to worry about drag (tightening something down and it shifting to a different position thereafter). I've got the A700, and I can also vouch that it's truly rock solid...so I'd think one step down from that--the A470--would still give you lots of strength and quality, but be able to used on location because of smaller dimensions.

[SnlpeR]

i beleive the A470 is similar to the bogen 3399
the bogen is basically the 420 with a steel base

it also has a lazy leg...
not sure if the avenger has one

[ExPOSED]

i beleive the A470 is similar to the bogen 3399
the bogen is basically the 420 with a steel base

it also has a lazy leg...
not sure if the avenger has one

You're right SnIper. I compared the two on BH and they have the exact same specs ad look exactly alike. I also noticed the 3399 is a few dollars cheaper. Would it be a safe bet to go with the bogen over the avenger to save a few bucks?

[SnlpeR]

the pics look the same..

but...i think the steel legs are different

my 3399 legs are round tubes

im guessing the A470 are square tubing since the casters for it look to be square

dont quote me on that tho...
the bogen one is great...lazy leg and all
im just scared to bring it close to the beach and out in the rain

[ExPOSED]

Ok, so I thought I'd put some closure to this thread. After all the opinions and advice given here, and putting my needs and budget in perspective, I decided to go with the Manfrotto/Bogen 3390. Ordered it on BH today. It came with the empty sandbag, and I ordered the casters to go along with it. The Avenger A700 was just too big, and upon comparing the A470 and the 3390, it seemed that they were pretty much identical. The 3390 was a few dollars cheaper, and the casters were about a third of the price of the A470 casters. I will mainly be using this combination with my AB800 and AB beauty dish. Hopefully when I can save up some cash, gonna get a large octabox as well.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who provided input, advice, and examples. If there is anything else anyone wants to add in regards to my choice, feel free. Thanks!

[yashart]

can you post a link to the one you ordered? I just searched for it on B&H and its coming up discontinued.... thanks

edit: not unless you meant the 3399... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162696-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_3399_Convertible_Steel_ Stand_with.html

[ExPOSED]

can you post a link to the one you ordered? I just searched for it on B&H and its coming up discontinued.... thanks

edit: not unless you meant the 3399... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162696-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_3399_Convertible_Steel_ Stand_with.html

Yeah, sorry about that. Typo on my part. The one I ordered is the one you linked, the 3399.

[kenyee]

exposed: have you taken these on location yet? Curious how well they'd work on hills, etc. vs. the Matthews C stands...

[TMR Design]

If you're shooting on rough or uneven terrain then you'll definitely want a stand with a lazy leg to adjust for the incline/decline.