Light Stands

[stowell_48]

Hi, just wondering what you guys would recommend for light stands? The light stands that came with my profoto kit are not very sturdy.

I am nervous even trying to use these stands in my studio, let alone in at a wedding.

Any advise would be great.

Thanks

[SteveNC]

C-stands! I highly recommend them. I cannot believe that I used Bogen stands for so long before discovering them. Downside is that they are heavier and do not fold down as small as the conventional bogen stands, but you can get C-stands with detachable base to somewhat remedy this.

[stowell_48]

C-stands! I highly recommend them. I cannot believe that I used Bogen stands for so long before discovering them. Downside is that they are heavier and do not fold down as small as the conventional bogen stands, but you can get C-stands with detachable base to somewhat remedy this.

Great, I have actually been thinking this was the best route. There are a lot of choices here also, any recommendations.

[Damian75]

I have been a big fan of the Avenger 430s in studio I like the wheeled base.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3555-REG/Avenger_A5043_A430_Wheeled_Light_Stand.html

[mikekelley]

I tried out a Lowel stand the other day and wow - very nice quality. The price isn't so kind though.

[Wilt]

Bogen/Manfrotto light stands are quite nice, without breaking the bank.

[rustylewis]

I also cast my vote for C Stands. After using them for the first time in a workshop two weeks ago, I see the light (so to speak). They allow so much more flexibility in light and/or reflector placement than a regular light stand.

[Bumgardnern]

I am another fan of C-Stands they are really the only way to go for most studio work.

[SteveNC]

Anyone else have other specific recommendations for a C-stand?

[Kt56]

I just got an Alienbee set up and the 13 foot stand is great!

[Bumgardnern]

Avenge rand Bogen make great c-stands.

[SteveNC]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7772392

[Cathpah]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7772392

thanks for that....queued me to update that thread!

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In my opinion, any working studio ought to have a variety of light stands. It's important to have stands made to boom lights out above the subject (avenger 4050cs is brilliant for that), as well as standard light stands (c-stands or proper roller stands), and a shorter background stand (c-stand with baby pin in turtle base, or background specific stand). Also, having a few lighter weight stands is also key when wanting to do location work.

A variety of tools for a variety of needs is pretty crucial. I'd recommend buying a few different types of stands (folding, boom, combi, roller, century, etc.) and see for yourself which works best for your needs.

That said, two other hints:

1) sandbags are your friend....bordering on new best friend. Buy quite a few, and don't hesitate to use them. Just about every stand will require at least a couple sandbags. Impact makes some good/cheap ones, and I've also had good luck with some bought on ebay via a store called lumiere:tech (or something like that).

2) Avenger makes great products. I've never seen anything but a positive review, and they're backed by bogen/manfrotto. Many other companies are also good (Lowel and Matthews get a lot of praise as well), so make sure you stay with a good and reputable name.

[SteveNC]

Has anyone tried these stands: Manfrotto 3344B Self-Locking 3-Section Air Cush. Cine Stand (http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/BG9571/)
Also known as the Manfrotto Junior Stand (http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=3344B&productDescription=Blk.Self-Locking%203-Section%20Air%20Cush.%20Cine%20Stand&curBrandId=MAN&market=MKT3&product_from_search=true) on Bogen's site. I wonder how they compare to the Avenger A420 (minus the wheels)?

http://www.calumetphoto.com/resources/images/prod_tnlg/8f7daf66b1334117a0768535ae88d2b3.jpg

[stowell_48]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I am thinking this is the ones I will be getting. I haven't seen the adjustable legs, and this until has them. Anyone use them before?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=611147&is=REG

I am debating between the one above that has the adjustable leg and this one that doesn't have the adjustable leg.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/289146-REG/Avenger_A2033FKIT_A2033FKIT_Century_Stand_Grip.htm l#features

[Bumgardnern]

The Rocky Mt. Leg is well worth the extra money. Their will come a time when you will want to place your light on an incline and will need the adjustable leg.