Light Stand Question

[vincewchan]

Hey guys.. I'm very new to wireless flash and right now I'm in the market for a wireless setup.

I'm looking at 2 light stands for my 580ex II flash + 43" umbrella and would like your opinions on these 2,

The Strobist recommends this one (Model 5001B)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/612771-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_5001B_5001B_Nano_Black_ Light.html

And I'm thinking about this one (Model 1051),
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=609055&is=REG

Model 1051
Minimum Height 2.5' (75cm)
Maximum Height 6.75' (2 m)
Closed Length 2.2' (67cm)
Footprint Diameter 2.3' (70cm)
Weight 2.2 lbs (1kg)
Maximum Load 8.8 lbs (4kg)

Model 5001B
Minimum Height 19.3" (49cm)
Maximum Height 6.2' (1.9 m)
Closed Length ~19" (48.3cm)
Footprint Diameter 3.3' (1 m)
Weight ~2 lbs (0.93kg)
Maximum Load 3.3 lbs (1.5kg)

The Pros for the Model 1051 that I'm considering would be that it has a higher height and the maximum hold is higher.

5001B
Attachment Size
5/8" stud with 3/8" threaded top, 1/4"-20 threaded adapter

1051
Attachment Size
Baby 5/8" top with 1/4"-20 thread under removable 3/8" thread

Btw, What does "Baby 5/8" mean? Are they both compatible with a Swivel Umbrella Adapter (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=546375&is=REG)?

I will be using the light stand for on-location and in house, portability is a priority but I don't see much difference between ~2lbs vs 2.2lbs and 2.2' vs 19" closed length.

One of the MAIN reason why I'm considering the 1051 would the fact that it's air cushioned. Just incase the clamps fail, it won't damage my flash.

I would like your opinions on either one of these light stands!

Thanks in advance!

[Austin.Manny]

The differences seems to be that the 5001B is more compact (5 sections vs. 4) but the 1051 is Air Cushioned and "stackable".

I would go with the 5001B personally, because both are only ~6ft, so compactness would be the priority here. If you would like a taller stand (for more versatility), that is also AC, I suggest the Impact 8ft Air Cushioned Stands from B&H. And you could get about 2 for the price of a Manfrotto. ;)

[1downfall]

The differences seems to be that the 5001B is more compact (5 sections vs. 4) but the 1051 is Air Cushioned and "stackable".

I would go with the 5001B personally, because both are only ~6ft, so compactness would be the priority here. If you would like a taller stand (for more versatility), that is also AC, I suggest the Impact 8ft Air Cushioned Stands from B&H. And you could get about 2 for the price of a Manfrotto. ;)
agree here. I have 2 of the Impact AC stands......I wish I got the smaller ones because these are not quite as compact as I would like. But def. get the air cushion IMO.

[ben_r_]

Personally I wouldnt worry about the air cushion feature... Since you are probably looking to use this as an ultra portable solution that at most will hold a 580EX II with an umbrella and swivel mount its never really going hold that much weight. In my experience the air cushioned light stands are only really advantageous when you have a tall heavier duty light stand thats holding a heavy full size flash strob and the potential for it to come slamming down on your fingers is there due to the weight. I cant think of a single time I have ever had one of my portable setup have that much weight on it and it came down too fast or hard and got my fingers. For the ultimate in portability, IMO theres still no better option than the nano.

Now, that all being said, height is a different story. But then we're only talking about half a foot. Not really enough to make any difference in most real world situations.

And Im not sure what they mean by "baby 5/8", but I would assume that anything Bogen is going to be compatible with that swivel mount. That swivel mount is pretty universal.

[Wilt]

The selection criteria for me, between the two units in question, is that the 500B, with Footprint Diameter 3.3', will be much more resistant to being knocked over accidentally by guests, when used at events.

[Macrosill]

Personally I wouldnt worry about the air cushion feature... Since you are probably looking to use this as an ultra portable solution that at most will hold a 580EX II with an umbrella and swivel mount its never really going hold that much weight. In my experience the air cushioned light stands are only really advantageous when you have a tall heavier duty light stand thats holding a heavy full size flash strob and the potential for it to come slamming down on your fingers is there due to the weight. I cant think of a single time I have ever had one of my portable setup have that much weight on it and it came down too fast or hard and got my fingers......
I have been pondering this for some time now. I keep reading people recommend the "air cushioned" stands. You have to have an air cushioned stand, no other will do. But why? Unless you plan on loosening the height adjustment mechanism without holding the higher section and manually supporting your equipment up top what use will the air cushioning be? I would rather spend my money on a more useful feature.

[ben_r_]

I have been pondering this for some time now. I keep reading people recommend the "air cushioned" stands. You have to have an air cushioned stand, no other will do. But why? Unless you plan on loosening the height adjustment mechanism without holding the higher section and manually supporting your equipment up top what use will the air cushioning be? I would rather spend my money on a more useful feature.
Exactly! Like I said, if you are using the stand with full size strobes then yea, you might want that feature, in fact I would get it. But flash guns are anything but full size strobes in any way and on top of that you wouldnt want to use a small portable stand like the nano for full size strobes anyway. Save the money and/or size and ditch the air cushioned for the portable flash gun setup.

[ben_r_]

The selection criteria for me, between the two units in question, is that the 500B, with Footprint Diameter 3.3', will be much more resistant to being knocked over accidentally by guests, when used at events.
Very good point. Might even consider sand bags to weight the whole rig down more...

[1downfall]

Exactly! Like I said, if you are using the stand with full size strobes then yea, you might want that feature, in fact I would get it. But flash guns are anything but full size strobes in any way and on top of that you wouldnt want to use a small portable stand like the nano for full size strobes anyway. Save the money and/or size and ditch the air cushioned for the portable flash gun setup.
well...this is the reason I got AC. helps me when I adjust my ab's or 2' softbox.

[ben_r_]

well...this is the reason I got AC. helps me when I adjust my ab's or 2' softbox.
Yep, full sized strobes like ABs and a softbox are def a good case for air cushioned stands.

[aroundlsu]

Matthews c stands may be out of your budget but they are awesome and highly versatile.

[tetrode]

...
Btw, What does "Baby 5/8" mean? Are they both compatible with a Swivel Umbrella Adapter (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=546375&is=REG)?
...

In Manfrotto/Avenger speak, "baby" means 5/8" accessory mount. "Junior" means 1-1/8" accessory mount.

Dave F.

[MT Stringer]

My experience with light stands is limited but I have learned a lot in a very short time. Stability should be a prime concern for your set up. Never in my lifetime did I think I would see what would happen when I set up my stands. It's like a light and draws people. and their feet, to the stand.

After setting up for a basketball tournament, I found out almost too late that 1000 students at the host school had bought tickets to watch their girls team play. Everyone of them came through the walkway where my stand was positioned. Like a herd of cattle, they tore the extension cord from the receptacle and pulled up the tape where I had the cord taped to the floor. I would have lost that light if it hadn't been for a volunteer at the school that stood in their way so they couldn't run over the stand. That was an Impact 13 foot air cushioned stand with an Alien Bee 1600 positioned as high as it would go. I had the legs taped to the floor with gaffers tape and it was fairly stable, but not for a stampede! :-(

I realize you are only looking at a 6 foot stand, but a gust of wind could take off with it just as easy as a throng of high school kids.

Good luck with your purchase.
Mike

[jgettis]

You may want to look at these http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/MF6027/
I have two and am happy with them John

[Brett]

It's simply a matter of portability. I have the 5001B, and it's built very well, but it's obviously designed to be portable and lightweight, at the expense of stability. It's relatively stable, but with my Softliter II mounted, it can tip quite easily, especially outdoors. It absolutely needs weight or an assistant outdoors with anything larger than a bare flash, and your umbrellas catch the wind a lot easier than softboxes.

Get something heavier than either of your listed choices if you can afford the weight and length, or get the 5001Bs if absolute portability is your most important consideration.

I don't consider air cushioning to be an important factor when dealing with speedlights.