Which Autopole to buy? 2, Standard, which size ...

Here, this post shows how the booms attach to the autopole:
https://photography-on-the.net …?p=13511082&pos​tcount=244

Finally the answer which I received by the distributor of Manfrotto for the USA:


(1) Version 2 or Standard Version?
I am not sure if to buy the Autopole, version 2 or the standard version - Manfrotto does not explain much about the difference, just that the Autopole 2 can give stronger pressure on 2 levels - does that lead to more stability and safety?

Correct, the Deluxe Autopole, AKA Autopole 2, has better clamping pressure which would equal greater stability.

(2) Big or medium sized version?
Does it need to be the big version (210 cm - 370 cm) or will the medium version (150 cm till 270 cm) be more than sufficient for a 240cm high ceiling for backgrounds and Manfrotto Mounting Boom Arms with Lamps and light modifiers?

Go with the larger ones if you plan to clamp booms to it. Remember the farther away from the riser that the weight is, the more effective torque you put on it, like adding an extension handle on a wrench.

(3) Autopole can replace large footprint boom stand?
Is there any chance to replace a large footprint boom stand with the Autopoles?
It would be so fine if the big Elinchrom El Octa could be fixed on some horizontal stick between two autopoles or so. I guess the Manfrotto Mounting Boom Arms will not be strong enough for the El Octa, right?

See comment above. The boom arms are strong enough, but the torque will be too much to hold the Octa. This has “danger” written all over it.





Manfrotto Distribution, Inc. 565 East Crescent Ave. Ramsey, NJ 07446, USA
T: +1 (201) 818-9500 F: +1 (201) 818-9177 www.manfrottodistribut​ion.us

Your question of big or medium sized, the only difference is the length, correct? If so, I would not agree with their answer.

Regarding question 3 - EDIT: with an EL Octa, maybe the weight would be dangerous, I don't know how much the combo weights. But I regularly use a 19lb 59" octa/strobe combo boomed out from the autopole and have had no issues, but YMMV. If this is only modifier that you would want to boom, than maybe you stick with a floor stand.

I know this ia an older thread, but as for the boom option, nothing was mentioned about the "Wall mount boom" option. Manfrotto makes a wall mount boom (actually there are more than one model). They look like this:
http://www.amazon.com …X71H3M/ref=pd_s​im_sbs_p_1
(In CH, you can probably also find the Walimex versions).

Then two superclamps can be fastened to the wall mount plate (the screws with heads for hex key/allen wrenches, with M5 threads screw directly into the threaded holes in the clamp jaws. You might have to drill the plates and use a washer to keep the head from pulling through - but it works).

Then the whole arm can be clamped onto the autopole.

Obviously, this doesn't help determine it the autopole can hold the set-up you're planning - in fact, it might be heavier than other set-ups meaning that less light/modifier weight could be used - but it is a slick solution that works well for my little strobes and small softboxes.

FlashZebra wrote in post #15087244
Autopoles are handy, but if the ceiling has any texture the texture will be crushed where the rubber pole "bumper" hits the ceiling.

Any pressure insufficient to avoid this damage will also be insufficient to hold the pole in place.

Enjoy! Lon

I guess this is true if you have a "popcorn" textured ceiling. I have a knockdown texture on mine and it doesn't damage the texture.

Edit: Sorry, didn't see how old the thread was.