Going Compact/Portable

Is there anything better out there than the Manfrotto Nano stand as far as striking a good balance between stability and portability? I've got 2 of these already and am just curious to see what else is out there.

What about the Westcott Collapsible umbrellas? Any alternatives?

These would obviously be used with speedlights.

nicksan wrote in post #13931291
Is there anything better out there than the Manfrotto Nano stand as far as striking a good balance between stability and portability? I've got 2 of these already and am just curious to see what else is out there.

What about the Westcott Collapsible umbrellas? Any alternatives?

These would obviously be used with speedlights.

The Matthews Reverse Stand kicks sand in the Nano's face:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …7486_Reverse_St​and_7.html

http://www.calumetphot​o.com …ltra_compact_st​and/mf6027

DHPHOTO66 wrote in post #13931581
http://www.calumetphot​o.com …ltra_compact_st​and/mf6027

That Calumet stand is the same as the Nano. Same 3.5 pound maximum load. The Matthews Reverse carries an 11 pound max load rating and is only about 2 inches longer than the Nano when folded.

tetrode wrote in post #13931320
The Matthews Reverse Stand kicks sand in the Nano's face:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …7486_Reverse_St​and_7.html

OK, compared to the Nano, the Matthews is 3" longer and max height is 83.5".

Other than that, how does the Matthews stand "kick sand in the Nano's face? Would like to know, b/c if this is that better, then I'll buy them.

Would the matthew's stand be capable of holding a monolight? Obviously you wouldn't put a large modifier on it, maybe a medium softbox.

I've been looking for something portable to use on location indoors and see seem like they'd be perfect.

Thanks in advance.

jdotuk wrote in post #13932913
Would the matthew's stand be capable of holding a monolight? Obviously you wouldn't put a large modifier on it, maybe a medium softbox.

I've been looking for something portable to use on location indoors and see seem like they'd be perfect.

Thanks in advance.

Says it supports up to 11 lbs. I am looking for a stand to use with speedlights and collapsible umbrellas. For the other stuff, I've got heavy duty stands already.

nicksan wrote in post #13933019
Says it supports up to 11 lbs. I am looking for a stand to use with speedlights and collapsible umbrellas. For the other stuff, I've got heavy duty stands already.

Right. I guess my question is, are the specs padded? I didn't see any indication that they were in the reviews at B&H - but most people were using them with speedlights. My largest modifier is the Apollo Orb, and it will probably stay the largest I've got for a while.

As for the heavy duty equipment - I've only got a speedlight kit, but I would like to add some power to it. If I can use the same stands for both most of the time then its win-win.

jdotuk wrote in post #13933528
Right. I guess my question is, are the specs padded? I didn't see any indication that they were in the reviews at B&H - but most people were using them with speedlights. My largest modifier is the Apollo Orb, and it will probably stay the largest I've got for a while.

As for the heavy duty equipment - I've only got a speedlight kit, but I would like to add some power to it. If I can use the same stands for both most of the time then its win-win.

I use my reverse stand with monolights all the time. At the moment, it has an Elinchrom 600RX with Maxilite reflector mounted on it. No problem with a 24" x 32" softbox or 36" octa either. The column sways a bit due to the inverted installation of the base. But the stand has a very wide footprint that provides excellent stability.

Dave F.

Thanks, Dave. I'll be buying a Matthews reverse stand for the upcoming season.

tetrode wrote in post #13935197
I use my reverse stand with monolights all the time. At the moment, it has an Elinchrom 600RX with Maxilite reflector mounted on it. No problem with a 24" x 32" softbox or 36" octa either. The column sways a bit due to the inverted installation of the base. But the stand has a very wide footprint that provides excellent stability.

Dave F.

Outstanding. Thanks Dave.

tetrode wrote in post #13935197
I use my reverse stand with monolights all the time. At the moment, it has an Elinchrom 600RX with Maxilite reflector mounted on it. No problem with a 24" x 32" softbox or 36" octa either. The column sways a bit due to the inverted installation of the base. But the stand has a very wide footprint that provides excellent stability.

Dave F.

Thanks. Very useful, and it looks like I'll be ordering these stands.

How is Matthews MERF?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ERF&N=0&Initial​Search=yes

Extends to 7'5" and collapses down to 20". So that's taller than the Nano or the other Matthews that was linked in an earlier post, and almost as shot as the Nano. Also has the rubber feet unlike the other Matthews one.

So
http://www.msegrip.com …tthews-reverse-stand.html
vs.
http://www.msegrip.com …-1/kit/matthews-merf.html

Looks like the Nano has a max load of 3.3lbs vs. 9-11lbs for the Matthews.

Thoughts?

Ended up ordering 2 Matthews MERFs. Almost the same size as the Nano, but much sturdier. (load of 9lbs vs 3lbs)

I also ordered 2 Westcott Collapsible reflective umbrellas and 1 Westcott Collapsible shoot-through umbrella. I heard the one with the removable cover was a little quirky.

Can anyone recommend a bag that can carry these, some clothing, and still be considered a "personal" item for carry-on luggage?

I have a Think Tank Airport Antidote. I'm guessing that'll count as one carry-on luggage. I don't want to check anything in, so trying to figure it all out.

Awesome recommendation. Thanks Dave.