Best stands for a speed lite?

I was hoping to use the stand that came with my studio soft box light kit, but they seem way to flimsy for outdoor work (or any work that isn't near a power outlet). So I am just wondering what stands are best, I don't want to purchase one online only to find out it doesn't work and have to send it back. Thanks

While we tend to change a lot of equipment to benefit from the latest technology, light stands are one category which are sidelined in the headlong pursuit of the "latest & greatest". Never knowing what future requirements might be, I'd always go for those with a decent weight-handling capability and height. The 'toy' 2 metre offerings which proliferate are very restricting and, while you may not see the need at present for tall stands, in the future they will always come in useful (you can always use them at less than full height, revolutionary though that concept may seem ).

I hugely rate the Bowens BW-6615 - 3½ metres height, decently large footprint (for stability) and good load bearing at an affordable price - especially seeing that you'd only need to buy once and not replace when the clamps broke (Bowens = metal; many other makes = plastic). I'd certainly go for something with those sorts of specs rather than save money in the short term on something which you'll need to replace because it broke or was too short or wouldn't carry a boom arm & counterweight.

I only use Linco light stands now. The 8 footer can take some weight, has a wide footprint, and is rock solid outdoors with an umbrella when sandbagged. They aren't aluminum.

Calumet has a wide selection of stands. Concentrate your search on the ones they brand.
Depending on your needs the nano stand works but can be short. It has the advantage of being small and when the legs are spread to widest they offer a wide base and are on the ground so its easy to put camera bag on one let to help with wind. naturally, it pays to turn the stand so one leg is directly opposite the wind.

The 8, 10, and 12 foot stands are also good, appropriately priced and with wide bases. Alum construction with metal fittings which is critical.

I set out to buy some good quality (location) light stands a few months ago. It was a long and difficult journey but in the end, I prevailed. The Avenger A-series is that which you seek.

Ok, seriously, they are great stands with all aluminum construction. NO plastic! I went with the 13' A635B because I wanted the wider footprint for keeping modifiers upright. The A630 is a little more portable when collapsed down. They are more expensive than the cheap stands and they are worth every penny.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/c/produc...Kit_S​tand.html


Bob

Awesome so far guys, thanks. I think I will definitely take a look at the Bowens that Whortleberry mentioned and the one that Hot Bob mentioned as well.

Hot Bob wrote in post #15309977
I set out to buy some good quality (location) light stands a few months ago. It was a long and difficult journey but in the end, I prevailed. ...............They are more expensive than the cheap stands and they are worth every penny.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/c/produc...Kit_S​tand.html

I think the major point here is that, while really top notch stands are certainly not cheap initially, they work out cheaper in the long run because you only need to buy them once. The plastic-clamp £10 'toy' stands just b r e a k, so you buy replacements, which also break. Before long, you've spent more than on proper stands and you've still got mediocrity. I'm still using a couple of stands I got in 1973 - steel like the Linco (liking the look & spec of those, except I won't ever need any more stands). Not nice to carry round cos of the weight but so unbelievably durable.

http://www.msegrip.com …-1/kit/matthews-merf.html

like a manfrotto nano stand on steroids. Big foot print and stable for indoor use and beefy strobist stand. I will use them with my 75" umbrella box with einstein indoors. If I want to lug more weight I'll use a more stable rigid setup but for quick and dirty...... I love these stands.

I love my stackable manfrotto stands for rigid stability. Stack 3 of them together and throw them in a carrying bag.

Something like this Hot Bob?
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Turtle_Base_Ce​ntury.html

FreeSoul1987 wrote in post #15325697
Something like this Hot Bob?
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Turtle_Base_Ce​ntury.html

for speedlites that waaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy overkill. I know because I have that stand.

I guess if you pushing your small speedlight hard outdoors with a large diffuser your wanting an extremely heavy stand to hold up.

AlanU wrote in post #15326039
for speedlites that waaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy overkill. I know because I have that stand.

I guess if you pushing your small speedlight hard outdoors with a large diffuser your wanting an extremely heavy stand to hold up.

Thanks for your input , it does seem like overkill now but I am also considering the future and trying to make a decision now. I like the arm with it, because I might not always have someone to assist me with a reflector or sunbounce that I might purchase in the future.

FreeSoul1987 wrote in post #15326073
Thanks for your input , it does seem like overkill now but I am also considering the future and trying to make a decision now. I like the arm with it, because I might not always have someone to assist me with a reflector or sunbounce that I might purchase in the future.

The quality of that stand is incredible. Very Heavy and akward to use remotely unless you have extra helpers lugging gear but those stands are built to last. Dont forget to buy the pin aswell since that kit doesn't come with one.

my mathews suggestion is one of the most stable reverse stands I think. I love the light weight and I use it with strobes too. These makes the build of the manfrotto nano stands a joke in quality.

My previous link was good when I posted it the other day. Guess B&H must have changed something. Here's the A630B; I actually went with the 13' A635B but they are all outstanding, last-a-lifetime stands.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0B_Black_Light_​Stand.html

Bob