Boom Light Stand in UK

Can anyone recommend a sturdy boom light stand available in the UK that is good quality but doesn't break the bank??

Got some Alien bees on order and wouldn't trust them on the cheaply stands I have at the moment...

Thanks folks

Dear RUSHMORE/Trevor,

One suggestion…
Manfrotto 420B COMBI BOOM STAND [Mfr #420B]:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …20B_Combi_Boom_​Stand.html
-would think it should be available at many UK retailers, given Manfrotto’s European presence (& country of origin Italy).
http://www.manfrotto.c​o.uk …=&zip=&state=Wa​rwickshire (remember Google is your friend).

I confidently & routinely mount/hang Profoto D1Air-500 monolights (wt: 5.4lbs/2.4kg) with light modifiers [Profoto 3ft/90cm Octabox, or Profoto 22”/55cm Gridded Beauty dish, or Profoto 3ftx4ft/90cmx120cm Softbox)] from a Manfrotto 420B COMBI BOOM STAND in one of my two studios. It is a great medium weight, very versatile & durable boom stand.
(I have found for me its load capacity is comfortably greater than the stated specification. I use a 15 lb saddle sand bag on base of the stand).
While the 420B is relatively easy to move, I added a Manfrotto BRAKED CASTER SET [Mfr# 110]:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …10_Braked_Caste​r_Set.html
which just makes it quicker & more convenient to move around a studio.
But these B&H’s house brand IMPACT Caster Set 1022 [Mfr# 1022]: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Caster_Set_for_​Light.html I’m sure would work just as well.


Also have the heavier Manfrotto 025BS SUPER BOOM with 008BU STAND [Mfr# 025BS]:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …25BS_Super_Boom​_with.html
but find it a bit overkill in load capacity for my studio applications. (maybe more useful for studios with say a 12-15 foot ceilings).

In contrast, because of its folded compactness (folded 28”/70cm) I also have three of the Manfrotto BOOM ASSEMBLY 6.5ft/2m [Mfr# 024B]:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Boom_Assembly_​Black.html
for on-location applications for mounting Canon 600EX-RT speedlights (used primarily as an individual or group hair light with an Interfit or Rogue snoot, grid, or Westcott 1ftx3ft/30cmx90cm soft box); or (as strip/edge lighting with Lastolite 1ftx4ft/30cmx120cm HotRod Strip boxes).
It has & will hold one of my Profoto D1Air-500 monolights, but I feel more comfortable and prefer the Manfrotto 420B for monolights.

What I am trying to illustrate by mentioning these various booms is that the MANROTTO 420B COMBI-BOOM STAND [Mfr# 420B] is a very nice versatile balance (pun intended), between performance, strength(load capacity) & size, for multiple applications. Including for both your new Alien Bees or your existing 580EX-II.
A practical photography investment which will yield dividends and should last for decades.
Just one view.

Good luck on a boom selection that works for YOU and enjoy your new strobes (great value for money lights)!


Mary
P.S. UK seems like a country with such great & dramatic photographic opportunities including for its character and backgrounds, (particularly for your terrific 70-200f2.8L IS mkII & 50f1.8 lenses).

Perfect response.. thank you

You're welcome. Again, good luck RUSHMORE/Trevor in a selection that will work for you.

Mary