Can you help me decide on a background stand?

Hello,

Sorry, I was not 100% sure where this post should go. Figured this area would be suitable .

I want to get a background stand to use with Savage seamless paper. Mainly a 53" roll, but sometimes I would use a 107" roll that has been cut down to about 8'. I do not really want to spend more than the two stands I am listing below.

I have found the two following background stands which seem to be good, but I can't decide which would be better. Could you all give me your opinions on these two?

Thank you!!

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_System.html/pr​m/alsVwDtl
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_A_Stand_Travel​_Case.html

I've had a version of the Impact system for the last 30+ years - the only difference being that mine has 2 telescopic crossbar sections so I can fit into just about any available space up to the 9ft maximum.

The system does work very well indeed, despite looking rather 'half hearted' in concept. The potential problem, especially if you're using on location, is that everything depends on the two loose screw-on pins which sit atop perfectly ordinary light-stands (yes, they work with any ¼" threaded stand). Lose one of these pins and the whole system becomes instantly useless. There's a moral there, of course - be extra careful and don't lose the pins! - I bet they'd be pigs to find replacements for.

Other than that, it works just fine. If I were to start again, I'd give serious consideration to the Ravelli system http://www.amazon.co.u​k …ef=sr_1_1?ie=UT​F8&qid=141 as the crossbar fits over the actual stud on the light-stand - you probably wouldn't even need the wing nuts most times although they'd be much more easily replaced than threaded pins like mine or the Impact you linked to.

+1 to Ravelli. I use the Ravelli ABSL background stands and they're about as solid as you can get for a portable light stand setup. Cheap too.

i was going to buy a Ravelli before deciding to just buy some beefier stands and make up my own crossbar. Actually, since most of my work is done in my basement, i knew i wouldn't need a portable crossbar for a while. I rigged up both of these crossbars: https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1407928 I use the portable one with either my C stands or reversing stands.

make sure you have 10 pounds of weight for the base of each stand.

Thank you everyone!!! I am ordering the Ravelli ABS stand from Amazon. It is $98 with free 2 day shipping!

Ratjack wrote in post #17346927
Thank you everyone!!! I am ordering the Ravelli ABS stand from Amazon. It is $98 with free 2 day shipping!

Depending on what your holding and if you have space, get the absl, it's much beefier. I have a abs light stand and I don't think it's the same quality.

Is there really that much of a difference between them? I have a pretty small space that I can work in. Do the feet take up more room?

as i said above, i don't have this stand, but you can generally decide how far to extend the base of most light stands. you don't have full control but enough that it shouldn't be an issue. I would go with the heavier duty stuff unless you really needed more portability. The difference is substantial.

both sets can be viewed on their website:

http://ravelliphoto.co​m/ravelli-absl.html

Like LHB said if you can fit it, get it. You don't have to extend the stands base fully that being said, if you extend fully they are pretty wide. It's not just the base though. It's also the knobs. The knobs on the ABSL are much better and you don't need to feel like you're over cranking them like the ABS stands. I have both and the quality is noticeable.

I've been extremely impressed by the 13.5' Air Cushioned Light Stands, among others, that I bought from Calumet. They used to have multiple locations in our area. They still exist and have stock come and go. I have seen the following stand in person a few years ago and it has been on my wish list (not a need, but may need soon). Was $190 in the store, now online it sells for $90 or less. Currently $70. Reminds me of the Savage Stands I had 25 years ago. Everything has come quickly through the Amazon/Calumet store. They seem to copy what Manfrotto had, design wise.

http://www.amazon.com …=calumet+backgr​ound+stand

I ended up refusing the ABS stands. So I should be getting a refund on those somewhat soon. I ended up going with the Calumet 6095 heavy duty stands. I received them today and I LOVE them. They are great. I appreciate all of the help everyone .