AlienBees light stand suggestions?

Hi everyone,

I tried to do some research but didn't find anything super helpful. I am just about to order two AlienBees B800s and saw that they also sell light stands. I was wondering if I should get it through them but also what alternatives does anyone suggest if any?


Thanks!

If you're going to be using these indoors primarily I'd recommend some C-stands. C-stands are very solid, and more stable than the light stands sold by PCB. Another advantage is that they can be placed very close together as the staggered legs overlap each other easily. Also, the spigot (part the light mounts to) is solid, and part of the stand whereas on lightstands like the ones PCB sells they are a separate piece that is riveted into the tube of the stand. The separate spigots will come loose and rock back and forth in the stand. More importantly, they don't do well with proper boom arms either.

Personally I prefer Kupo stands with the quick release turtle base. You can also get these from B&H at a slight discount under their Impact brand name.
Kupo C stand with Grip head and arm
Kupo C stand without grip kit
As someone who has bought PCB stands, Ravelli stands, and others before moving to C stands I'd recommend just plunging right in with C stands and saving the money and aggravation.

Don't forget the sand bags.
Sandbags

Scatterbrained wrote in post #17926893
If you're going to be using these indoors primarily I'd recommend some C-stands. C-stands are very solid, and more stable than the light stands sold by PCB. Another advantage is that they can be placed very close together as the staggered legs overlap each other easily. Also, the spigot (part the light mounts to) is solid, and part of the stand whereas on lightstands like the ones PCB sells they are a separate piece that is riveted into the tube of the stand. The separate spigots will come loose and rock back and forth in the stand. More importantly, they don't do well with proper boom arms either.

Personally I prefer Kupo stands with the quick release turtle base. You can also get these from B&H at a slight discount under their Impact brand name.
Kupo C stand with Grip head and arm
Kupo C stand without grip kit
As someone who has bought PCB stands, Ravelli stands, and others before moving to C stands I'd recommend just plunging right in with C stands and saving the money and aggravation.

Don't forget the sand bags.
Sandbags

Great thanks!! I am going to be transporting them a lot so not primarily indoor. Going to take a look at the ones you posted, thanks again!

Indoors - wheeled stands are really nice. Outdoors - a big foot-print is peachy - maybe a leveling leg too. Plan on Sand / Shot bagging everything.

+1 for the 16 mm but longer Baby pin top fitting - strong and good for a Grip-head.

re booms: although I like MSE stuff, Kupo machine Hex flats into the neck of the 16 mm terminations of both their 40 in Hex arms and their steel Baby boom. That's very nice whether or not you use a 'Drop down Pin'.

There are some C-stands with detachable bases that are easier to transport: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …602499&origSear​ch=C-stand

There are also some that have an adjustable foot for uneven terrains, stairs, &c.

Unless you're walking or have a tiny car, C-stands shouldn't be too much trouble to transport. My C-stand doesn't have a detachable base and it fits easily on the floor of the rear compartment of a medium-sized car when the legs are folded.

Great thanks for the feedback, this helps a lot!

The c stands with grip kits or booms allow you to position the light stand off to the side and shoot from right under a softbox. A regular folding light stand puts either you or the light off to the side. You'll enjoy the added flexibility.

They're heavy so you won't want to go backpacking with them. Get a cart for long trips with them and your lights. As stated you'll want sandbags even with c stands to prevent the stands and your light from toppling which further adds to the weight.

If you intend to truly do mostly remote outdoor work you may want to use Malveaux's trick of using light stands with tent guy ropes and pegs to steady it. It's much easier to carry and secure once the pegs are pounded into the ground.

I have five regular light stands which I no longer use. One of my lights with a softbox toppled so I bought a couple of c stands and sand bags. The c stands are so much easier that they get used first.