Best light stands for weddings

Any recommendations on light stands for our speedlites to be used at weddings (OCF) that wouldn't break the bank? Thanks in advance

I guess that depends on what "break the bank" means. My preference (and recommendation) is probably one of the most expensive options, or appears that way.

I use Manfrotto stands. The "1051" compact stand is about $90 each. But there are two reasons I think they deserve consideration.

One, weddings generate revenue. Breaking the bank takes on a different meaning when you're charging for your services. Investing in better equipment means that it will be available at the next wedding as well. The really cheap stands will get bent or have tension knobs that strip. Even if you're careful with your equipment, it is likely that someone will "help you" set up a stand at some point. Having a stand that's durable enough is a good thing.

Two, they're stackable. When you're doing a wedding, you have to keep track of lots of stuff. In addition to people and all of what's happening, there's also your gear. These stands all lock together into a single unit and take up less space than other stands. There are fairly small (i.e., narrow) bags that fit these stands nicely and they take up less space.

You might start with 2 of these. I have 3 and generally don't find myself wishing for more.

If you're NOT doing weddings, then there are plenty of cheaper options. But when you start demanding more from your equipment, you'll need to replace cheap equipment more frequently which gets expensive. But at $180, it should be less than the cost of one wedding regardless of what market you're targeting*.

* = unless you're doing the free/family/friends thing. But even with that, light stands are compatible with any camera body that you'll upgrade to in the future. They even work with all of the mirrorless options. These could last a while...

Thank you! $90 is just fine I just wasn't sure what brand to get, and we definitely don't want super cheap, they will definitely get their fair share of use. I just feel like everything is hundreds upon hundreds!

spillcanvas24 wrote in post #18242317
...I just feel like everything is hundreds upon hundreds!

Well, that part still remains true...

But it's nice if you don't have to RE-spend hundreds on the same items... Oh look, Canon just released ANOTHER version of a lens that I already have. Where's my credit card? </sarcasm>

Cheetah Stands are great for working inside especially with Speedlites. The legs collapse when you pick them up so that you can position them between pew's easily if you want to place a flash out of the way of traffic. The newest C-10 stand is a great compromise between the other two versions, the C-8 and C-12. They come in a standard and air cushioned. The C-12's easily hold studio strobes and work great if you need the extra height. There is also a Cheetah Boom works equally well as a standard light stand for studio strobes or a boom stand for Speedlites or small strobes.

C-10 http://www.cheetahstan​d.com/product-p/c10.htm

C-10 air http://www.cheetahstan​d.com/product-p/c10-air.htm

If they're stationary then any 8' stand should work if your going to be running and gunning then get one of the auto opening stands that the legs spread as you set it down much easier to move around with the legs closed but setting the legs manually takes time from shooting if your really running and gunning use voice activated lightstands called assistants.

Set up one light stationary then use a Val for the other key light.

agv8or wrote in post #18242388
Cheetah Stands are great for working inside especially with Speedlites. The legs collapse when you pick them up so that you can position them between pew's easily if you want to place a flash out of the way of traffic. The newest C-10 stand is a great compromise between the other two versions, the C-8 and C-12. They come in a standard and air cushioned. The C-12's easily hold studio strobes and work great if you need the extra height. There is also a Cheetah Boom works equally well as a standard light stand for studio strobes or a boom stand for Speedlites or small strobes.

C-10 http://www.cheetahstan​d.com/product-p/c10.htm

C-10 air http://www.cheetahstan​d.com/product-p/c10-air.htm

I have all three sizes of the Cheetahstand. They are great for weddings unless you're working outside. They are hard to open on grass.

I've found that I want to have all three sizes available. Many reception venues benefit from having taller stands.
I often use 13 foot stands to get the lights up where I want them.

Will the Cheetah boom safely handle the weight of a Godox AD360 with a 36 inch octa or 60 inch umbrella? If not, any suggestions on something that's suitable for indoor/outdoor use.