Tipped over my AB800

I weighed it down, but it still tipped (got blown) over tonight...twice! Still works fine. The modeling lamp didn't even bust. Luckily the AB cheapo umbrella and the reflector took the brunt of the fall. The umbrella is worthless now, but oh well.

Just wanted to share my experience for those of you that question their durability.

I wonder if getting the heavy duty stands would have been better or is that what you had?

The B800's are light in weight. Even if they are sitting on heavy duty aluminum stands, I think that if the wind blows it can easily grab the strobe by the reflector and give it a toss. Add umbrellas, other modifiers or have the wind push into a spot in between 2 of the tripod legs and it could easily tip.

When outdoors, I attach plastic-covered barbell weights (typically 10 pounds or more) to the bottom of my light stands. I use double-sided Velcro tape to fasten them to each of the three spreader bars. With the weights located centered under the main mast, the center of gravity is quite low and it makes the rigs quite stable in a moderate breeze.

You can buy purpose-made weights for anchoring stands or go to Wal-mart and buy the 10lb ankle weights with velcro closure. They are about $6 for a pair.

charlesu wrote in post #2757718
You can buy purpose-made weights for anchoring stands or go to Wal-mart and buy the 10lb ankle weights with velcro closure. They are about $6 for a pair.

Excellent idea!!

charlesu wrote in post #2757718
You can buy purpose-made weights for anchoring stands or go to Wal-mart and buy the 10lb ankle weights with velcro closure. They are about $6 for a pair.

Ya thats is a pretty good idea, and simple enought to use. 3 per light should do the trick.

i had my AB800 blown over by a Jet Dragster.. full blast. I just picked it up and kept shooting. they are pretty tough.

StealthLude wrote in post #2757852
Ya thats is a pretty good idea, and simple enought to use. 3 per light should do the trick.

I've got some pretty substantial weights on my Bogen booms but they are very large, very heavy stands and they need a centerweight as well as the counter-balance. However, with conventional Bogens and the like I find I really don't need that much weight. That's especially true with a very lightweight head like an AB. Course, if you have a 60" umbrella and you're shooting at the beach I don't think even 30 lbs will do it.

Another place to look for sandbag weights is a local theatre supply store....all shapes and sizes and usually quite a bit cheaper than a camera store. But, that ankle weight suggestion is a damn good one.

Ordering a set of AB400s next week, going to walmart tonight for ankle weights, GREAT idea.
KuanYu

post of picture of the damage to the umbrella?

They also make some nice (empty) bags that can be filled on location with sand/dirt for weighing down lights and tripods. Of course, you'll have to find some filler on location...

my bent reflector.. lol it's kind of hard to see, but it's pretty smashed.

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the ankle weights are a great tip! thanks.