Calumet 6.5 Boom kit

I know people have posted some really nice DIY boom kits, but for $170 plus shipping, calumet has a 6.5 ft arm with weight and 13.5 ft air cushioned stand w/ castors included. Not a bad deal, was wondering if anyone had any experience with this particular product?

http://www.calumetphot​o.com/item/MF6210K/

I have that Calumet boom. In fact, I just set it up in the garage about 20 minutes ago (I've got a sitting this afternoon). I use it with a Calumet stand (6040) but it's not an air cushioned one and I don't have the casters. The boom is nice enough but, if I had to do over again, I think I'd prefer one that is telescopic. This one is in three sections and snaps together. I don't know, maybe if I tried a telescopic one I'd prefer the Calumet one?

One thing I really like is the counterweight. Unlike the ones that use a sandbag-type counterweight hanging off a hook, the Calumet one has a weight that clamps anywhere you want to put it along the boom. It makes it easy to adjust the balance so your light stand isn't bowing one direction or the other.

All that said... The Calumet boom seems a bit pricey. It sells by itself for more than $100. The weight adds to the cost, I'm sure, but I think there are probably better booms out there for the money. I remember seeing a Manfrotto set up in a photo store shortly after buying the Calumet. It included a telescopic boom and the light stand for around $140. That might have been a better choice but I don't have personal experience with it.

Mark

Mark Booth wrote in post #9789056
I have that Calumet boom. In fact, I just set it up in the garage about 20 minutes ago (I've got a sitting this afternoon). I use it with a Calumet stand (6040) but it's not an air cushioned one and I don't have the casters. The boom is nice enough but, if I had to do over again, I think I'd prefer one that is telescopic. This one is in three sections and snaps together. I don't know, maybe if I tried a telescopic one I'd prefer the Calumet one?

One thing I really like is the counterweight. Unlike the ones that use a sandbag-type counterweight hanging off a hook, the Calumet one has a weight that clamps anywhere you want to put it along the boom. It makes it easy to adjust the balance so your light stand isn't bowing one direction or the other.

All that said... The Calumet boom seems a bit pricey. It sells by itself for more than $100. The weight adds to the cost, I'm sure, but I think there are probably better booms out there for the money. I remember seeing a Manfrotto set up in a photo store shortly after buying the Calumet. It included a telescopic boom and the light stand for around $140. That might have been a better choice but I don't have personal experience with it.

Mark

I have experience with a nice boom at school, so I like the sliding weight. Segmented instead of telescopic, eh, little inconvenient but not a deal breaker. Just one question, will it hold say an Alien Bee with a 32x40 softbox?

I just found this from Manfrotto, maybe it would be better to just get this and a 10 ft stand? I do want the castors though..

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Boom_Assembly_B​lack_.html

thanks for the info

gregpphoto wrote in post #9789215
I have experience with a nice boom at school, so I like the sliding weight. Segmented instead of telescopic, eh, little inconvenient but not a deal breaker. Just one question, will it hold say an Alien Bee with a 32x40 softbox?

I just found this from Manfrotto, maybe it would be better to just get this and a 10 ft stand? I do want the castors though..

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Boom_Assembly_B​lack_.html

thanks for the info

I just purchased a Manfrotto 085BS boom/stand rig by recommendation of SkipD. I was originally going to pick up the PCB boom, but after careful consideration I chose the Manfrotto - oh, and it helps that the PCB boom is no longer available.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Heavy_Duty_Boo​m_and.html

Skip posted a review of the older, and discontinued, version here: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=361906

My 085BS arrived yesterday. I plan to boom an X1600 with a beauty dish or 30x60 softbox. Having assembled this sucker, I can say I have confidence in it. I can't wait until I get my X1600 next week to start using it.

It may be pricey, but the last thing you want is that AB coming down hard.

I have the same Manfrotto mentioned.

One well built heavy piece.

Just doesn't transport well for me, but that aside a great item...

-Mario

v35skyline wrote in post #9789663
I just purchased a Manfrotto 085BS boom/stand rig by recommendation of SkipD. I was originally going to pick up the PCB boom, but after careful consideration I chose the Manfrotto - oh, and it helps that the PCB boom is no longer available.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Heavy_Duty_Boo​m_and.html

Skip posted a review of the older, and discontinued, version here: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=361906

My 085BS arrived yesterday. I plan to boom an X1600 with a beauty dish or 30x60 softbox. Having assembled this sucker, I can say I have confidence in it. I can't wait until I get my X1600 next week to start using it.

It may be pricey, but the last thing you want is that AB coming down hard.

gregpphoto wrote in post #9789215
I have experience with a nice boom at school, so I like the sliding weight. Segmented instead of telescopic, eh, little inconvenient but not a deal breaker. Just one question, will it hold say an Alien Bee with a 32x40 softbox?

I just found this from Manfrotto, maybe it would be better to just get this and a 10 ft stand? I do want the castors though..

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Boom_Assembly_B​lack_.html

thanks for the info

I got this last month and have been using it regularly. I am very happy with it. Combined with a 10 foot heavy duty stand it works very well. I am not sure if telescoping would be easier/better, a quick turn with the attached allen wrench locks the segments in nicely, and allows the entire boom to slide through the connector. Very versatile. Sliding the counterweight is a real bonus. Allows extending the boom and rebalancing very easily.

Just from what I've read here, I would get the Manfrotto boom over the Calumet one. It sounds like the Manfrotto 3-section boom locks together in a more substantial way (with allen screw) and that sounds like it would eliminate one of my complaints about the Calumet model.

Mark