Tripod as light stand?

I'm looking to experiment a bit with off-camera flash.

I've no light stand as yet, but I do have an old travel tripod that might do the job. It only extends to 145cm though, whereas the light stands typically go to 190cm+. Do people typically use their stands at full extension, or will the tripod be tall enough for most situations (assuming the subject is standing)?

Thanks

Put it up high on something, with the light(???) Am.

Sorry, I should have said this was mainly for outdoor use.

I was looking to put together a portable lighting kit as described on Strobist. There's a reasonable chance I'd have the tripod with me anyway, so if I could get away with not carrying a separate light stand, then that would be fine - but many of the lighting setup pictures I've seen have the strobe/umbrella slightly above the subject's head.

Scott_online wrote in post #9802623
I'm looking to experiment a bit with off-camera flash.

I've no light stand as yet, but I do have an old travel tripod that might do the job. It only extends to 145cm though, whereas the light stands typically go to 190cm+. Do people typically use their stands at full extension, or will the tripod be tall enough for most situations (assuming the subject is standing)?

Thanks

If you get a swivel bracket, and umbrella you can make it work. But its not really going to be tall enough..

I've done it in a pinch but it really doesn't work well for regular use.
And if the full height is with the center column extended you are asking for even more trouble.

A usable light stand is only about $30. Save some money and buy one.

I would be willing to bet I could make an extension out of a piece of 3/4 in PVC pipe and attach it to the tripod with gaffer tape or what ever you have handy.
Drill a hole in a pvc plug, stick a 1/4x20 bolt through it (shim as necessary from the inside of the plug so only about a 3/8 inch sticks out through the plug) and use some JB Weld epoxy to secure it in the plug. Attach the plug to the end of the pipe with a coupling designed to accept slip on on one end and threaded female for the other. Screw in the plug and you have it.

Paint the pipe flat black for a Pro look!

I made a plug like this for a different application (monopod clamp fo a shoe mount flash.

A long time ago...I looked into doing the same thing. In fact I tried using an older Bogen monopod with the leg kit and mounting the umbrella/flash holder onto the head. The problem and tough compromise is that the idea of strobist shooting...is sort of a minimalist approach. The more stuff you have to drag around...and the heavier it is...you start to find excuses to not bring it.

I finally broke down and bought several of these:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ano&N=0&Initial​Search=yes

There is a reason many recommend them for strobist style shooting...light,small​, sturdy and relatively tall for their pack down size. And in the big scheme of things...pretty good bang for buck. Coupled with a Westcott double-fold or double joint folding black/white combo umbrella...it's sort of a "quick-draw" solution.

Most of all...small and light ...you WILL bring it along.