Good, economical light stands?

Can anybody recommend a good, economical brand for light stands? I

have small Medal Light and larger White Lightning monolights. I have

stands for all of them, but the Medal Light ones are very unstable

and I don't want to use them for safety reasons. Normal use only

requires an umbrella, but I may start using a softbox in the future.

I shoot in my living room and I'm on a budget, but I want something

dependable and long lasting. Is there anything out there that's a

good balance?

I use Bogen/Manfrotto aluminum stands, model 3086 (8' medium duty) and 3364 (13', heavy duty). They're light, strong, and relatively inexpensive ($55 and $90, respectively, from B&H), and fold compactly.

 

I use the larger stands for Force 10 monolights, with/without umbrellas or softboxes, at any height. The smaller stands are used only for mini lights or light flash units. I have a couple of large Bogen tripod bags to transport the stands to locations.

The Manfrotto's should be good but I'd advise against getting the cheapest stands. Cheap stands are not worth putting good lights on. It is better to send the money on good used ones than new, cheap stands. I have a good variety but like the Lowel Omni-stand brand and one made by Speedotron. The Omni-stand runs about $100 new but you should be able to find them used for about half that price. Whataver you choose, make sure you get a stand with tubular legs - they are more stable.

I found a pair of those fabulous Bogen/Manfrotto 13 footers on ebay a few months ago with wheels for $125. They're unbelievable after the cheep cheep cheep things I'd been using. Air cushioned, to boot.

 

Keep you eyes peeled if you're not in a hurry.

try http://www.albumsweb.com/

Vihao-- Do not use cheap stands. If you shoot often, about twice a year you will accidentally let the poles collapse too hard, and the shock when the pole hits the collar will destroy a good modeling light. Trust me, if you ever plan to get good lights, you will spend $30 on just one of those incandescents. Such shocks are not good on any light heads, either. Get pneumatic stands. They'll pay for themselves in one to two years, depending. Take it from somebody who learned the hard way. -Bill Cornett

Okay....I will take the unpopular path here.

 

I have some Bogens and lots of Avenger C stands...but I am also happy with the cheaper JTL Stands ...because for the price of a Bogen stand, a JTL stand ALSO provides the added benefit of air-shocks. (I also purchased an 8 millimeter metric socket wrench at the hardware store, to make sure the clamps are properly tightened...but the JTLs work well for us.)

.,

 

What they are talking about this pneumatic softening is nice to have. But the underlying

problem here is that they are tearing down their set while the modeling light filament is

still hot. Tungsten filaments are soft when hot and they break with just alittle bumping.

Therefore, let the head cool a few minutes before you move it. Go to the auctions for used

stands. Balcar was a good stand, perhaps discontinued now.