Light Stands

<p>I'm unhappy with the Bogen 3362 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5591-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_052BAC_Air_Cushioned_Black_Light.html#specifications It's too light and not stable (even with Alien Bee). I need something sturdy enough that if left unattended someone won't bring them down with a kick but can be easily transported. I was thinking of exchanging it for a Matthews Maxi either the steel or the aluminum. They're listed 8.5lbs instead of bogens 2.8lbs. Anyone use the maxi? The Hollywood Beefy Baby is a little pricey.<br /> Maxi Alu http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=33459&is=REG<br /> Maxi Steel http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=99162&is=REG<br /> Hollywood Beefy Baby http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/139498-REG/Matthews_387030_Hollywood_Beefy_Baby_Stand.html</p>

<p>Have you considered a sandbag?</p>

<p>One way to prevent light stand from tipping over is to put a sand bag on the base. I use these DIY sandbags http://dale-murray.com/DIY/sandbags/sandbags.pdf on my lightstands.</p>

<p>I use light-weight light stands such as yours to hold gobos, reflectors, scrims, etc. when shooting in the studio.</p>

<p><Chas></p>

<p>I'm not interested in sand bags. What's the point of saving weight on the stand if you have to lug a 10lbs sand bag? What I especially don't like with the Bogen stand is that the poll is so thin it flexes and moves with in the foot clamp and I don't even have it fully extended. I was temporarly using a Photek background stand for my monolight and was 10x more sturdy. I wouldn't have made this mistake if I was close enough to visit B&H. I wrongly assumed $74 Bogen stand wouldn't be this flimsy.</p>

<p>Personally, I don't see any point to saving weight on stands just to have them fall over on the client, or dump your gear on the ground. Any light stand that doesn't need a 10# sand bag is going to weigh more than 10#.</p>

<p>Personally, I'd rather carry two 10# sand bags than two 20# light stands.</p>

<p><Chas></p>

<p>Look at the Lowel KS stands.</p>

<p>In addition, the sandbag ensures a low center of gravity-- the whole stand weighing more doesn't. So the sandbag is more stable than an equal weight stand.</p>

<p>Charles,<br>

glad to see my PDF worked for you, hopefully they were not to difficult to make. The PDF has been downloaded over 1000 times now but I rarely get feedback of see the results of peoples work.</p>

<p>As for stands, I am using Calumet 13.5' air cushioned stands, there is nothing glamourous or light about them but they get the job done.</p>

<p>As for using sand bags, I would much rather lug 15lb sand bags than replace one of my $500 monolights, but that is just me. I think the phrase goes something like, and ounce of prevention... In this case, 15lbs of prevention versus $500 lost.</p>

<p>I have been thinking about going this direction for lights:<br>

<a href="http://www.ultimatesupport.com">www.ultimatesupport.com</a><br>

They are not true light stands, but the speaker stands will support 50-100lbs and they have a large base. I used to have a couple of them, but I gave them away and now I wish I could have them back. It wouldn't take much to make an adapter to fit the standard light stand. Looking at B&H for the Bogen stands, the Ultimate stands are in the same price range.<br>

I'm wondering if anyone else has gone this direction.</p>

<p>I ordered the Matthews Aluminum Maxi today. I'll let you guys know how it turns out. I understand sandbags offer a lower center of gravity and I'd use them for an outside shoot in wind. Its was just a matter of me not being satisfied with wobbley feel of this stand.</p>

<p>Bryan, I used USS stands for years in the professional audio business and was nothing but pleased. I'm sure you will be happy with the choice if you can afford the price and weight/bulk.</p>

<p><Chas><br /></p>

<p>I got the Matthews stand in today. I'm glad I exchanged it. It's a lot more durable than the bogen, the column is twice as thick and weights more but not as much as listed in the spec sheet. I wish Matthews made an air cushion version, I'll just need to make sure I properly tighten it. I'm going to supplement it with a weight at the base as suggested for added stability.</p>