C-Stand advice wanted

[Tin Can]

I am tired of my usual light stands and think I will like several C-Stands better, but I have never used them. I see there are a few manufacturers. Matthews may be the historical Hollywood preference. I like tradition.

I will be hanging very large soft boxes or umbrellas off them and they seem much better for use with sandbags.

Any advice?

Black or chrome?

Which brand?

[Peter De Smidt]

I've used Matthews and Avenger. Both are very nice. For use in the studio, any of these are better than 'kit' stands. They do work very well with sandbags, and they nest nicely for storage. While they are much sturdier than kit stands, you can still bend them with heavy loads at long extensions. Big softboxes often work best on a boom arm on a big rolling stand. This is what I used the other day: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...h_Wind_Up.html with this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Boom_ONLY.html

Here's a combo with a lighter-duty stand: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Boom_with.html

I've only seen the chrome ones.

Matthews aren't more expensive, if I remember rightly. If I was buying new, I'd go with them, just for the tradition aspect.

[Tin Can]

I have 2 Manfrotto boom setups, but my studio is too small. Things get crazy real fast. I tried Manfrotto wall mount booms, but they are never in the right place. Now I am setting up a second backdrop set at 90 degrees to the first one for a longer throw.

I think C-Stands will be safer and less to trip over.

I made a DIY stand from a cast iron patio umbrella base, it is nice, but doesn't sandbag well, it's good for a rim light.

I've used Matthews and Avenger. Both are very nice. For use in the studio, any of these are better than 'kit' stands. While they are much sturdier than kit stands, you can still bend them with heavy loads at long extensions. Big softboxes often work best on a boom arm on a big rolling stand. This is what I used the other day: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...h_Wind_Up.html with this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Boom_Arm.html

I've only seen the chrome ones.

[frotog]

I like the c-stands w/ removable turtle bases - easier to store, ship, throw in your truck, etc... plus you have a Junior receiver short boy stand should you ever need it. Either matthews or avenger though the avenger removable base stands are less expensive. Worth the few extra bucks, imho.

[Jim C.]

I think C-Stands will be safer and less to trip over.

You're going to trip over them regardless if you're in a small studio situation, because of the folding legs.
you may want to look at Mole Richardson wheeled stands their legs are much lower and they sand bag well.
I used these extensively in my motion control shooting days, the lower legs made it a lot easier crawling
in and out of set ups.

Example - http://columbuscameragroup.com/wp-co...01-500x431.jpg

[Tin Can]

Good ideas, both about C-Stand removeable base and Mole Richardson, especially on wheels.

Maybe I should just use cast iron patio umbrellas bases. Aldi sold me one for under $20 and a solid steel boom base pole fits fit in. But it is hard to move, and with a light on one it would be very difficult.

I'm trying everything, even using big Arkay camera stands as 7' umbrella holders.

I need to dig a basement...

[vinny]

Matthews may have been a historical preference but they aren't today. American Grip Equipment dominates the u.s. market, especially hollywood. Like Peter said, I wouldn't hang large boxes off of them unless you aren't going very high by not using the top riser.

[Daniel Stone]

Randy, if you have the storage space height-wise, take a look at the Manfrotto/Bogen "autopoles". Telescoping mono-pole lightstands, very handy things to have for a space-concious or location-based photographer, especially when you're attempting to save floor space or shove a light straight into a corner and not have legs sticking out everwhere.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ole_Black.html

Pairing a few of those with a few super clamps w/ pins makes a nice way to save floor space, and if you can still connect arms w/ knuckles to them, again, via super clamps. Not to mention they're much lighter than steel c-stands.

http://youtu.be/N1RoMIGTGK4?t=3m45s

just a thought

-Dan

[StoneNYC]

I've owned a bunch of Matthews they suck, the grips ware out, etc, I've found I like the avengers best (manfrotto opened I believe) and the kind with the removable base are nice as you can change out short poles for longer ones etc so you can buy just a peg or a shorter pole instead of multiple stands. Very sturdy, I like the black painted ones, but that's just me.

[Tin Can]

Thanks Vinny. I assume they are USA made? I prefer that. Their website is very minimal, no pics even. Pricing seems similar, but not free shipping like B&H...

I won't be going very high. I use Einstein's.

Matthews may have been a historical preference but they aren't today. American Grip Equipment dominates the u.s. market, especially hollywood. Like Peter said, I wouldn't hang large boxes off of them unless you aren't going very high by not using the top riser.