As a single person crew I'm finding that light stands are the hardest thing to cut weight on. My current stands weigh about 3 lbs each so carrying three weighs a hefty 9 lbs. Here's a list so light stands under 2.5 lbs.

Testrite 100-3 Light Stand (7.25') 1 lb 9 oz
Testrite 100-3 Light Stand (7.25') 100/3 B&H Photo Video


Manfrotto 5001B Nano Black Light Stand - 6.2' (1.9m) 2.0 lbs
Manfrotto 5001B Nano Black Light Stand - 6.2' (1.9m) 5001B B&H


Avenger A625B Light Stand (Black, 7.8') 2.2 lbs
Avenger Light Stand (Black, 7.8') A625B B&H Photo Video

I have a pair of the Manfrottos and like them a lot, Craig. They're fairly sturdy, too. I use them in conjunction with several Impact 6' and 8' stands, or can pack them in a Pelican 1510 case with camera, mics and small lights for air travel.

Thanks for that. B&H specs say they support up to 3.3 lbs. Curious what lights are you using with that?
I'm concerned that an Aputure Amaran HR672 and batteries with small softbox might be too much weight.

I have a handful of Manfrotto 5001B stands and wouldn't trade them for anything. I have two Aputure 672 lights and they're are no problem on these stands. I also put a boom pole/griphead/boom-holder/microphone on one and use a backpack as a sandbag.

Cheers -
Slavik

I use Aputure Amaran 672 lights on the Manfrotto stands with no problems. Sometimes I'll use a flex arm screwed into the 1/4" 20 stud to hang a collapsible diffusion disc. A 672S is then attached lower on the stand shaft by a super clamp so it shoots through the diffusion disc for a soft key light.

Thanks. Aputure will be coming out with a Diffuser and 50° Grid that will mount directly on the the light so I was concerned about total weight.

Westcott Light Stand (Black, 8') 2.2 lbs
Westcott Light Stand (Black, 8') 9908 B&H Photo Video


Adding to the list. Impressive height for the light weight and only 35$ as well. Apparently in heavy use with over 60 reviews at B&H and a 4.4 out of 5 stars with all that.

Thanks for that. B&H specs say they support up to 3.3 lbs. Curious what lights are you using with that?
I'm concerned that an Aputure Amaran HR672 and batteries with small softbox might be too much weight.

I have the Lite Panels 1x1 kit that comes with one flood and one spot. The kit includes two Manfrotto NANO tripods.

Thanks for that. Litepanels 1x1 weight about 3 lbs. I wonder if the Nano handles the additional weight of modifiers such as a soft-box.

I use the Chimera softbox on mine. I have also used the LitePanels barn doors on the 1x1s on the NANO.

Anyone making carbon fibre? I have Manfrotto Master stands but they are 6.6lb - they are however very sturdy (I use them for mounting Sony small handycams)

Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel Light Stand

I have three of the Manfrotto 5001B Nano stands. I use them with my Aputure Amaran 672 lights with no problems, including the Aputure diffusion and softbox accessories. All three stands fit in a cheap, small soft tripod case (Ruggard Padded Tripod / Light Stand Case - 22" BP-2022 B&H) for a very compact package.

I have also put my old Lowel Tota and Omni tungsten lights on these stands before (with no or minimal accessories), but probably wouldn't trust them for anything much heavier.

- Greg

Don't forget about Norman light stands. I have two of then that have lasted me well over ten years. I hang everything Lowel on them including Riffa soft boxes.

Norman Mini Compact Light Stand (Black, 7.6') 812255 B&H Photo

2.6 LB for this one.

Steve

@Steven looks like it's actually 2.3 lbs, Very light for something that can go to 7.6" Air cushioned too.

I just bought two of the Manfrotto 5001B stands for a shoot in South America. Meh, I like my Matthews Reverse Fold Travel stands better, they hold a LOT more weight safely and are taller. The Manfrottos are lighter but less capable so it's good to have both for me. If I am packing and trying to save every ounce, the 5001Bs are handy but for general use, the Matthews are superior IMHO. They are better constructed than the Manfrottos.

Doesn't the sandbags you have to carry around to keep your lightweight stands upright with even smaller lights enter into this discussion. I've not yet seen a lightweight support that is stable on anything remotes useful on top!

If I'm shooting in offices, short of someone tripping over them, Stability wouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't use lightweight stands for exterior shoots even on a breezy day. BTW there are "water filled" type bags which can be filled and emptied on site (assuming access to water).

Just my humble opinion but once you're using a vehicle to transport your gear, weight is much less a factor. Weight's important when you have to hand carry (as I often do) or you need to transportation where weight and size restrictions are big factors.

If I'm shooting in offices, short of someone tripping over them, Stability wouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't use lightweight stands for exterior shoots even on a breezy day. BTW there are "water filled" type bags which can be filled and emptied on site (assuming access to water).

Just my humble opinion but once you're using a vehicle to transport your gear, weight is much less a factor. Weight's important when you have to hand carry (as I often do) or you need to transportation where weight and size restrictions are big factors.

Agreed. My only concern with weight is when I fly, which is quite often. If I am bringing all of my grip gear in my truck or car, I much prefer larger Arri kit stands or Matthews Beefy Baby, real light stands. As far as sandbags, I find with the mere 6' or 7' extension of these little stands with relatively light weight LED panels on top, I rarely sand bag the stands anyway. I put a sand bag on the hair/rim light that is usually at the end of a 40" C-stand arm for interviews and when I use C-stands for backgrounds, green screen. But for travel, I never bring sandbags as they usually just aren't crucial or needed.