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-   -   Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/spc-single-person-crew/530342-lightest-light-stands-2-5-lbs-less.html)

Craig Seeman November 14th, 2015 11:25 AM

Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/53819-REG/Testrite_100_3_100_3_Light_Stand.html

Manfrotto 5001B Nano Black Light Stand - 6.2' (1.9m) 2.0 lbs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/612771-REG/Manfrotto_5001B_5001B_Nano_Black_Light.html

Avenger A625B Light Stand (Black, 7.8') 2.2 lbs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/67812-REG/Avenger_A625B_A625B_Midi_Kit_Stand.html

Mark L. Whalen November 16th, 2015 08:18 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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.

Craig Seeman November 18th, 2015 04:16 PM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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.

Slavik Boyechko November 18th, 2015 11:32 PM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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

Mark L. Whalen November 19th, 2015 06:23 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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.

Craig Seeman November 19th, 2015 10:37 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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.

Craig Seeman December 3rd, 2015 01:50 PM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
Westcott Light Stand (Black, 8') 2.2 lbs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/356270-REG/Westcott_9908_Lightweight_Black_Light_Stand.html

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.

Ed Roo December 4th, 2015 08:33 PM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig Seeman (Post 1903208)
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.

Craig Seeman December 5th, 2015 10:02 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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.

Ed Roo December 6th, 2015 12:31 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
I use the Chimera softbox on mine. I have also used the LitePanels barn doors on the 1x1s on the NANO.

Peter Rush May 19th, 2016 04:18 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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)

Frank Grygier May 21st, 2016 06:45 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel Light Stand

Greg Smith May 22nd, 2016 12:14 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/883672-REG/Ruggard_bp_2022_Padded_Tripod_Case_22.html) 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

Steven Digges May 24th, 2016 09:48 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/38348-REG/Norman_812255_812255_Mini_Compact_Light.html
2.6 LB for this one.

Steve

Craig Seeman May 26th, 2016 01:25 PM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
@Steven looks like it's actually 2.3 lbs, Very light for something that can go to 7.6" Air cushioned too.

Dan Brockett April 14th, 2017 10:58 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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.

Paul R Johnson April 15th, 2017 11:42 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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!

Craig Seeman April 18th, 2017 07:57 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
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.

Dan Brockett April 25th, 2017 07:43 AM

Re: Lightest Light Stands 2.5 lbs or less
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig Seeman (Post 1930745)
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.


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