Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi,

I have just ordered the Einstein and a couple B400s with medium sofboxes and bunch of other accessories. I'm looking for a suitable boom arm or stand that can hold the weight of a strobe with 24x36 softbox or 22" beauty dish. I'm doing a lot of location photography (both in-door and outdoors) so I'd prefer a setup that travels well (around the city). Any suggestions you can offer as to what to get? I probably don't need the most expensive stand out there. I also don't need a 20' boom. An arm of about 6'-7' would be sufficient I'd think.

Thanks

If budget permits, this is an excellent combi stand:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 ... Stand.html

Similar but lighter duty and less expensive:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 ... Stand.html

The A4039CS is really the pick of the litter if you can manage its 18 pound weight and $234 price tag.

Dave F.

Thanks, Dave. That was exactly the information I was looking for.

You might think about purchasing a C stand. These are much sturdier than your regular stands and there is much more flexibility in adjusting the Boom arm. They also can handle allot more weight than your regular stands with or without sand bags. Something to think about when purchsing a stand is how much weight it can handle.

I once purchased a regular stand with boom arm from Smith & Victor, but had to return it when I found out it could only handle about 5 lbs. That is it could only handle a very small strobe and accessory such as light-box or umbrella. I grew worried that the thing would fall appart and fall on top of my clients head and I would be sued, so I got me a C stand instead.

Not very easy to carry around but peace of mind. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2 ... ntury.html

A Smith-Victor light stand is in no way comparable to an Avenger stand. The A4039CS is all steel, has a leveling leg, is rated for 26.5 pounds (4.5 pounds MORE than the 2030 C-stand), is convertible into a boom stand, and is more compact than a C-stand. I own an A2030D and find it invaluable in a studio setting. However, it is not convenient to travel with as the turtle base is quite bulky and it requires an additional component if you intend to use it in a boom configuration.

Dave F.

The Avenger combi-boom stand is far superior to the similar offering from Manfrotto. The price difference is worth it. The Avenger is much sturdier, supports a heavier payload, and incorporates a leveling leg. I'm very pleased with mine.

Thanks, I have just placed an order for Avenger A4039CS Combi-Boom Stand suggested here. I'll let you know how it works out for my needs :)