Lighting stand with boom

[Sebastian]

Hi guys,

After visiting Focus I'm after a 2in1 lighting stand with boom.

I have found this:
http://www.viewfinderphotography.co...2d1-Boom-Stand-with-Tilt-Standard-Stand-.html

Do you know any alternatives in a similar price?

Ideally I'm after 2in1 solution that I can weight down nicely with bags of sand.

Thanks for your help,

Seb

 

[Kris]

Booms are far safer run off a c stand, which incidentally is easier to weigh down correctly.

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/product/calumet_40_double_riser_grip_stand_silver/mf7040

The calu item above, being steel, is almost twice as heavy as the viewfinder stand for starters, before sand bags.

Add this to complete:

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/product/calumet_three_piece_boom_arm_with_counterweight/mf6210

 

[paul williams]

I generally think View Finder are a bit 'pricey' for their stuff & the same stands sell on eBay for less. Also given that VAT has to be added to that price, you're not far off the Manfrotto version - I know which one I'd sooner go for

Paul

 

[paul williams]

Booms are far safer run off a c stand, which incidentally is easier to weigh down correctly.

Purely from a personal perspective I would disagree with this as Century (C) stands were primarily developed for 'flagging' and effects in confined spaces. Generally I feel they have too small a footprint for boom use which is why they need to be sandbagged + I'd only use a boom on a wheeled stand for ease of positioning. 'C' stands are great, especially for using close to walls, near steps and other stands, due to their flexible leg positioning & certainly a useful addition to any studio environment.

Paul

 

[Kris]

Every boom should be bagged. Footprint width is of less concern (hey, to me at least, ymmv) than a very low and very heavy centre of gravity coupled with the ability to sandbag the absolute sh.. out of it.

I have never used a boom on anything but a C, and I aint been sued yet!

 

[paul williams]

Yes, I use sandbags on most stands, but for a boom this is secondary to the counterweight, but I personally wouldn't use any stand that didn't have casters for boom use and that would rule out 'C' stands. I don't believe you'll ever see a boom being sold with a 'C' stand as a package, just usually grip arms. Still whatever works for you

Paul

 

[Kris]

Absolutely. Casters are available for C's, btw

 

[Sebastian]

Thanks for your help guys. I will check the links and see what I can get

 

[digitalfailure]

When it come's to booms, a lot depends on what you're going to stick on the end and how far out you expect to reach.

I have a Manfrotto stand / boom that I'd highly recommend, think it's a 420b, it goes up higher than a normal light stand but will also boom over a reasonable distance. I've had a Bowens head with a 60-80 softbox on and reached out a decent usable distance but it can get a little bouncy if you go too far.

As mentioned earlier, counter weight and sandbags are vital !!!