Pole for a softbox

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Calzor Suzay

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Steve
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I'm looking to buy one of these softboxes, I already have a manfrotto lightstand but for those occasions when I want someone to just hold it in position would a monopod work or would it become weak and break.

I'm essentially thinking a monopod is deisgned to hold the weight down the tube, if I'm using it with a softbox chances are someone will be holding out away from them maybe even horizontal.

Are there proper but at reasonable cost 'poles' for holding softboxes?

:bonk:
 
I'd just use your lighstand with the legs folded down, one less thing to carry imho.
 
Well in the scenario of using the pole I wouldn't have the light stand with me to save space.
 
What you can use is one of these

minipod1.jpg


with a spigot on top to connect to the bracket of the softbox. Obviously not as versatile as the Lastolite arm, but a fraction of the price if you just require a handle.
 
Hi Steve

A paint roller extension pole works a treat. However don’t go for the twist lock type, as the push button type is far better for what you need.

I got one from wickes for about £10-£12, but I don’t think they do the push button type anymore, but you could try the following...

http://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/viewprod/c/CDDCSP/

http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=143311

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Pai...nium+Extension+Pole+12m24m/d150/sd3171/p84263

And here is a link to and article about an American photographer who uses the push button type painter pole....

http://pixsylated.com/2009/05/longarm-and-metalhead/

Good luck
Sam-D
 
Thanks for the options guys, the painters pole looks like an ideal cheaper solution, my next question would how the hell do you mount it on but the pixsylated post explains all that with the Kacey head thing :)

Cheers :)
 
Calzor Suzay said:
Thanks for the options guys, the painters pole looks like an ideal cheaper solution, my next question would how the hell do you mount it on but the pixsylated post explains all that with the Kacey head thing :)

Cheers :)
Click to expand...

I've got a painters pole that i just trimmed the threaded bit down until the umbrella swivel fitted. Took about 5 minutes, but those metalheads look very neat.
 
used one of the lastolite poles a few times, lightstands are easier imho

course if you wanna carry something extra the poles are nice :D
 
Calzor Suzay said:
Thanks for the options guys, the painters pole looks like an ideal cheaper solution, my next question would how the hell do you mount it on but the pixsylated post explains all that with the Kacey head thing :)

Cheers :)
Click to expand...

Steve

I simply fitted a 40mm length of 15mm copper water pipe to the top of the pole, which fits nicely into the supplied lampstand bracket.

As an alternative, have a look at the following Extension Pole Adjustable Adaptor, which is easily modifiable, plus it gives you the option of additional adjustment.

http://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/viewprod/c/CDDEXTPA/

Sam-D
 
I've used a monopod without problem - or a microphone boom pole (although these are expensive).

Have a look on here to see a cheap alternative to the boom pole.
 
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