Studio Stand Recommendations.

snapper78

snapper78

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Ben
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Hi all,

I've just set up a 1000 sq ft studio with a large infinity cove, black cyc curtain etc. I'm very happy with the setup and the light solutions we have but I have been thinking about a studio stand instead of a tripod. The floor is smooth painted concrete so would be ideal. I have never owned one and only used them on a couple of occasions, I'd be really interested to hear any opinions/experience you have with particular models.

Many thanks

Ben
 
Not sure this is helpful, given that you've used one, but I don't really like them - big, clumsy, and expensive. Only advantage I can see is they don't get knocked out of position easily (just break your foot instead) but given the choice of a studio stand and a decent tripod, I'd take the tripod thanks.
 
Thanks, yes I know what you mean, but I'm shooting tethered quite a bit now and it's great having the laptop on the stand with the cam. They're so bloody expensive, I;m looking at 2nd hand but want to make sure I get one that's going to work for me.
 
If you've got the space it's just waiting for a second hand copy to pop and figuring out how you're going to transport the b****r.

There's quite a nice looking Foba just come up on eBay but as it looks fairly pristine I doubt you'll get it under 4 figures, if you don't mind waiting a few months you occasionally see an older model go for a few hundred.
 
I bough mine in 92 when I set up my 1st studio & love using it - if you've got the space for it & a smooth floor - go for it.
One of the major advantages is for overhead shots or getting the camera in close over a still life table.
As for cost I think the current ebay seller is being a little optimistic, generally they go s/h for around £200, if you get one at that kind of money it a no brainer.
Re transportation even the big ones will go in the average estate car - once disassembled, though loading & unloading is a 2 person job.
 
SpikeB said:
As for cost I think the current ebay seller is being a little optimistic, generally they go s/h for around £200, if you get one at that kind of money it a no brainer.
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I agree completely but it has to be galling to spend thousands of pounds on something which is entirely mechanical (so unlikely to break or be superseded by a newer version) and then find out it's barely worth 5-10% because it's such a specialised tool.

I do wonder how many were just scrapped, especially in the days before eBay.
 
HoppyUK said:
Not sure this is helpful, given that you've used one, but I don't really like them - big, clumsy, and expensive. Only advantage I can see is they don't get knocked out of position easily (just break your foot instead) but given the choice of a studio stand and a decent tripod, I'd take the tripod thanks.
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My experience is that they do everything that a tripod can do but much better, quicker and more safely.
The camera can go anywhere between almost floor level and max height in an instant, and when used high there is the massive benefit that there aren't any tripod legs to get in the way of a stepladder, which means that there's no danger of having to lean over to look through the viewfinder.

Studio stands are made for big cameras, typically 10 x 8 monorails, so all of them are up to the job of supporting modern small cameras really well.
And, ignoring the price of that Foba one, you should be able to get one for a couple of hundred or less. When I had mine made, it cost as much as a cheap car - but times have changed:)
 
Up to about £300 is what I want to spend. I have a van so I can shift it, just typically the usually come up at the other end of the country. I'm in the Lakes.
 
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