Of all the c-stands I own, Matthews 40" are my favorite in build-quality and are very solid in every way. On location I often use them with a mini-math boom arm, or a simple grip arm for lighter use. Avenger c-stands are quite good as well, but not quite as robust. Not sure if the matthews with boom would fit under $250.00, but should be right around that budget.
All of them will outlive you, except the crappy Chinese and Impact versions. MSE's set is a little cheaper than Avenger's and it's been the Hollywood standard for ages. The main thing I prefer about Avenger is their grip heads, they're more compact and keep things on the stand's center of gravity a little more.
Gregg Heckler wrote:
But if you want to go cheap on the boom you could always look at an Alien Bees.
Actually AlienBees stopped selling their booms. I remember seeing a comment from Paul Buff on FM saying that they had decided to not sell them anymore.
I don't think their booms had gotten great reviews. I would spend the extra money and get an Avenger or Matthews boom.
C-stands are not ideal outside, and they're not the best choice for holding a boom indoors, either. A junior roller with a rocky mountain leg is a good choice.
bacilonur wrote:
C-stands are not ideal outside, and they're not the best choice for holding a boom indoors, either. A junior roller with a rocky mountain leg is a good choice.
bacilonur wrote:
C-stands are not ideal outside, and they're not the best choice for holding a boom indoors, either. A junior roller with a rocky mountain leg is a good choice.
It will be hard to find a junior roller and boom for under $250
Those will all hold a boom like the D600 or Super Boom, but the junior stands are far more stable and don't require nearly as much sandbagging. Also, a wheeled, sandbagged stand is more likely to stay upright when you've got people milling around or occasional gusts.
The Bogen 008BU (identical to mine but with a leveling leg) is only $145 at buy.com (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=210257308&listingid=34324315), and you may be able to get B&H to price match you. Then you can get a set of casters whenever you want. Even without casters, it'll be a better platform for a D600.
Total is: $244.85 + shipping. Shipping is free if you are a NAPP member
I have two of these stands and booms I bought used here a month or so ago. I do not have the grip arms but I do have one en-route from B&H that I ordered last week.
