I've read all the posts on light stands, and have even pm'd some people for advice, but just wanted to ask here as well.

Here is what i need stand(s) for: Ranger RX speed kit (one or two lights), indoor and outdoor shoots, deep octa and maybe another larger softbox at times, would like at least one stand with boom for some flexibility.

Stands I think I want to get but need some final advice on: Avenger 635B (regular light stand that is tall and seems to be strong enough), and Avenger 2030D w/ grip arm kit (not sure if the boom can support DO or even a larger softbox). I will be getting a couple sand bags, just in case.

Questions I have:
1. I need two stands, and was thinking having a regular stand and a c-stand would give me more options. Is this a dumb idea?

2. I don't think I'll need more than one boom at a time, but am hoping the grip arm on the 2030D can also work on the 635B if I want to use it like that. Can the grip be used on either stand?

3. Do I need to buy another adapter (junior to baby?) to attach the light to the other end of the boom?

4. Do I need a counter weight on the boom, or will a sandbag on the legs suffice?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

1: Sort of. I'm not much of a c-stand fan, and I definitely wouldn't buy one if I was only getting two stands. I'd recommend two 635's and two 625's for mobility. 2-3x the number of stands as lights is a good rule to follow.

Grip arms can be used on almost any stand, certainly the A635B.

You don't need an adapter to mount a light to that, as long as you're careful and don't have it pointed straight down, since it probably doesn't have a lip.

You don't need a counter weight unless you plan on mounting more than a Ranger head + softbox on it. Sandbag the opposite leg and you'll be fine.

Thanks for the advice. My only experience with light stands are super light, super mobile ones, which resulted in falls. mobility is important, but i really want steady support, as well.

My ranger will initially have one light, but I may add a second if I feel it is needed. I have another pack system I can supplement it with for studio shooting (and these came with crappy stands that threaten to fall over if I add anything heavier than an umbrella).

Anyone else think it is better to just get two 635s?

bacilonur wrote:
1: Sort of. I'm not much of a c-stand fan, and I definitely wouldn't buy one if I was only getting two stands. I'd recommend two 635's and two 625's for mobility. 2-3x the number of stands as lights is a good rule to follow.

Grip arms can be used on almost any stand, certainly the A635B.

You don't need an adapter to mount a light to that, as long as you're careful and don't have it pointed straight down, since it probably doesn't have a lip.

You don't need a counter weight unless you plan on mounting more than a Ranger head + softbox on it. Sandbag the opposite leg and you'll be fine.


Why the 635 over the 630?

RobertLynn wrote:


Why the 635 over the 630?

I'm more interested in the 635 because of the extra height it can get as well as the wider diameter at the bottom. It's a bit cheaper on BH too.

The 630 is basically the mediocre version of the 635. For the same money and basically the same weight, you get a better stand with a wider footprint that goes higher. For studio use, you normally want the best, sturdiest stand with a wide footprint that you can get. For outside use, the 630 is too big and heavy, so it's not really ideal for either.

bacilonur wrote:
For outside use, the 630 is too big and heavy, so it's not really ideal for either.

In this case, would you not recommend the 635 either for outdoor shoots? If not, which would you recommend? I don't know what the sweet spot is for stability and mobility, having only experienced the ultra mobile stands myself.

matthews digital baby stand? It's lightstand style but more sturdy. More expensive though...

gillyohan wrote:
In this case, would you not recommend the 635 either for outdoor shoots? If not, which would you recommend? I don't know what the sweet spot is for stability and mobility, having only experienced the ultra mobile stands myself.

Depends what you call "portable". I've got a bunch of Manfrotto 051B's and A625's for outdoor use when I've gotta carry everything myself. Almost everything is theoretically portable, but not everyone has a two-ton grip truck to use.

I used three 635's yesterday to hoist a 7x7' scrim up, but then I slapped a few speedlites on 051B's and shot away with no sandbags needed. It all depends on the wind and light modifiers you're using.

Whatever stands you get I recommend castors on at least one. I have A630B's with castors, c-stands, and my favorite A5033 folding base rolling stands. I can tell you I wouldn't put a boom on anything less than a c-stand unless it's low.