What's the sturdiest C Stand / Boom Arm under $250? Thanks.

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.

I like this stand with the detachable base http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/243719-REG/Avenger_A2030DCB_A2030D_Turtle_Base_Century.html

And an Avenger D600 or Matthews boom. But if you want to go cheap on the boom you could always look at an Alien Bees.

Gregg Heckler wrote:
I like this stand with the detachable base http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/243719-REG/Avenger_A2030DCB_A2030D_Turtle_Base_Century.html

+1

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.

Avenger for me.

wilrobking wrote:
What's the sturdiest C Stand / Boom Arm under $250? Thanks.


Summarizing some info.

Avenger C-Stand $149.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/243719-REG/Avenger_A2030DCB_A2030D_Turtle_Base_Century.html

Avenger D600 Boom $94.90:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3599-REG/Avenger_D600_D600_Mini_Boom_3_8.html

Total is: $244.85 + shipping. Shipping is free if you are a NAPP member

HappyCamp wrote:
wilrobking wrote:
What's the sturdiest C Stand / Boom Arm under $250? Thanks.


Summarizing some info.

Avenger C-Stand $149.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/243719-REG/Avenger_A2030DCB_A2030D_Turtle_Base_Century.html

Avenger D600 Boom $94.90:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3599-REG/Avenger_D600_D600_Mini_Boom_3_8.html

Total is: $244.85 + shipping. Shipping is free if you are a NAPP member

I am a NAPP member!

Will this setup work for outdoor stuff as well?

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.

Can you post an example?

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

Sure, here are a few.

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.

Dear wilrobking & Friends

On Carmen and shatterkiss's recommendation I purchased the Avenger 2030D kit (includes forty-inch grip arm).

I've had it for only three weeks, so I haven't had my hands on it very much.

My two primary observations:

1. It's built like a tank.
2. It ain't portable.

--Jaddie

Jaddie: it seems more portable than a non-turtle stand

HappyCamp wrote:
wilrobking wrote:
What's the sturdiest C Stand / Boom Arm under $250? Thanks.


Summarizing some info.

Avenger C-Stand $149.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/243719-REG/Avenger_A2030DCB_A2030D_Turtle_Base_Century.html

Avenger D600 Boom $94.90:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3599-REG/Avenger_D600_D600_Mini_Boom_3_8.html

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.