jzucker wrote:
That boom has a max load of 4.5lbs. Suitable for speedlite only? My lights weigh about 5lbs and another 1lb or 2 with the softbox...
I probably wouldn't want to put a big monolight way out there with it, but a Speedlite or a strobe head like a Profoto Acute or an Elincrom Quadra, along with a small-to-medium softbox, should be fine as long as you don't extend all the sections to their limits.
understood but in my case, I use an elinchrom bxri 500 or dlite2 and a 39" deep octa so to make the boom useful it has to support that weight at least.
jzucker wrote:
understood but in my case, I use an elinchrom bxri 500 or dlite2 and a 39" deep octa so to make the boom useful it has to support that weight at least.
Yep. I was just commenting in general on Ian's mention of the Combi Boom. Agreed that it probably wouldn't be ideal for your specific use.
I think painter's poles like you've been using are still the best for larger gear, because they can really handle the weight. Plus, they're so cheap that you can get several, in different lengths, and just move a single adapter to whichever pole best fits your situation at the time.
Taking a stand and sandbags...plus a pole in case of wind...isn't too much more of a load than just taking a stand, and you don't have to fiddle with removing the legs on scene. Time is money, as they say. Plus, it's good for the professional image (never stop selling) for the client to see that you're always prepared.
I guess if I take a regular lightstand I would just use that instead of the pole and not worry about taking the pole as well. There might be a few cases where the pole would work better than the stand - for example, on rocks or uneven terrain but in those cases I could just leave the legs folded and have my assistant hold it.
BrianO wrote:
One thing I never thought of -- and I'm going to check when I get home tonight -- is to remove the boom completely to use as a handheld boom. It should just slide out of the collar if the handle is loosened enough, right?
It has a metallic end stop from what I remember which prevents that happening. There might be some way to remove the boom though..?
I love my 39 but find that it doesn't cover full length very well at 6'. I have to pull back to about 10' and then the light is pretty harsh. How do you deal with that?
BrianO wrote:
One thing I never thought of -- and I'm going to check when I get home tonight -- is to remove the boom [of the Manfrotto Combi] completely to use as a handheld boom. It should just slide out of the collar if the handle is loosened enough, right?
ukphotographer wrote:
It has a metallic end stop from what I remember which prevents that happening.
Okay, I checked; it does indeed have a tapered end cap that prevents it from sliding all the way out.
All the sections are also non-removable, and even the center column has a ridge at the base, preventing the legs from being removed.
Curses, Manfrotto, for making such rugged products!
I still have the legs but don't plan to use them. I just leave it in the bag for outdoor use. I clamp on the power pack with a super clamp and a home made plate. I use a coiled AC power cord so that there isn't much slack to deal with.
jzucker wrote:
I love my 39 but find that it doesn't cover full length very well at 6'. I have to pull back to about 10' and then the light is pretty harsh. How do you deal with that?
I rarely shoot full length. If I do I use the big Octa.
BrianO wrote:
All the sections are also non-removable, and even the center column has a ridge at the base, preventing the legs from being removed.
Curses, Manfrotto, for making such rugged products!
Both the stands I recommended have screw fittings at the foot and at the leg junction. With the screw fitting you can re-secure the pole without it floating around with nowhere to go and nowhere to secure it. Unlike when popping out a rivet on the standard stands.
If you intend using the stands as a removable pole you need to take off the ridge with a pipe cutter.
