For the moment either one will work, but I am more worried about in the near future (when I get the funds) i will be getting strobes and modifiers.
Will the a410 be that much better? I will probably be getting either the WL1600 or WL3200 strobes. I will also be mounting a modifier on that as well.
Will either one be fine? Is the a410 worth TWICE the price? I am going to be using sandbags with either one to make sure they don't come crashing down that's for sure. I know the 410 is about 1ft taller, but is that a HUGE deal?
I am ok with spending more now so I don't have to rebuy later.
The main difference between these 2 in your situation is the lazy leg. Both are top drawer stands. If you don't absolutely know that you need the 410 or if you don't expect to be on uneven terrain you will not be sacrificing any quality with the 635. Other than C stands, my preferred baby stands are the 635, 625 and 615 series. In a conventional stand they don't come any better IMO.
I have a 410 I think, I always forget the model designations I purchased it for max height but rarely use it there and Ive never needed the lazy leg. The 635 should serve you more than perfect. I have another stand I really like Ill check the model number......
Ok mines an a420 and the other is the a660.
You cant go wrong with any of their products, out of all the gear i own its some of the best money spent.
Thanks for all the advice. Looks like I am going with the A635 since I like the idea of having the ability for that height (even if I don't use it there). The others are just a little small for what I MIGHT be doing in the near future.
Carmen: "Other than C stands, my preferred baby stands are..."
Care to expand on your comment? What are the attributes of the C stands over, say the 635B? Are they more sturdy vs the other ... with the heavier weight lending them to more appropriate use in the studio? I'm interested since I want to make a one time purchase for the long haul - I've done the two step purchase on tripods some time ago and don't want to make the same mistake again.
Any insight you could provide would be appreciated.
Stefano7 wrote:
Care to expand on your comment? What are the attributes of the C stands
Aww yes, C-stands...... let me count the ways.
Nothing against the Avenger 635 (never met an Avenger stand I didn't like or want), but C-stands are a stand unto themselves.
First, they come in many flavors. I prefer the detachable base style because they knock down flat for easy transport and storage. The "turtle" base also allows me to interchange risers or put a sliding arm on the lower section (to which I can attach a laptop table or a second light).
They are made of steel and are virtually indestructable. I can't tell an old one from a new one. They seem impervious to scratches and dents.
They hold more weight than I want to put on them.
They sand bag easier than a standard alu stand.
They fit in many places better than a standard stand. They will put riser almost up against a wall.
They are extremely stable, exceptionally stiff and will flex very little.
They lock down VERY tight.
They go up and come down smooth and FAST.
They are more versatile and will handle accessories like super clamps or grip arms with no problems.
They are elegantly simple. Strong and silent, they never complain and they give me no grief. There is almost nothing on them that can come loose, break or wear out.
I trust them. Friends and wives may come and go but a C-stand, like a faithful dog, is always there and ready to go.
Simply put, they are THE Western Electric phone, or the Checker cab, of light stands. No repectable rental house or grip truck would be without them.
What more can I say?
OK, light they are NOT, but then nothing, I mean nothing, says business, like a lean, mean, light support machine that is a "C-stand".
I own both and they're both great stands. The 410, aside from the mountain leg (which I've surprisingly used on many more than one occasion) is a much more solid stand. I think their weight rating is close, but the 410 is just solid and has a wider foot print. It's also heavier, which can be an issue. If ultimate portability is a concern, the 635 is hard to beat and a great performer, but my 410's are the ones that usually come out at my commercial shoots. Weddings? 635's.
CINE!!! thanks.. I think with the price and portability and the fact that I will hardly EVER right now use the mountain leg I am def going with the 635's. Saves me over $170.
I am back to possibly buying strobes. I am so indecisive.
A little trick I learned when I took an extra sliding support arm (231ARM) from a Manfrotto 231 camera stand and slipped it over the lower end of a C-Stand riser pulled out from the turtle base. Then I simply attached a projector platform (I forget the #) to the support arm, just like I do on the camera stand. The projector platform is the perfect size for a 15" MBP. I'll try to post a pic when I return.
Thanks for the img c stand and laptop. I just recieved the Matthews Hollywood Century "C" Stand, Sliding Leg, Arm, Head - 33" solid as a rock with sand bag. I would love to see more images withe the C stand in action different configurations. I'll try and take some images of mind. Question can I just get a longer arm for the stand? Thanks in advance.
santana wrote:
Question can I just get a longer arm for the stand? Thanks in advance.
Santana,
If by "arm" you mean "riser", then yes, but only if you have a turtle or detachable base. As far as I know the sliding leg configuration is not detachable. Typically risers are available 20" (6') , 40" (9') and 60" (15'). There is also a short plug available as well.
But if by "arm" you mean "grip arm" which is attached to the baby fitting at the top of the stand, then 40" is the longest I've seen. Anything longer and your looking at booms.
After seeing your img of the light stand and Bogen / Manfrotto 3290 Monitor / Projector Platform I bought one myself, for for some reason the platform is loose can't figure how to tighten it, wobbles . I'm sure it's something simple. Anyone have an idea.
wow.. thanks again. I don't think I will miss the 1ft either on max height, but my shoulder will feel 3lbs. 
