Not sure if this is the right forum. I shoot portraits outdoors and I use Alien Bees lights and the GIANT soft boxes. The light stands they provide are cheap and not ideal. Can anyone recommend a light stand that is study enough to handle giant soft boxes but also somewhat easy to pack and go. Quick and easy to setup and breakdown. Thanks.
Soft-boxes are problematic for most light stands due to the unbalance load, add outdoor use and now you really need something substantial. I use Matthews C-Stands + sandbags. They're heavy, but nothing is as secure. There is a model that has a removeable turtle base for easier packing however. Avenger is another comparable brand.
I have an avenger with the removable stand, a D200 riser and a D520 extension. I works a bit like a boom as well. Just like JJLphoto said, I sand bag mine when outdoors and it is very stable. I can't imagine using any other stand outside with a softbox. The stand and sand bag can be heavy if you have to carry it far but I never worry that the gear will topple over.
jim
I've never used a softbox, but I've had some large and heavy pieces of motion picture equipment mounted on a Grand Stand. as jjlphoto said, always use sand bags.
I use a large Gioatto air cushion stand. The quality is very good and I place a heavy ankle weight on the base if outside or raised high.Weight has velcro and wraps around the post. The cost was less than AB or Westcott,
Tried both westcott and AB stands and they did not last at all.
The Avenger 625,630, A635 in a regular stand is as good as it gets. Rental quality all the way.
In fact, a good way to assess stands would be to visit a rental shop and check out what they use. These guys have no patience for crap and they KNOW their grip equipment. It's pretty embarrassing what passes for a "stand" these days, but no rental house I know wants their equipment going out on inadequate or substandard support.
My two favorite location stands are the 40" turtle base C-stand/Grip Arm combo or the all purpose A475B Combi boom with lazy leg. The A475B is lighter than a C-stand but both are pretty stout and will easily handle the Big Octa with no problem. Either way they both beat hauling a D600 boom with commensurate sticks into the field.
For something a bit lighter and cheaper, I'd check out Manfrotto's version, the 420B. I don't own one, but I have to say it a really impressive all-around stand. It should handle a Giant if you aren't looking to boom it too far. Could be just be what you are looking for.
When it comes to a big box or a heavy light, I want something that will lock down tight quickly and easily, won't overtighten, has no deflection and is NOT air cushioned.
I'm not a big fan of plastic knobs either.
