C-Stands - where from

[ryanyboy]

Hi all,

I have a car boot full of light stands and I don't think one of them actually works perfectly. Either one section refuses to lift up or on another stand it will lift up all the way until I pull it out together :bang: Then there's the one Yv tripped over bending the leg

So time for new stands and I would really like to get some "c-stands" which the likes of Joe McNally recommends.

But there seems to be so little choice. Many of the well known retailers don't seel them or only have one or two to choose from. So can anyone recommend a good quality C-stand and where to get it please?

BTW - it did occur to me that c-stand was not the correct term and that I should search using a different term.....

 

[Stoptime]

I was curious, so I looked them up.

Try Karlu Photographic:

http://www.karlu.com/manfrotto-avenger-stands-century-stands-c-42_43_925_664.html

I think these are the ones Joe McNally uses (from a reference to Avenger stands in his blog).


They are 35-40 miles from Cambridge.....

 

[paul williams]

The Calumet own branded ones are about the most economical I've seem - but not seen in the flesh so can't comment on their overall quality.

Paul

 

[itsdavedotnet]

the calumet ones are ok, but not quite as nice to use (the bases aren't as neat) as the avenger or matthews ones. But they are one hell of a lot cheaper...

end of the day, you're only ever going to buy them once though. Also: they are HEAVY and big. What lightweight stands have you got? the decent calumet ones can take quite a beating...

Also budget for some sandbags too.

 

[paul williams]

Yes, the downside will always be the weight and limited height range of this type of stand. The biggest benefit of the 'C' type stand for me is their ability to be positioned close to a wall or obstruction as you can rotate the legs independently or easily place two close together.

As to the quality of the Avenger/Mathews over the Calumet at twice or nearly three times the price, I guess it all depends on the amount of abuse (or care) you are going subject them too - I've been using the same stand for over thirty years a mixture of cheap and costly alloy ones and not had a failure yet, so I expect to get a lifetimes use out of the Calumet.

Paul