C-Stands

[DuaneV]

What brand/make/model is everyone using? What features do you wish you had (i.e., adjustable leg, removable base, etc.).

Im looking to upgrade a few of my stands and I have my eye on 3 but Im not sure which I want/need, what is or isn't good a good brand, etc.

Impact has an 11 footer with sliding leg and the legs fold flat, 40 inch extension arm with grip head, chromed steel construction all for $122.

Avenger (Manfrotto) have 2 stands I like. Both are also chrome plate steel, extend to almost 10 feet (not a huge difference), both have 40 inch extension arms with grip heads BUT one has a sliding leg and is $195 and one has a removable base and is $215.

Here is my dilemma: They are going to be MAINLY studio use since theyre large and cumbersome, but I will probably take them in the field when my assistant isn't available, so the sliding leg seems like a nice feature.

Ive seen Joe McNally using the Avenger so Im confident of their quality (I own a couple Manfrotto tripods and Im VERY pleased with them) but I don't know anything about the Impact and Im wondering why a $68 dollar difference for seemingly the same product.

Any and all input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Christopher A. Wichura]

I personally prefer stands that have good castors on them, at least for indoor studio usage. My other requirement is air cushioning, especially when mounting heads with heavy modifiers or a boom arm. I don't recall the specific model number (and I purchased all mine some ten years ago so may have been superseded by newer models anyway), but mine are all two-segment Manfrottos (they also sell three-segment versions). They have held up well, but I suspect any heavy-duty C-Stand will do the same.

For outdoor usage, I use a Kugo stand with their quick-lock turtle base. I have the short one, but they have three different heights and it will depend mainly on your shooting needs. While the Kugo is a fine stand, any vendor of a strong stand with a turtle base will do. I find the turtle base more stable when placing the stand in soft surfaces, such as sand. And you don't have to worry about the sand/whatever getting in and gumming up the castors when using turtle bases. And don't forget sandbags when shooting outdoors...

 

[DecibelPhoto]

I've used them all, pretty much.

The best C-stands made are made by American Grip (with sliding leg). They are more expensive, but if you are in LA area and can pick them up you will get a 30% discount from the factory. These are the only brand used in the television and movie industries these days, mostly because they will last forever and because they use the best grip heads. The major grip rental houses in LA no longer stock any other brands because they simply can't rent them out any longer.

The 2nd best, and the ones I use and recommend, are from Matthews. I prefer the removable turtle bases because they are easier to transport, but the sliding-leg versions are lighter and go a little higher (and should run $130). They're lighter and better constructed than anything from Manfrotto.

Both of these brand are much better than the Manfrotto stands, which are again much better than the Kupo version.

Any C-stand will work, but a good stand will last 10 years or longer, so it's worth paying any small price difference for superior quality. After using C-stand everyday for years, the differences in the brands become clear pretty quickly. The manfrotto's simply don'y hold up as well, and the functioning and locking of their grip heads is not on par with what American Grip and Matthews has to offer.

If you don't believe me, call any grip house, studio, or gaffer, they will tell you the same.

 

[William Faulkner]

I've had Avenger and Norms Studio C-Stands for years, actually over a decade. First 8 or so years were used pretty much only in the studio.

The last 6 years I'm doing most of my work on location so they get a little more abused.

Still going strong, though the black ones show more wear. Only thing that had to be repaired was a long C-arm that got bent and had to be straightened out.

Good stuff from either company.

Loading…

normsgrip.com

Bill F

 

[DuaneV]

Thanks for the replies. Everyone.

 

[24Peter]

I have two of these . Don't know if they still sell them. But if they fit in my casket, I want to be buried with them. Love 'em