This is the first installment of a series of studio equipment videos I’ll be posting. In this series I will be showing you gear that I’ve been using at the new studio here in Chicago. Most of the gear in this series also gets used out in the field. You can watch the other parts here:
- Part 1: Light Stands (You are here)
- Part 2: Grip and Lighting Accessories
- Part 3: How to Setup a Video Studio
- Part 4: New Studio Lighting and Setup
- Part 5: Basement Studio Setup
In part one, we look at light stands. I’ve had a couple old trusty stands I’ve been using for years as well as some newer stands B&H has sent me that I’ve been using a ton in the last couple months. Check out the video for my review and recommendations.
Note: Excuse the color changes in the video. FCPX has been giving me quite a lot of uploading issues.
The Stands
You will notice all of these stands are Impact stands. I love Manfrotto and Matthews gear, but I simply can’t afford to buy everything from them. Someday I’d love to have a complete Matthews grip set, but for now Impact works well. I’ve been using Impact gear since I bought my first $99 light kit 4 years ago. Some of their stuff is poorly made (as you’ll see in a later video) but you can find some really solid and affordable stuff from them. So far, all of these stands have served me well. Especially those dirt cheap $20 6′ stands.
TT-100 Table Top Tripod $35
- Includes Mini Ballhead
- All Aluminum Construction
- Supports Loads Up to 6 lb
- Only 7.5″ Closed Height
- Standard 1/4″-20 Mounting Screw
Impact 3′ Two Section Back Light Stand $25
- Base, Riser
- Maximum Height of 3′
- 5/8″ Stud w/Reversible 1/4″-20 & 3/8″ Threads
Impact 48″ LS-K4 Micro Stand $60
- Black Anodized Aluminum Construction
- Load Capacity: 4 lb
- 4 Sections, 3 Risers
- Minimum Height: 17.5″
- Folded Length: 16″
- 1/4″-20 Removable Threaded Top Stud
Impact LS-RL7 7.2′ Reverse Legs Light Stand $45
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction
- 5 Sections, 4 Risers
- Folds Down to Only 18.9″
- 5/8″ Top Stud with 3/8″-16 Screw
- Includes 3/8″ to 1/4″-20 Adapter
- Weighs only 2.2 lb
Impact 6′ Stand $20
- Minimum Height 26.3″ (66.6 cm)
- Maximum Height 6′ (1.8 m)
- Closed Length 26.3″ (66.6 cm)
- Footprint Diameter 30″ (76 cm)
- Weight 1.8 lb (820 g)
- Maximum Load 4 lb (1.8 kg)
- Attachment Size 5/8″ stud with 1/4″-20 thread
- Accepts Wheels Yes
- Air Cushioned No
Impact 9.5′ Air-Cushioned Heavy Duty Light Stand $40
- Three Sections
- 5/8″ Stud with 1/4″-20 Threaded Top
- Air-Cushioned