Light Stands

[arteta]

I'm only looking for a couple of light stands for speedlites. Already got a few decent ones for my strobes but do I really need decent ones for speedlites? Would some cheap eBay ones do. If not. Why?

thanks in advance

[paulmag]

I have to sorts the more expensive is bigger stronger spring loaded and more stable

this is useful thread http://www.photography-forum.org/sho...may-find-handy

[GarryN]

Whatever you go for, make sure you have something to weigh them down, whether that is purpose made light stand bags in which you can put sand or gravel, or something similar.

It really doesn't take much to either have someone knock them over, or have the wind take them over, the ability to fall is miltiplied once you have a modifier like an umbrella or softbox on there.

To that end C-stands are better than the usual ones as the legs are horizontal rather than diagonal and you can put the weight on the leg without it sliding down towards the foot.

Also, the grips on the stand need to be quite firm. I had a cheaper more lightweight stand on my last shoot and the wind kept blowing the softbox out of line becaise the section of the stand wasn't being held firmly enough to resist the wind and it was twisting the light away from the model. I had to get someone to hold the softbox in position.

[tenchy]

InTheThread Paul He's Linked To, There Are 3 Types OfStand Including A Handy 1m One.
Also AnAdaptor To Mount Speedlight On A Normal Tripod.
But The Answer Is You Can Use The stand You Have WithOne Of A Couple Of Other Options Also In That Thread.

[arteta]

Thats great stuff, thanks. Never even thought about the weight issue or how easy it is blow over with a modifier on

I'll have a good look at that link later tonight when I've got more time. Thanks again