How do I choose a light stand?

Finding the correct light stand for your studio lights and lighting modifiers is a simple task if you break down your search into manageable steps. Regardless of whether you are just starting out, or a seasoned photographer, this guide will help you find the best light stand for your needs.

Common Stands
Load Capacity
Vertical & Lateral Positioning
Mounting Types
Portability & Storage
Features & Accessories
Specialized Stands

The Mainstream Light Stands

Location photographers, production studios, and live performers each rely on different types of lights and supports. The two most common light stands are the general-purpose stand and the C-stand that is the industry standard for filmmaking and commercial photo studio use.

General-Purpose Stands

Support for small and medium weight lights, accessories, and modifiers. They are often relatively lightweight and collapsible for easy storage and transport—designed for use inside a studio yet portable enough to be used on location.

C-Stands

Durable, stable, friendly to sandbag use, and easy to store, they are heavier and more rugged than the general-purpose stand, but less portable. Some offer features such as sliding legs to compensate for uneven surfaces, removable “turtle bases,” built-in grip heads and boom arms, and more.

How Heavy Is Your Light?

The job of the light stand is to provide a stable foundation for your lighting equipment. The stand's ability to do this will be dictated by its load capacity—the maximum weight it can support while maintaining stability. You'll want a stand that can support your light plus any light modifiers or accessories you plan to use—soft boxes, reflectors, etc.

Key Takeaways

Load capacity is the maximum weight your stand can support while remaining stable.
Make sure your stand can hold the combined weight of your light plus accessories.
Always try to leave a cushion between the weight of your gear and the maximum capacity of the stand—important for added stability and for future growth and flexibility.

Vertical & Lateral Positioning

There's no such thing as a light stand that can go too high or too low—but there is such a thing as a light stand that can't go high or low enough! Make sure you factor in your height needs. Telescoping stands have differing numbers of sections. Although more sections can allow for greater height, increasing the number of sections might reduce the overall stability of the stand. Extension poles are a height-adding solution but may also adversely affect stability.

Grip & Boom Arms

(usually used for accessories and light modifiers) and boom arms (generally used for lights) are commonly used to expand the ways you can position a light or modifier to change height or extend laterally.

The stability of any rig can be boosted by using sandbags to weigh down your stand, especially when the lights are mounted off the light stand axis.

Key Takeaways

Pay attention to both maximum and minimum heights.
Taller stands may be less stable than shorter stands.
The minimum height spec only refers to the stand's height; keep in mind your light will sit above this.
Additional height may be added with an extension pole

What Mount Does Your Light Require?

Both your light and the stand must have compatible mounts:

Small and medium-size strobes and continuous lights: 5/8" (baby) mount.
Large, production-grade lights: 1-18" (junior) mount.
Adapt & combine: junior-baby adapter.
Light stands can be used for for light modifiers and other accessories. There are stands with grip heads and arms included for exactly this purpose. Some stands also permit mounting studs to be installed vertically and horizontally, expanding their versatility.

Key Takeaways

The 5/8" or baby mount is the most common mounting system used by still photographers.
The 1-1/8" or junior mounts are more common when working with lights used for filmmaking.
Other mounting options and adapters are available depending on your needs

Portability & Space Considerations

If you are using lights in the field, you will want to choose a stand that is lightweight and collapses to a manageable size (closed length)—but know that compact, lightweight stands can hold less weight and aren’t as stable as larger, heavier stands.

The more sections a stand has, the higher it can extend and the smaller it can collapse. Keep in mind that more sections means less overall stability.

Another factor to consider is the footprint of the stand. Some stands take up a fair amount of floor space. In a cramped studio, that can be an issue.

Key Takeaways

Lightweight stands are great for travel but may be less stable than heavier models.
The closed length of your stand will determine how easily it can be packed and transported.
Smaller stands often incorporate more sections at the expense of stability.
When working in tight quarters, check the footprint of your stand to make sure it will fit.

Features & Optional Accessories

Light stands look simple—most are—but as the industry evolved, manufacturers began adding options to make them more versatile

Air Cushioning

Air cushioning is a feature seen on many general-purpose stands. The cushioning prevents lights from dropping quickly when collapsing or lowering the stand and reduces the likelihood of damage to you or your equipment.

Leveling/Sliding Legs

Leveling/sliding legs are height- and position-adjustable legs used to secure the position of your stand on uneven terrain. They are particularly useful when working on location, in tight spaces, or outdoors.

Sliding leg

Reverse Legs

Reverse legs fold up around the center column of your stand to help it become more compact when collapsed. This is a desirable feature for photographers who are short on space or plan to travel with their stands.

Combo/Universal Heads

Combo/universal heads combine multiple types of mounts so that they can be used with a variety of lights and equipment. These are especially desirable in studios where different types of lights are used.

Roller Bases/Wheels (Casters)

Roller bases and wheels (casters) make your stand easier to move around, especially when using heavy equipment. Some stands allow wheels to be added.

Boom Arms

A boom arm allows the light to extend laterally from the stand. Be aware that when you use a boom arm, you must counterbalance the weight of your light with a sandbag or other item.

Grip Heads

Grip heads are multi-functional devices used to secure lighting accessories via 5/8" and 3/8" rods. They can be built into your stand or purchased separately as an accessory.

Color

A painted stand may have less reflectivity than one with a reflective finish—sometimes an important consideration.

Specialized Light Stands

Beyond the general-purpose stands and C-stands are several options that meet more specific needs for photographers and videographers.

Crank/Wind-Up Stands

Designed for larger lights, crank/wind-up stands adjust their height mechanically. This makes it easier and safer to precisely position heavy lights.

Backlight Stands

Backlight stands are designed for low-angle lighting such as background lighting, floor-level lighting, or tabletop shooting.

Overhead Stands

Similar to heavy-duty C-stands, overhead stands offer high load capacities and tall maximum heights. They are primarily intended to support large backdrops, lighting accessories, or overhead lights.

We hope that this buying guide has helped you find your way to the purchase of the perfect light stand for your needs. If you have any questions, please post them to info@aifo.se and we'll help you out

Manfrotto Nano Plus Stand 52-197cm

MA-5002BL

The Nano Plus Stand is Manfrotto’s strongest Nano Stand ever, tailored for the most demanding image makers working in the studio or on location. With an impressive maximum payload of 4 kg at maximum extension the Nano Plus can comfortably support the latest portable professional lighting equipment including flash or LED without compromise, even when paired with a modifier allowing users to focus on their creativity.

The compact folded length of 52cm makes the Nano Plus ideal for creatives who wish to travel light or with very limited carrying space, as it provides a compact and portable lighting support that delivers stability and safety. It even slides neatly into the tripod pouch on the side of most camera bags to ensure the user can keep their kit compact and travel light without compromising on their lighting kit requirements.

The Nano Plus features a useful levelling leg, allowing the user to maintain a stable vertical lighting support even in challenging environments such as uneven ground, inner city streets or even rocky hillsides. This versatile light stand features multiple attachment options including a 16mm (5/8'') spigot with a 3/8'' thread plus a removable 1/4'' thread adapter allowing secure attachment of a wide range of lighting tools.

Another great benefit of the Nano Plus is the max height of 197cm allowing users to raise their lighting tools comfortably in order to achieve dynamic and creative lighting set ups on the move.

Specifications

Weight: 1.35 kg
Min Height: 52 cm
Max Height: 197 cm
Payload: 4 kg
Top Attachment: 1/4″ screw, 3/8″ screw
Load Capacity At Max Extension: 3 kg
Closed Length: 52 cm
Colour: Black
Column Tube Diameter: 29, 26, 23, 20, 16 mm
Footprint Max Diameter: 105 cm
Leg Cross Section: Rectangular
Leg Sections: 5
Levelling Leg: 1
Stand Leg Size: 15x6 mm
Material Base: Aluminium
Material Column: Aluminium

Based in Northern Italy at Cassola, Manfrotto designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of camera and lighting support equipment for the professional photographic, film, theatre, live entertainment and video markets. The product line includes an extensive range of camera tripods and heads, lighting stands and accessories.

Price, VAT excl.84.77

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Manfrotto MS0490C Carbon Nanopole Stand

MA-MS0490C

Manfrotto MS0490C Carbon Nanopole Stand is Manfrotto's lightest Nano Stand ever, tailored to image makers that are looking for ways to downsize their gear and travel lighter.
Weighing in at only 750g thanks to its lightweight aluminium base and carbon fibre column the Carbon Nanopole Stand is the perfect support for small lighting equipment up to 1.5kg such as speedlights and LED lights which are commonly the kit of choice for the weight conscious creatives working in and out of the studio.

Only 750g, Manfrotto’s lightest ever Nano Stand!
Perfect for portable lighting equipment
Useful levelling leg for uneven terrain
Compact 51cm Folded Length
Removable carbon fibre centre column for hand held use

This lightweight lighting support not only provides users with the perfect stand when shooting on the move, this product is manufactured in Italy to the highest standards providing assurance of quality craftsmanship and materials that customers can rely on.

The compact folded length of just 51cm makes the Carbon Nanopole Stand suitable for carry-on luggage or ideal for those with very limited carrying space. It even slides neatly into the tripod pouch on the side of most camera bags to ensure the user can keep their kit compact and travel light without compromising on their lighting kit requirements.

The Carbon Nanopole Stand features a useful levelling leg, allowing the user to maintain a stable vertical lighting support even in challenging environments such as uneven ground, inner city streets or even rocky hillsides. For added safety the base also features a hook to be used with a sandbag in order to weigh it down when used outdoors.
This versatile light stand features multiple attachment options including a stainless steel 16mm (5/8'') spigot with a 3/8'' thread plus a removable 1/4'' thread adapter allowing secure attachment of a wide range of lighting tools.

The light weight characteristics of the Carbon Nanopole Stand is thanks to the removable carbon fibre centre column featuring quick release twist locks, which can also be used as a hand held boom in order to position lights exactly where they are needed. *750g without 1/4'' adapter

Specifications

Weight: 0.78 kg
Min Height: 61 cm
Maximum Height: 197 cm
Payload: 1.5 kg
Top Attachment: 1/4'', 3/8″ universal mount, 5/8″ (16mm) stud, type 19
Load Capacity At Maximum Extension: 1.5 kg
Closed Length: 51 cm
Colour: Black/Red
Column Tube Diameter: 25, 22, 19, 16, 13 mm
Footprint Max Diameter: 100 cm
Leg Cross Section: Rectangular
Levelling Leg: 1
Material Base: Aluminium
Material Column: Carbon Fiber

Price, VAT excl.134.29

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Manfrotto Ligtning Stand 1004BAC

MA-1004BAC

Transportable and compact, the Manfrotto Master Stand is an innovative must-have. Made from reliable and lightweight aluminium, it won’t weigh you down and is sturdy enough to support up to 9 kg. Featuring an innovative quick stack system, the stand can be bought together or separately. The camera Master Stand comes with a range of pole sizes including 18, 20, 23, and 30 cm. Connect them according to your needs for a made-to-measure piece of equipment; an innovative space-saving feature. Practical as well as clever, its compact design easily fits into your bag so you’ll always be ready for those demanding outdoor shoots. Slot everything neatly into a more compact case to keep things neat at the studio.

Compact 4 section stand with 3 risers supporting up to 9 kg
Innovative stacking system for potability
Smooth air movement cushioning protects gear and fingers
Equipped with spigot and removable adapter for versatility
Extra wide 160 cm footprint for complete stability

The photo Master Stand comes in 4 sections with 3 risers, giving you complete precision. It features air cushioning so you can work quickly without worrying about catching your fingers or your gear. The wide footprint opens up to 106cms to keep your shots steady even on rougher grounds. Universally flexible, the spigot has an M10 x 1.5 thread, as well as a removable M6 x 1 thread. Its impressive height range of 366cms to 106cms allows you to capture new perspectives.

Specifications

Weight: 3 kg
Air Cushioned: Yes
Top Attachment: 1/4″ screw, 3/8″ screw, 5/8″ (16mm) stud
Color: Black
Material Base: Aluminum
Maximum Height: 366 cm
Minimum height: 124 cm
Max Payload 9 kg

Price, VAT excl.136.69

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Manfrotto 269BU Black Aluminium Super Stand

MA-269BU

Reach even higher with the intuitive Super Stand. This must-have stand is ideal for any photographer looking for total creative flexibility, even in the most challenging environments. If you need to reach lofty heights, this Super Stand will give you all the tools to do just that. It’s one of the tallest stands on the market, plus it’s packed with easy-to-use features, and it’s made to Italy’s world-leading quality standards.

With 4 sections and 3 risers, this expert stand is easy to set-up and tuck away in your bag at the end of the day, which makes it ideal for both studio and location work. It’s crafted from hardwearing, yet lightweight aluminium too, which adds to it's portability, but also increases it's durability. And it has a strength boosting anodised finish, to make it a stand truly capable of heavy-duty work, with the ability to support up to 35kg.

To add to it's great functionality, this clever stand has a levelling leg, enabling you to simply adjust to perfection, even on rough terrain. Double leg bracing gives added stability and security, so you can work fast and sure without worrying about anything slipping. It also comes with a universal head type 14, with a 28mm socket and 16mm stud. Compatible with wheel sets 103, 104 and 104G.

Heavy-duty camera stand for studio or location shoots
Stable and secure with double leg bracing
Comes with handy universal head type, socket and stud
Includes an innovative levelling leg for rough terrain
Handles up to 35 kg

Specifications

Weight	8 kg
Max Payload	35 kg Load Capacity at Max Extension: 6,3 kg
Max Height	455 cm
Min Height	144 cm
Top Attachment	5/8" (16mm) Stud with 3/8" Screw 1 1/8" (28mm) Socket
Colour	Black
Column Tube Diameter	35, 40, 45, 50 mm
Material Base	Aluminium
Material Column	Aluminium
Footprint Max Diameter	174 cm
Sections	4 (3 Risers)
Stand Leg Size	Ø30mm

Price, VAT excl.348.91

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Manfrotto Black Aluminium Combi-Boom Stand with Sandbag

MA-420B

Manfrotto 420B Black Aluminium Combi-Boom stand. Supplied with sandbag counterweight (empty) for maximum stability and smoothness. Quick to set up. Made to last. The combi-boom stand Black Aluminium with Sandbag is a flexible and hard-wearing combi-boom stand for your photography shoots. Designed to work as a practical light stand, you'll find set up is easy. Just extend the riser to the maximum height and press a lever for the boom. This quick functionality makes the combi-boom stand both easy and flexible for you to use. The counterweight sandbag ensures all your movements will stay smooth and accurate.

Adjustable as a light or boom stand, giving set up flexibility
Simple press lever makes it quick to adapt to a boom
Includes a sandbag for added stability
Double-braced leg so your combi-boom stand is safe and sturdy
Reversible spigot as an extra attachment for your accessories

You're ensured stability on even the roughest of terrain thanks to the double-braced leg base. The maximum footprint of 106cm is perfect for spreading out over a sizeable area, and your combi-boom stand will stay balanced and safe for a more accurate shot.

The universal sized screws offer you compatibility options no matter where you are. Use the reversible spigot, and you've an extra attachment for your lighting accessories.

Specifications

Attachment number type 25 + spigot art. 013 attachment type
Closed length 113.0 cm
Color black color
Column cross section round
Column tube diameter 35.30.25.20mm
Footprint max diameter 109.0 cm
Leg cross section round
Load capacity 9 kg
Load capacity at maximum extension 2.0 kg
Load capacity at maximum extension at 6 inclination 0.9 kg
Material: aluminum
Maximum extension 191
Maximum height 392.0 cm
Minimum extension 19
Minimum height 131.0 cm
Risers stand number 3 number
Section centre column 4 number
Stand leg size 22mm
Suggested wheels 018
Weight 2.7 kg

Price, VAT excl.246.46

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Manfrotto Superboom stand included 025B S

MA-025B

Manfrotto Boom Stand 025BS, a kit consisting of lighting stand 008BU and Super Boom 025BSL with wheels. A sturdy stand with a boom arm that comes with a counterweight and wheels. The Manfrotto Super Boom Stand is a maneuverable and robust stand suitable for various uses in photography and video. An excellent lighting stand for professional photographers seeking great flexibility in positioning a light source, flag, microphone, or other accessories in their setup.

Complete lighting stand with boom, wheels, and counterweight
Max load capacity: 5 kg
Lighting stand with adjustable height: 131-212 cm
Boom arm total length: 270 cm
Max load capacity: 5 kg at a 100 cm boom extension from the stand's column
Stand wheels provide easy handling

The sturdy Manfrotto 008BU lighting stand can handle loads up to 15 kg. With the boom mounted and extended 100 cm from the stand column, the boom can support loads up to 5 kg when the included 7 kg counterweight is attached to the other end. The boom, Manfrotto 025BSL, features dual cranks mounted at the end of the boom, allowing the lighting to be tilted and rotated for easy and precise handling. The boom top has a fixed 5/8" pin type 17. The included 014-38 adapter has a 3/8" screw thread and nut.

The robust stand, with an adjustable height of 131 cm to 212 cm, comes with wheels, allowing the lighting to be quickly and easily moved to the desired position. The stand top has multiple attachment points for the boom, studio flashes, and other equipment. The included boom is mounted in the stand's 1 1/8" sleeve. For studio flashes, etc., there is a height-adjustable pin with a 5/8" size and a 3/8" screw thread on top.

Included in this kit

Manfrotto 008BU Lighting Stand
Manfrotto 025BSL Boom with dual cranks
Manfrotto 022 7 kg Counterweight
Manfrotto 0109 Stand Wheels

Specifications

Stand 008BU, height: 131-212 cm
Stand 008BU, max load capacity: 15 kg
Stand 008BU, attachment points on top: 1 1/8" sleeve, height-adjustable 5/8" pin with 3/8" screw thread on top
Boom 025BSL, length: 270 cm
Boom 025BSL, max load capacity at 100 cm extension from stand column: 5 kg
Boom 025BSL, attachment points on top: 5/8" pin, adapter 014-38 included with 3/8" screw thread and nut
Weight: Stand 4.2 kg / Boom 4.1 kg / Counterweight 6.7 kg / Wheels 1.4 kg
Total weight Boom Stand: 16.4 kg

Price, VAT excl.727.53

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Manfrotto Wind Up Stand 147-370cm

MA-087NWB

The essential, versatile Black Steel Wind Up Stand. This expertly designed stand combines all the must-have features you'd expect from a heavy-duty stand.
Blending strength, portability and stability, it’s an essential item for serious photographers looking to get perfect shots even in trickier environments.

This heavy-duty stand is made to last, even when used on rugged terrain, and with heavy loads. The chrome plated steel adds strength as well as looking sleek, and it comes in 3 sections, with 2 risers.
This enables you to raise and lower the stand in moments, without any fiddling. In fact, you can extend up as high as 370 cm, giving you scope to capture almost any shot.

The top features handy, universal mounts for total compatibility too, helping you to easily mix and match with whatever gear you need. It has a 16mm female socket and a 16mm male stud included, and it can support up to and impressive 30 kg. The levelling leg keeps everything nice and steady, even on rougher ground, and you can pair with wheels if you need to glide across the floor effortlessly.

Heavy-duty camera stand with 370 cm max height
Levelling leg for uneven terrain
Made of durable black chrome steel
Optional wheels available for increased mobility
Supports up to 30g

Specifications

Weight	21,7 kg
Max Payload	30 kg
Max Height	370 cm
Min Height	147 cm
Top Attachment	5/8" (16mm) Tapp med 3/8" Gänga 1 1/8" (28mm) Sockel
Colour	Black
Column Tube Diameter	38, 45, 55 mm
Material Base	Steel
Material Column	Steel
Footprint Max Diameter	128 cm
Sections	3 (2 Risers)
Stand Leg Size	Ø30mm

Price, VAT excl.594.63

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Avenger Light Stand A0017 Baby Stand

MA-A0017

The Avenger A0017 baby light stand silver, features steel legs, a mobile base column, 2 aluminium risers and one levelling leg. The 16 mm/ 5/8 in traditional style Avenger top attachment connects to many popular baby receivers. With a max height of 170 cm in this baby light stand can support up to 4 kg at full extension. The A0017 light stand is complete with captive locking T-Knobs and captive collars. Great for lower level lighting and other types of gear!

Specifications

Load capacity: 4 kg
Max Height: 175 cm
Min Height: 80 cm
Closed Length: 73 cm
Footprint mmax diameter: 75 cm
Chrome Steel legs & aluminium risers, silver only.
Leg: 20 mm x 20 mm
1 Levelling Leg.
3 sections, 2 risers, Ø: 35, 30, 25 mm
Mobile Column w/double locking T-knobs on the spider castings
Weight: 3.4 kg

Avenger products have been designed to fit the bespoke needs of the photo and cine market. The range includes stands, clamps, couplers, light controls and accessories all designed to match the strict quality standards and performance levels required by the motion picture industry. Product quality is the hallmark of Avenger, which can withstand extreme use, rough atmospheric conditions, very high stress and heavy payloads.

Price, VAT excl.166.50

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Avenger C-Stand 18 Sliding Leg

MA-A2018L

Avenger C-Stand A2018L. Turtle base chrome plated steel stand with 3 sections and 2 risers. It features 1 sliding leg enabling you to use the stand on uneven surfaces.

This stand has a maximum payload of 8kg and a maximum height of 1.75m.

Stand with 3 sections and 2 risers
1 sliding leg
Load capacity: 8kg

Specifications

Weight	4300 g
Top Attachment	5/8" (16mm) Stud
Closed Length	84 cm
Color	Silver
Column Tube Diameter	25, 30, 35 mm
Footprint Max Diameter	95 cm
Leg Cross Section	Round
Leg Sections	3
Levelling Leg	Yes, 1
Material Base	Steel
Material Column	Steel
Max Height	175 cm
Max Payload	8 kg
Min Height	84 cm
Stand Leg Size	Ø 25 mm

Price, VAT excl.178.25

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Avenger C-Stand Kit 33 A2033LKIT

MA-A2033LKIT

Avenger C-Stand A2033LKIT. This kit includes a turtle base chrome plated steel stand (code A2033L) with 3 sections and 2 risers. It also includes D200grip head and D520 124cm extension arm that provides extended grip point for scrim, flags and small lights.
It features one sliding leg to keep the stand steady on uneven surfaces. This stand has a maximum payload of 10kg and maximum height of 3.28m.

Robust Construction: Crafted from chrome-plated steel, the A2033L stand in this kit offers exceptional durability and stability, ensuring long-lasting performance for professional photographers and filmmakers.
Versatile Grip Equipment: Includes a D200 grip head and a D520 124cm extension arm, providing an extended grip point for scrims, flags, and small lights, enhancing creative flexibility in various shooting environments.
Adjustable for Uneven Terrain: Features a unique sliding leg design, allowing the stand to remain stable on uneven surfaces, making it ideal for outdoor shoots or challenging locations.
High Load Capacity: With a maximum payload of 10kg, this stand can securely support a range of equipment, from heavy lighting rigs to complex camera setups, ensuring safe and reliable use.
Extended Reach: Reaches a maximum height of 3.28 meters, enabling high-angle lighting and complex positioning, crucial for achieving the desired lighting effects in professional photography and film production.

Specifications

Weight 7.3 kg
Payload 10 kg
Maximum Height 328 cm
Closed Length 134 cm
Boom Max Extension 102 cm
Boom Min Extension 102 cm
Footprint Max Diameter 95 cm
Levelling Leg 1

Price, VAT excl.267.47

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Avenger Roller Stand 33 Folding Base A5033

MA-A5033

The Avenger Roller Stand 33 with 4 sections and 3 risers features steel legs and column, and risers in aluminium. It can support a payload up to 12 kg and it can reach a maximum height of 3.30 m.
It features wheels for easy transportation and its legs fold up for better storage.