I'm thinking about getting a few more light stands to add to my package. I have a stand for every light in my kit; the problem is when i wanna get fancy and use a flag to cut light off somewhere, or put a piece of blackwrap out in front of a light or hang a piece of material between two stands to block a window or something.

Im looking to go the el cheapo route. Best option i know of right now that is a reasonable compromise between cost/quality the $40/apiece Impact stands from B&H. Yes i realize theyre pretty lightweight, but I have a client who has some so i work with them a lot, and it seems as long as you dont ask too much of them (dont put too heavy a light on them, etc.) They work fine and last.

Btw when i say "flag" i mean anything used to block light, not necessarily a legit flag with metal frame meant to be used with a grip head. Black foam core and a spring clamp is just fine.

So anyone know of any better deals?

Nope, but I've used those impact stands before and for their price, they're fantastic.

If you really need something cheap, I made a pvc stand once. It was... well, it made me decide to spend the $40. But it sure did hold a flag!

Ha! Not THAT cheap. Still needs to be "real" gear, just wondered if any members had good experiences with something kinda off the radar.

I buy lightstands from Norm's in Hollywood, I think I paid $70/ea for them the last time, and they are made to last a lifetime. When you said "cheapo", I was thinking $10 or $15 deals from Amazon or Adorama, but if you're going to cough up $40, the $70 Norm's is asking is a small step away.

I heard great review on Impact stands

I'll look into those Norms ones.

Did not know about the deals from Adorama/Amazon. . .Let me see what that's all about. I don't want something that's going to fall apart.

Impact is apparently the B&H in-house brand (I did not know this). I have a frequent client whose Impact stands I've been working with four about 4 years. They haven't fallen apart yet and I will use them, if I owned them, a hell of a lot less often then we use his.

Yes, on the one hand, the $70 are only $30 more per light stand than the $40 ones, but then again, they're almost twice the price! I guess it's how you think about it.

Lumiere light stands are very good and reasonably priced. I have one with a boom-pole extension, it has done everything I have asked of it and more.

Regards,

J.

I picked up some "heavy duty" stands off Amazon. Can't think of the manufacturer but I think the guy's initials are P.B. They seem well built from the two times I've used them (around large crowds) and I think I paid about $50 for two.