suggestion for light stand accessory? at DVinfo.net

Philip Fass · June 6th, 2012, 11:10 AM

I've been looking for a hook or clamp attachment that will mount on the stud of a light stand and hold a collapsible reflector. It would be similar in function to this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/62542-REG/Westcott_1103_Background_Stand_for_Illuminator.html
Any suggestions? Lots of searching on B&H hasn't produced anything that's decent and not more expensive than the above.

Bill Davis · June 6th, 2012, 01:05 PM

Stand choice kinda hinges on four basic factors...

Price
Weight
Stability
and Portability

So where do you rate these in importance?

To make a stand stable, portable and light, requires more engineering and costlier materials so the more you get of each of these, the more you pay.

Personally, I'd value "stability" as high as you can, because stand failure not only wastes the money you spent on it - it can be dangerous if the stand that fails is holding a light over something of value or, worse, a person who gets hurt!

The "big name" companies, Matthews, Manfrotto, Lowel, Westcott, etc simply won't sell crap because they have reputations to protect.

Some company on EBAY who has no reputation to protect might not be so diligent in design and construction, but then there are plenty of exceptions where off-shore manufacturers produce good value.

My rule is that grip gear is something I always feel save "investing" in - because it lasts and never goes out of style. I'd rather pay once for good - than pay twice to replace poor quality.

But it's your call.

BTW, look closely - the background stand you're referencing has a specific type of connection on the top - NOT a standard 3/8 stud. So this stand will only be useful for backgrounds - not for general use - unless you buy the appropriate adaptors.

Good luck.

Doug Jensen · June 6th, 2012, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philip Fass

I've been looking for a hook or clamp attachment that will mount on the stud of a light stand and hold a collapsible reflector.

You don't say how big, but is this what you are looking for?
This is the model that I recommend in my lighting training DVDs and workshops for round flex fill reflectors. It's allows almost unlimited flexibility for height and angle.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/17725-REG/Flexfill_FH1_Holder_for_Reflectors.html

Oren Arieli · June 6th, 2012, 05:16 PM

There are also some $30 options on ebay. Type in "reflector arm"

Philip Fass · June 7th, 2012, 09:26 AM

Ebay does have some good deals, but I think an arm would pretty unbalanced and need a lot of weights on the legs. I may just play it safe and go for the actual Westcott stand. More money but fewer headaches.

Bruce Watson · June 7th, 2012, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philip Fass

I've been looking for a hook or clamp attachment that will mount on the stud of a light stand and hold a collapsible reflector. It would be similar in function to this:

Westcott Background Stand for Illuminator 1103 B&H Photo Video

Any suggestions? Lots of searching on B&H hasn't produced anything that's decent and not more expensive than the above.

Like http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/62235-REG/Westcott_1100_Illuminator_Arm.html

June 6th, 2012, 11:10 AM	#1
Philip Fass Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Charlotte, VT Posts: 397	suggestion for light stand accessory? I've been looking for a hook or clamp attachment that will mount on the stud of a light stand and hold a collapsible reflector. It would be similar in function to this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/62542-REG/Westcott_1103_Background_Stand_for_Illuminator.html Any suggestions? Lots of searching on B&H hasn't produced anything that's decent and not more expensive than the above.

June 6th, 2012, 01:05 PM	#2
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	Re: suggestion for light stand accessory? Stand choice kinda hinges on four basic factors... Price Weight Stability and Portability So where do you rate these in importance? To make a stand stable, portable and light, requires more engineering and costlier materials so the more you get of each of these, the more you pay. Personally, I'd value "stability" as high as you can, because stand failure not only wastes the money you spent on it - it can be dangerous if the stand that fails is holding a light over something of value or, worse, a person who gets hurt! The "big name" companies, Matthews, Manfrotto, Lowel, Westcott, etc simply won't sell crap because they have reputations to protect. Some company on EBAY who has no reputation to protect might not be so diligent in design and construction, but then there are plenty of exceptions where off-shore manufacturers produce good value. My rule is that grip gear is something I always feel save "investing" in - because it lasts and never goes out of style. I'd rather pay once for good - than pay twice to replace poor quality. But it's your call. BTW, look closely - the background stand you're referencing has a specific type of connection on the top - NOT a standard 3/8 stud. So this stand will only be useful for backgrounds - not for general use - unless you buy the appropriate adaptors. Good luck. __________________ Classroom editing instructor? Check out www.starteditingnow.com Turnkey editor training content including licensed training footage for classroom use.

June 6th, 2012, 05:16 PM	#4
Oren Arieli Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 919	Re: suggestion for light stand accessory? There are also some $30 options on ebay. Type in "reflector arm"

June 7th, 2012, 09:26 AM	#5
Philip Fass Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Charlotte, VT Posts: 397	Re: suggestion for light stand accessory? Ebay does have some good deals, but I think an arm would pretty unbalanced and need a lot of weights on the legs. I may just play it safe and go for the actual Westcott stand. More money but fewer headaches.