C-Stand

L

Lor

Well-known member
I assumed all c-stand are not made equal. Any suggestion on a good multi-purpose C-stand? I'm looking at the A2030DCBKIT. Is this good enough for a all-around multipurpose use?

I'm just curious. It seems like mostly c-stand are quite heavy. Is there any reason why I couldn't find a c-stand that is made out of carbon fiber?
 
That's an excellent stand kit, I've got a bunch of those. And yeah, they're heavy, although the Avengers are supposed to be about a pound lighter than other makes.

As for what you want in a stand, that one's got it all. The 40" size is the most common, it's got the head & arm, and that one even has the turtle base which is definitely optional, you don't need all your stands to have that, but it's nice to have at least one or two in your kit. You can probably save a little dough by foregoing the turtle base.
 
Lor said:
I assumed all c-stand are not made equal. Any suggestion on a good multi-purpose C-stand? I'm looking at the A2030DCBKIT. Is this good enough for a all-around multipurpose use?

I'm just curious. It seems like mostly c-stand are quite heavy. Is there any reason why I couldn't find a c-stand that is made out of carbon fiber?
Click to expand...

I bought this exact C stand a couple months ago.
As far as the function of it, I think its absolutely incredible. Love the legs, love the oversized rubber coated knobs.
Ive been using matthews stands for years and the avenger is definitely heavier. Part of that is because of the turtle base, but its just overall a bit heavier.
I bought the black version as well, and within MINUTES it already had scratches and marks.
(its silver underneath)
The black coating definitely isn't going to hold up over time.
 
Barry_Green said:
That's an excellent stand kit, I've got a bunch of those. And yeah, they're heavy, although the Avengers are supposed to be about a pound lighter than other makes.

As for what you want in a stand, that one's got it all. The 40" size is the most common, it's got the head & arm, and that one even has the turtle base which is definitely optional, you don't need all your stands to have that, but it's nice to have at least one or two in your kit. You can probably save a little dough by foregoing the turtle base.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Barry. I'll definitely buy this one when the time comes. I'll think about the turtle base option. This is going to be my first c-stand purchase so any information is much appreciated.
 
maranfilms said:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/372016-REG/Impact_CT40MKIT_Master_Century_C_Stand.html

This is one of my favorite stands, and their a little cheaper. I love the spring loaded collar. At first I wasn't sure if it would be as good as my avengers. But they really are. I think their better, and faster to setup and break down. (due to the spring collar)
Click to expand...
That one looks nice too but way to heavy for my taste. It's 30lbs versus 13lbs for roughly $47 less only.
 
For your first purchase definitely go with the bells and whistles but I agree with Barry, save some cash, you don't need all of them to be turtle base. Heck, I'd even look into a 20" later on depending on your style. I rent Avengers all the time and they're probably the beefiest stand that comes to mind. Also in regards to a carbon fiber c-stand, if it ain't broke then don't fix it. There's a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing these things are tanks that can be tossed off a tailgate (I don't recommend it though!) and still safely hold up heavy rigging. I'm not sure I'd be able to say the same for carbon fiber although I do love it on sticks when I have to carry the damn things up a mountain.
 
Yeah, when it comes to c-stands, the heavier the better for me. I sand bag regardless, but on a windy day, their a bit more stable.
 
Depending on what kind of vehicle you drive
the turtle base can make all the difference in the world as far as breaking down the stand to a point where it will fit into the trunk of a car.
 
Again, this will be my first purchase and I still don't much about c-stand or all of its parts despite watching Barry's "Light for Film and Television" videos. What can the turtle base be used for?
 
Ahh, I now understand what a turtle base do now...sorry, Barry. You did mention that in your video but it slips out of my mind. I got it. I think I do need one because I want it to be easily portable if I need to in the future.
 
I agree that it can make a huge difference based on what you drive. I've had great luck laying it across the floor in front of the rear seats in smaller vehicles or even if they have flip down rear seats, extending the stands into the trunk. For smaller shoots I drive a Ford Escape which fits a c-stand sideways across the back no problem. Actually it might be slightly diagonally now that I think about it, but after that's solved you're really just left with artistic reasons for a turtle base. Some like to snap a spud into it, I prefer a baby plate on an apple box. I would recommend one at least, because you do sometimes need the sturdiness of that low base to snap things in securely. Really just boils down to how you get around and how you work on set. There's millions of ways to do something, having to buy a turtle base to fit in your car may influence how you do them.
 
I used mattews, American Grip, I own the Avenger. Definitely the heavier duty one. Does not matter it is heavier, it will be more useful and safer in all situation. A c-stand does not get obsolete. As a tripod, spend the money right the first time!
 
More 2 cents. It is a quality c-stand and will last a long time. I have a few and am satisfied. They are a bit cheaper than the American and Matthews in my shop but he trade off is
they weigh several pounds more. If weight is not a factor go for it.
 
The cheap 90 dollar c-stands on ebay are decent. I have a few of those to, and to tell you the truth, their better than what I expected, almost as good as my avengers.
 
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