Promaster LS-CT Compact Travel Light Stand

BrianMurphy

BrianMurphy

Veteran
Anyone have experience with this stand? I am looking for a couple of ultra light and compact travel friendly light stands. These seem to be the lightest and most compact and compared to others in that range, the most expensive. Can't seem to find if they are Carbon Fiber or Aluminum or?
Thanks for taking the time.
Brian
 
I have one of these and use it with a Hive Wasp 100-C, it's sturdy enough for that light. Can work on uneven surfaces such as stairs in some situations as each leg can be extended separately to different lengths. It folds to 16" in length which is one reason I purchased it. The Locking tabs are made of plastic but I've have had no issues with it so far. One issue that arises once in awhile is the joint from the legs to the center column will loosen up over time but a simple adjustment with an allen key to tighten fixes it. I bought it over two years ago and it still works fine. I wouldn't trust it for a heavy light, the Wasp 100-C weighs 2.3 pounds and I've used it on the stand with a small softbox 16x20" in size. It's stable enough but I'll still mount a manfrotto 3 lb. counter weight for extra stability. And I'm considering purchasing one or two more. They are made of aluminum.
 
Thanks for taking the time and for the link. I think I will have a look at one as soon as stores reopen up here (Feb.8th)and bring my bag to see how two would work with the kit. The video shows it to be wider/thicker than I expected as the tubes are quite beefy. I have been using two stands that came with the Cool Lux kit I bought about 20 years ago. The are well made aluminum stands and are about 6'6" when fully extended. I intend to keep them in the kit but want the Promasters for slightly larger lights with a small softbox or umbrella.
 

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That stand looks a lot like my old Lowel kit stands. The too were silver and had the same lines and tie down knobs it looks like?
The Lowel stands were pretty flimsy though which you guys seem think these stands aren't as flimsy?
 
They are light weight and were from a Cool-Lux lighting kit that came with 3 heads which used MR16 120 volt bulbs. In its day, it was a great travel kit with glass gels and dimmers/diffusers and lots of accessories. Parasols, clips for drop ceilings, pony clamps all in a small attaché case. Many many interviews etc were done with that kit, but those were my Ikigami Betacam days. I must admit to not being nearly as satisfied with any of the MANY led instruments I currently own or have owned. However I just hate stingers lol.
 
Even the most heavy duty light stands aren't heavy when compared to anything else in a video kit. So I'm not sure the value of trying to shave a few ounces.
The most compact and lightest style is "Reverse" made many brands like the photo you posted. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/502683-REG/Matthews_B387486_Reverse_Stand_7.html
I like Impact Air cushion https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...t_ls_8ai_air_cushioned_light_stand_black.html Not as compact but I love the air cushion and find them less expensive and more useful. My favorite are Matthews Maxi https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33459-REG/Matthews_B387485_Medium_Duty_Maxi_Kit.html
 
All of those above are long.

16" (like the one the original post is about) is an extremely rare length for that height.

Probably only a few in the world like that (I researched for months looking for 15-16" and over 6' to fit a few side-by-side in a straight line in a specific duffel bag...many were 18"+, mostly 20"+).
 
I have the Lowel reversible kit stands they're very compact although I've never measured them. I don't find them very useful. Besides I put my light stands in my tripod bag so I doubt you're going to find a decent tripod that compact. So now you have short light stands in a long tripod bag.
 
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Peter C. said:
Even the most heavy duty light stands aren't heavy when compared to anything else in a video kit. So I'm not sure the value of trying to shave a few ounces.
The most compact and lightest style is "Reverse" made many brands like the photo you posted. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/502683-REG/Matthews_B387486_Reverse_Stand_7.html
Click to expand...

I have had four of the Matthews Reverse folders in my travel light kit for many years. After using them, a lot, they are just okay. The legs seem to get bent up
here and there and they are really only useful with smaller, lightweight lights and grip gear. Adequate for travel but for normal day to day, meh.
 
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