Tips! We have about 20 c-stands in the studio… they are an absolute necessity for studio work. Links below on what a c-stand is really used for, tips to use them right and some links to the ones I use in my studio.
If you think random tripods and stands are the right solution, then you don’t know what a c-stand is, why it was created and how to effectively use them in your work.
I’ll start with some budget c-stands (2-pack), I use them for light duty work, but they punch way above their price range, with a few features that you don’t often see even on more expensive c-stands (like buffer springs, that have saved me SOOOO many times): Amazon.com : Soonpho 2 Pack 100% Heavy-Duty Steel C-Stand, Pro Photography Light Stand with 3.5'/108cm Extension Arm, Grip Head, Turtle Base for Studio Monolight, Softbox, Reflector, Max Height 10'/305cm – Black : Electronics
More expensive, this is a single Avenger heavy duty c-stand, these are my favorite, I have about 10 of them: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/289149-REG/Avenger_A2030DCBKIT_AVA2030DCB_Turtle_Base_Century.html
You will need sandbags, not something you want to skip. Your lights, mics and cameras are way to expensive to risk accidentally tipping over, or worse hurting someone: Amazon.com
MUST WATCH! Even if you think you know how to use a c-stand, you don’t – especially if you are reading this. There are right ways and wrong ways… big knobs always on the right side, weight always on the big leg first…
Take the time to watch and learn from a pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGl_g5VkqFU
4 Likes
I could use some of those in the garage right now! The only light is in the worst location for the painting project I’m doing. I thought about getting some but wasn’t sure if I really need being things have been too tight lately. Might try to get some before I do another truck stream.
If you have accessories with the pin clamp, you can use a tripod in a pinch - they make cheap conversion studs that screw in to a (1/4-20) camera mount
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=5%252F8+stud+1%252F4-20&rh=n%253A3348261
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Studs-Receptors-Pins/ci/1358/N/4062040372
1 Like
I have some cheap lights with the pins and their own tripods. They don’t work well on uneven ground, they’re also really short. I zip tied them to the easyup frame when I was working on the truck. I did some other weird stuff with lights cause the engine bay is such an awkward area to light up for streaming. Totally worth it, I loved all the help and recommendations I was getting from chat! Saved my bacon a few times.
That 3hr EGR valve and line replacement was the best 3 days I had had in a long time
1 Like
I saw those, do you know if they do that strobe thing on camera?
No idea, s’why I said ‘similar to’
1 Like
Gotcha, i could probably build some sort of mount like you mentioned before but make it more engine bay friendly. Those lights I have are pretty light I could probably make a magnet mount and they might not fall on me. Even if one did it wouldn’t hurt… my head has already broken one of their falls.
Oh and they were cheap, I wouldn’t want to experiment with hanging expensive lights on home made mounts like that
Haha- Hi, & thanks for the welcome emoji~ I’ve been using a fold-up music sheet stand until I can acquire more space & better equipment with which to work. Those with team-player attitudes towards mutual similar celebrations would & will be great too-(+';o)
1 Like