Good quality light stands aren’t cheap, but they are usually worth it. Risking an expensive monolight on a cheap light stand is not a good idea. Savage’s heavy duty light stand is an exception.
Introduction
Good quality light stands aren’t cheap, but they are usually worth it. Risking an expensive monolight on a cheap light stand is not a good idea (nor is it very safe). Savage’s Heavy Duty Air-Cushioned Light Stand is a bit of an exception though. This $50 light stand is a good budget choice so long as you understand its modest price does mean some skimping went on to keep it cheap. It isn’t really a true “air-cushioned” stand either. It does let air pressure slow its descent when the locking screws are released though.
Using the Light Stand (4 out of 5)
I use mine with a Photok Softlighter II 60’ light modifier on an Alien Bees B1600 monolight. The Softlighter II is basically a brolly box. The combination of it and the Alien Bees strobe isn’t as hefty as other combinations, but it is a good test of a heavy duty light stand and the Savage holds up well, even unweighted.
I would definitely weight this stand and light/modifier combination if using it outdoors though since it’s pretty light for a heavy duty stand (it weighs 6.6 pounds). Its light weight does make it easily moved and carried and its 13’ maximum height makes it a versatile choice for supporting both lights and backgrounds.
This isn’t the most solidly manufactured light stand (what do you expect for $49.95?), so care should be taken in tightening locking screws and transporting it. Its air cushioning (or air “dampening”) does a good job of lowering sections slowly and under control, so you can just twist the locking screw and let a section drop on its own even with a light on it.
Price to value (5 out of 5)
This is an excellent choice for the studio photographer trying to stay on a tight budget. So long as treated with a modicum of care, it will serve very well.
