Ranking of the best lighting stands for 2020

A lighting stand is needed not only for a photo studio and for filming a film, it is used for construction work, and at home. To select a rack, you need to know the basic selection criteria so as not to make mistakes when choosing. The article describes the best and most popular models, according to buyers. Presented are tips on how to choose the right device for the price, and which one is better to buy.

Description

A stand for lighting (or as professionals call it: a photo stand, or a studio tripod) is a tripod of different heights, on which lamps (umbrellas, reflectors, flags) are fixed, and other devices necessary in a certain situation. It is an important element not only for professional photographers, but also used for filming films, television programs and even when performing construction and repair work.

Ease of use and great efficiency are achieved through the correct selection of the height and optimal lifting capacity of the device. It is also important to place it correctly on the site, then the effect of the work will be greatest.

Selection recommendations (selection criteria)

According to professional photographers, there are several main points to pay special attention to when buying. Indeed, in this kind of equipment, as a tripod for lighting, it is its functionality that is important. If any criterion does not meet, the whole work can be undermined.

Types of criteria (what to look for)

1. Maximum and minimum height. If you are choosing a model for photography, choose studio stands that are higher than 2 meters for the key light, and below 2 meters for the fill light. The minimum height is just as important, sometimes you want the light to be at the bottom and illuminate the subject from bottom to top. If you are planning to purchase a rack for personal needs, then take it not too high, you can look after it with the function of installation on the table, you can fix it yourself, with your own hands.
2. Depreciation. There are 3 types of depreciation. Air - when the clamps are opened, the stand lowers smoothly, not abruptly, thereby preventing the standing lamp from breaking. Spring-loaded - reduces the folding speed at the very end, is less effective. Without shock absorption - such models are used if a non-fragile and unbreakable object is attached to the tripod.
3. Carrying capacity. Most of the models, during operation, can withstand several times more weight than stated, but you should not risk it.Choose a model depending on the weight of the fixture that will be attached to the tripod.
4. Sections. The larger the number of sections, the more compact the tripod will be when transporting. Most models are made in three sections.
5. Stability diameter. Popular models are most often tripods. What makes the tripod stable. The larger this indicator of the diameter, the more reliable the equipment will stand. But it will also take up more space, this is also worth considering when buying.
6. Clamps. They are distinguished by 2 types: clips (grab the rack in a circle) and screws (clamped on one side). Metal clamps are much more reliable than plastic clamps. Plastic breaks down faster.
7. Material. Basically, the racks are made of aluminum, this provides a reduction in production costs. But production from steel is stronger and more reliable. It is very important that the racks do not break under the weight of the load and do not bend during operation.
8. Adapter. The most basic element, it is into it that the equipment is inserted, which will be fixed on the tripod. It is better if the adapter has two positions, vertical and horizontal. Then there will be more opportunities for placement.
9. Weight. Most important when carrying a tripod, but for large jobs they are usually transported and not carried. When choosing for personal purposes, weight is still worth considering.

Top manufacturers

Let's take a closer look at the main manufacturers in order to better understand which company is better to purchase equipment for certain needs.

The most expensive and most reliable tripods are from Manfrotto. An Italian manufacturer, uses quality materials and innovative equipment in production.

The Elinchrom, Falcon and Bowens brands are mid-range manufacturers, although their products are in no way inferior in quality to expensive companies.

Low-cost (inexpensive) racks are represented mainly by Chinese manufacturers such as Mircopro, Arsenal, Photex, Visico.

Safety in use

In general, the category of such goods is classified as safe, but you still need to follow the basic rules during installation. Then the product will serve you much longer.

1. Any heavy attachment must be attached over one of the legs, then, even if the stand falls, the blow will fall on one of the legs and the lamp will fall sideways, which will avoid significant damage.
2. When mounting the lamp on a tripod, it is best to wrap the cord around the stem. This will increase the chances of holding the unit when the tripod moves or when dropped.
3. When using halogen lamps, turn them off before moving the tripod.

Rating of quality lighting stands

The rating was divided into three categories, depending on the price range of the equipment. The review, reviews and popularity of the models were taken as the basis. According to buyers, they are worthy of attention.

Most inexpensive

Falcon Eyes LS-1020 / B

Mostly used for studio and product photography. The clamps connecting the sections are made of ABS plastic. Comes with a carrying and storage case. Price: 970 rub.

• universal landing mount;
• has the lowest possible additional mount;
• complete with storage case.

• no shock absorber;
• tripod height 1 meter.

Indicators	Description
Height (maximum / minimum) (cm)	102/41
Stability diameter (cm)	46
Lifting capacity (kg)	2.5
Sections	3
Shock absorber	not
Manufacturing material	aluminum
Tripod weight (kg)	0.5

FEL-1900 ST

Steel tripod. Complete with 1/4 ″ mini ball head. The adapter cannot be installed horizontally. Polycarbonate handles. Often used for filming. Price: 1350 rub.

• spring shock absorber;
• steel structure;
• screw terminals.

• the adapter is not placed horizontally;
• a fairly large mass.

Indicators	Value
Length (max / min) (cm)	190/67
Stability diameter (cm)	70
Lifting capacity (kg)	3
Sections (pcs)	3
Shock absorber	spring
Manufacturing material	steel
Tripod weight (kg)	1.2

Lighting stand ST-804

The tripod is made of aluminum, the clips are made of impact-resistant polymer. It is lightweight. Average price: 1170 rubles.

• high maximum height;
• strong fastening of clamps.

• no shock absorber;
• small carrying capacity.

Indicators	Value
Length (maximum / minimum) (cm)	200/87
Stability diameter (cm)	64
Lifting capacity (kg)	2
Sections (pcs)	3
Shock absorber	-
Manufacturing material	aluminum, steel
Weight, kg)	0.77

Stand FST L-210

The stand is made of aluminum. Withstands loads up to 2 kg. Average cost: 990 rubles.

• optimal price-quality ratio;
• suitable for studio work at a height of 2 meters.

• aluminium case;
• no shock absorber;
• withstands a load of no more than 2 kg.

Specifications	Indicators
Tripod length (maximum / minimum) (cm)	210/84
Tripod capacity (kg)	2
Sections (pcs)	3
Material	aluminum
Weight (kg)	1.04

Falcon Eyes ST-083 / W-803

The stand has clips made of durable plastic. Suitable for work not only in the studio, but also on the street. Price: 1040 rub.

• easy;
• height up to 2 meters.

• no shock absorber;
• maximum load 2 kg.

Specifications	Value
Length (max / min) (cm)	200/85
Stability diameter (cm)	66
Lifting capacity (kg)	2
The presence of sections (pcs)	3
Manufacturing material	aluminum
Tripod weight (kg)	0.8

Middle price segment

Falcon Eyes FEL-2900ST.0

All structures of this model are made of powder-coated steel for additional protection. Has a stable and reliable spring shock absorber. Free warranty service: 12 months. Price: 2230 rub.

• durable material;
• with spring shock absorber;
• work at a height of 2.6 meters.

• cost.

Indicators	Value
Height (max / min) (cm)	260/113
Tripod span (cm)	97
Lifting capacity (kg)	7
Spring shock absorber	there is
Material	steel

Lighting stand FEL-1800A / B

Tripod length when folded: 72 cm.Diameter of legs: 19 mm. Price: 1900 rubles.

• it is possible to install the adapter horizontally;
• screw-clamped tripod.

• withstands a load of up to 3 kg.

Specifications	Indicators
Height (maximum / minimum) (cm)	180/73
Maximum load (kg)	3
Sections (pcs)	3
Shock absorber	yes, air type
Tripod weight (kg)	0.95

Visico LS-8005

Has air cushioning. Parts are made of aluminum. Price: 1880 rub.

• assembled length up to 2 meters;
• reliable fastening.

• small tripod span.

Indicators	Value
Height (max / min) (cm)	200/73
Tripod span (cm)	19
Allowable load (kg)	3
Sections	3
Material	aluminum
Tripod weight (kg)	1.12

FANCIER WT-8052 (2200mm)

This tripod does not have a shock absorber. Withstands equipment weighing up to 5 kg. Price: 2590 rub.

• can work at a height of up to 2.2 meters;
• withstands a load of up to 5 kg.

• all parts are made of aluminum;
• the screw connection may loosen.

Specifications	The values
Length (maximum / minimum) (cm)	220/48
Maximum load (kg)	5
Sections	4
Shock absorber	not
Material	aluminum
Weight, kg)	1.7

FALCON EYES L-2900 ST.0

Suitable for most appliances. The spring adapter protects against possible damage if the fasteners are loose. Price: 2230 rubles.

• spring adapter;
• maximum load 7 kg.

• there is no way to install the adapter horizontally;
• large mass.

Specifications	Standard
Height (maximum / minimum) (cm)	290/113
Tripod span (cm)	97
Maximum load (kg)	7
Sections (pcs)	3
Shock absorber	spring
Stand material	steel
Rack weight (kg)	2.5

FST LS-807

The set includes a case for storage and carrying. Has a standard mount. There is a tripod at the base, it gives more stability to the device. Price: 2093 RUB.

• withstands loads up to 6 kg;
• has 4 sections;
• the device can be installed from the side and from above.

• device material.

Indicators	Value
Height (maximum / minimum) (cm)	260/87
Maximum load (kg)	6
Sections (pcs)	4
Material	aluminum
Rack weight (kg)	1.7

Visico LS-8101

Stand-base "frog" with a steel crossbar. Suitable for background light. Price: 1700 rub.

• can be installed both on the floor and on the table;
• withstands a load of up to 5 kg;
• has a low weight.

• not suitable for lighting a construction site;
• no shock absorber

Specifications	Indicators
Height (maximum / minimum) (cm)	62/41
Maximum load (kg)	5
Sections (pcs)	2
Shock absorber	not
Rack weight (kg)	0.9

Premium class

Visico LS-8008

It is made of 4 aluminum sections, has a lower brace, which ensures the stability of the structure. Price: 4090 rubles.

• expands to 2.82 meters;
• withstands weight up to 3.5 kg.

• no shock absorber

Indicators	Value
Max height (cm)	282
Minimum height (cm)	83
Maximum load (kg)	3.5
Material	aluminum
Weight, kg)	1.7

FlyStand 2200

This model will be able to withstand a load of up to 7 kg. Equipped with 4 sections, which makes it very convenient to carry. A tripod implies the presence of an air adapter that protects it from impact when unplanned folding sections. The adapter has one position. Price: 3140 rubles.

• withstands a load of up to 7 kg;
• has 4 sections;
• the set includes a ball micro-head.

• the adapter cannot be installed horizontally.

Specifications	Index
Tripod height (maximum / minimum) (cm)	220/72
Largest tripod span (cm)	70
Tripod capacity (kg)	7
Sections (pcs)	4
Shock absorber	yes, air type
Manufacturing material	aluminum
Weight, kg)	2.03

Falcon Eyes LV-30

The strong stand is made of steel, can withstand a load of up to 20 kg. Has metal screw terminals. Three-stage model. Price: 7400 rub.

• powerful and reliable;
• large tripod span and height up to 3 meters.

• quite heavy weight.

Indicators	Value
Tripod length (maximum / minimum) (cm)	300/118
Tripod span (cm)	130
Maximum load (kg)	20
Sections (pcs)	3
Material	of steel
Weight, kg)	7.2

Visico LS-8007A - 265 cm.

The clamps are made of impact-resistant plastic, which increases the reliability and usability of the device. There is a lower brace to guarantee stability and safety during work. Price: 3380 rub.

• there is a lower stretch for additional security;
• reliable fasteners.

• withstands a small load;
• cost.

Specifications	Indicators
Height (max / min) (cm)	265/90
Maximum load (kg)	4
Sections (pcs)	3
Material	aluminum
Weight (kg)	1.7

Falcon Eyes LV-40 Stand for Lighting

It is most often used on the set, and in the pavilions when working with television and film projects. Reliable and durable tripod. Price: 6490 rub.

• withstands heavy loads;
• works at a height of up to 4.5 meters;
• there are shock-absorbing rubber rings between the sections.

• heavy weight;
• inconvenience of carrying.

Specifications	Value
Length (max / min) (cm)	453/142
Tripod span (cm)	130
Maximum load (kg)	20
Sections (pcs)	4
Weight (kg)	11.2

FALCON EYES L-3050A / B

The model has ball cushioning, which provides additional reliability in the event of a fall. The kit also includes a warranty card and step-by-step instructions for installation and operation. Price: 3180 rubles.

• the adapter is installed horizontally;
• works at a height of up to 3 meters.

• small tripod diameter.

Indicators	Value
Length (max / min) (cm)	300/107
Diameter (cm)	90
Max lifting capacity (kg)	7
Number of sections (pcs)	4
Shock absorber	yes, air type
Metal	aluminum
Weight (kg)	1.6

FALCON EYES L-3900 ST

Suitable for most appliances. The spring adapter protects against possible damage if the fasteners are loose. Price: 4050 rubles.

• spring adapter;
• maximum load 7 kg.

• there is no way to install the adapter horizontally;
• large mass.

Specifications	Standard
Height (maximum / minimum) (cm)	390/12,5
Tripod span (cm)	97
Maximum load (kg)	7
Sections (pcs)	3
Shock absorber	spring
Stand material	steel
Rack weight (kg)	2.5

Where can I buy

The issue is resolved in two ways. First: pick it up yourself in a specialized store. Second: order online from an online store. The consultant will tell you how to place an order, he will also help you choose the right option and indicate how much this or that product costs.
In the article, the type and types of lighting stands were analyzed, what are the main selection criteria, new items on the market and how to choose the right equipment for the price.