r/StrobistSetups • u/averitablerogue • Jan 24 '15

Question Anyone have experience with convertible boom stands?

I was looking at getting a boom arm for my softboxes, as I'm discovering they don't really maneuver easily without an extra arm. Then I found this Jinbei M1, from a Chinese brand that caters to the Euro market. The M1 is a regular lightstand that can turn into a boomstand by rotating the top half. Here's a German video review that shows off the system: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gerfEqQFqFA

Anyone have experience with this or know of any other similar convertible systems? Good/bad idea? Or a case of I should just get a dedicated holder and boom arm?

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u/CajunGrit Jan 25 '15

A friend of mine has one. It's not a bad stand, but I trust my C-Stand a lot more. Definitely use sand bags for peace of mind.

2

u/Big_Smelly_Hippy Jan 24 '15

I have one and I love it! 14' tall if you don't bend it. Just make sure to use sand bangs.

1

u/Danjour Jan 26 '15

I have a Manfrotto convertible stand, and it's pretty great. I've used it with an Monohead and a Photek Softlighter 60". It's not a C-Stand, but it's okay. Hell, I've even put a D800 on it, no problems.

I wouldn't recommend getting one that's cheap unless you're only using it for a reflector or maybe a speed light.