FotodioxHeavy Duty Studio Light Stand FX-806, 8.5 ft. Stand with Spring Cushion for Studio Strobe, Lighting Fixtures

Fantastic Deal. its well built. large reaching Legs. Very light weight.Spring loaded on both stages . I like the locking method, fast and simple.I tested it out with a newer 180 flash head and a Newer soft box 50 x 70 cm .it will work no problem fully extended. But I would put a sand bag anyway .This is not a Heavy C stand. so sand bags would be a good idea.I would recommend if looking for a well built affordable stand.Only one minor con :it has dual use head (which is great) so it has 5/8" standard light lug, but also a 1/4" thread stud .the con is the little plastic protector for the 1/4" thread . to install your studio Flash (monolight) . you have to remove that plastic protector, because it is larger then 5/8" if the manufacture made it smaller, you would be able to leave it on . anyway the only minor grip I have about the stand. which is getting very picky. ;)I just got it, so this is my first impression .

I would class this as more a medium-duty product, the majority of it IS fairly heavy-gauge aluminum, the pole extension clamps are plastic. For the occasional and portable studio user, this will be no problem and is definitely a step above the cheapies on here. I've used it to support a 48" dia. reflector on a 7' boom, with counterweight bag, it was solid. I specifically bought it for use with a boom and it worked out for that. As has been mentioned, the feet can be extended for stability and the center pole can even be dropped to floor level, if desired. For outside use, I'd definitely go with extra sandbags on the base. One downside for me is that it's longer than the umbrella stands and won't fit in their case. Time for another case.

For the price, you can't beat it. I was looking at getting a cheaper light stand from cowboy studio or so, but when I started looking at some of the reviews, people were saying that they were good, but cheap and not very sturdy feeling. Maybe you don't need a super strong light stand, but if you want to do anything outdoors where you will have an umbrella and expensive speedlite mounted, you don't want to be wondering if it will blow over and get all jacked up. I wanted a stand that strong enough for me to use for years to come. Also, it was very important that the stand I got was affordable, and had a wide enough footprint with the legs that it would not topple over easily. This stand is just that. Quality, affordable, light weight, but not light duty. It even has the drop protection cushion feature in the extension tubes which is a great pro stand feature.I highly recommend this stand!

I would say this is a great product. The stand is sturdy and can hold a lot of weight. The internal springs are a nice touch incase you let go before you lock the sections. It has a wide foot print. My PBL300 strobe with a 36" softbox works great on it. Extended out to 6-7 feet and the shaft flex is almost nothing. The only concern so far would be the longevity of the lever style twist locks for each section. They are plastic and seem to have a slight bit of flex when locking them. It hasn't been a problem but I do think about it everytime I adjust them. I still would recommend them for the price point and that is why I give it 5 stars. If you have bought the 2 for 25 or 30 dollar light duty stands, this is a wonderful upgrade and you won't be disappointed.

Well, I've had this for a few days now, its pretty sturdy, and there is some overall weight to it. Seems well built but once you start extending the stand it gets a little tipsy. I don't know that I would mount anything heavy on it. I haven't tested outside in the wind, but with a speedlite on it, i really don't want to unless it is weighted down. Well an update, after a few months the top tightened does not tighten putting a flash and umbrella on makes it slide back down, the bottom is ok so far but I expect the same to happen soon. A cheap fix is to drill holes and stick a thin bolt or screw in. No I am not recklace with my equipment either

I've read many reviews about light stands that the legs bend or parts break on them. This stand is not one that I see anyone having a problem with. The build quality of it is above par and I've already put my heavy strobe on it with a 43" umbrella and had it at full height. I'll say, no flex or sway at all.Those who say they have their stand break on them probably don't take care of them in the first place and throw them around. This stand will definitely take some abuse and still work for you.A true good stand for beginners to pros.

I found this stand easy to adjust and use. It was more than sturdy enough to support my Alien Bees strobe and large photflex softbox. Its not too light and has a large base. I will be ordering more of these.

The base of the legs is really wide. It really is a heavy duty light stand. Very stable outdoors even with a small umbrella.

Thnx