alp wrote:
I'm generally unhappy with the quality of the Paul Buff branded light stands: The bottom bracket is way too fragile and I have had two break; One was under warranty and the other, out of warranty, a couple of nights ago while setting up for a session.
While all other products are good, I cannot and will not be recommending the stands.
I have replaced all actively in use Paul Buff light stands with Manfrotto 1004BAC.
Yea and your talking a $50.00 upgrade for the manfroto stands. I own both, a single buff stand and 4 manfroto's like the ones you listed. I use the manfroto over the buff stand unless I need all I have. Mine hasn't broken but the manfrotos are a nicer stand. (And they stack and store well) as well as more expensive.
You have to remember the market of the buff stands. They make a decent stand for the money. Maybe not able to handle the abuse of a busy photography but what you would expect coming out of China.
I don't hate my buff stand, I just have better. Not everyone can afford pro equipment. Buff gives those photographers an option. look at what's out there for a 13' stand for $70.00... Compare apples to apples. Now for that $115-$120 your going to spend on manfrotos, you will get a nice pack and go stand. Mine have put a lot of mileage in the trunk of my car and dragged around on many location shoots. But if I had a nice studio, I would go heavier and on wheels.