Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Does anyone have a recommendation for a boom. I'm looking for one that can hold an Einstein + Large Octa (approx 11-12lbs) or an Einstein + Beauty Dish, and can be easily taken on location.

I purchased the Avenger A475B based on the specs, but it doesn't seem to be able to hold the weight.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/200109-REG/Avenger_A4041B_A475B_Baby_Combi_Boom.html#specifications

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... m_and.html

I have the boom and put it on a Manfrotto 1004BAC stand. The boom is very solid, but I wouldn't want to put it on that stand for what you're talking about. On the stand included in this kit, you should be fine. It can hold 66 lbs, including 15 lbs out on the boom.

I have used this without any problems (with appropriate sandbagging).
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/243964-REG/Avenger_A2033FCBKIT_A205SCBKIT_Century_C_Stand.html

1 Super Clamp + 2nd Heavy Duty Light Stand = Ghetto Boom! :P

*since it's only a 90deg angle, it's not terribly useful for Beauty Dish applications, but perfect for flying over a softbox or octa & able to rotate. Don't forget the sandbags!



BTW, munzzzzzzz -
How's that HD Manfrotto boom (arm only). I was actually thinkin' of pickin' one up for my 1004BAC's. Think it'll be decent enuff for E640 + 22BD or Large PCB SB?

I'm using the Manfrotto setup munzzzzzzz linked and it is serving me well.

I guess I didn't read the OP's post very well. The combination of the 1004BAC and this boom works fine for my Einstein and 22" beauty dish. I've been using it without extending the stand at all, and you obviously wouldn't want to extend it all the way up to 12', but it definitely can handle that weight. Putting a large SB on it... that is a little more questionable. I won't say it can't handle it, but I wouldn't want you to buy one based on my advice and have me be wrong. I'm going to say the boom can probably handle it, but I don't know if I'd say the stand can. You could always buy the boom separately, and if the stand can't handle it, buy the boom stand later. You end up spending a little more but not too much. I went this route because once I figure out exactly how I want everything, I'm going to mount my BG light to the ceiling and will eventually have two to light from each side, so at that point I won't really need the boom. I figured get a 1004BAC because I already had one of those and the stacking capability of them makes it make sense to stick to a single type of stand.

BTW, your "ghetto boom" just gave me an idea, one I wish I had before I bought my boom. I'm using my boom to get a BG light overhead so I can blow out a seamless white background. (shooting kids and dogs so it doesn't have to be THAT high) I'm using something like Manfrotto's Autopoles to hold up the background. I could have used a couple more of those poles (which I already have) along with more super clamps (wihch I also have) and another piece of 10' long 1 1/4" conduit (which costs about $7) to give myself a place to mount the light overhead, and it would have been a lot cheaper. Maybe not as versatile but that wasn't what I was going for. In fact I think I may still try that. :)

Thanks for the recommendation. This boom seems great, but looks like it would be a pain to take on location (fixed length, not telescoping).

I'm using the Lumopro clone of the Manfrotto 1004BAC stand.
The bracket mount seems even more heavy duty than the Manfrotto one.
And it's cheaper.

http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,11287.html
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/sho ... p?t=866593

The design of that boom does look remarkably similar to the Manfrotto boom (I should point out that the 1004BAC is just a light stand, the Manfrotto boom is a 085BSL). The Manfrotto boom is 9' instead of the Lumopro's 8', and it is three sections instead of two - which could be a good thing or a bad thing. The bracket seems pretty comparable to the Manfrotto to me, almost identical. One big difference is that the Lumopro includes a 10lb counterweight while the Manfrotto's counterweight is 44 lbs (that contributes to the $30+ shipping charge).

All of that said, you can always hang some extra counterweight on the Lumopro boom, and it's currently selling for $89 with a stand, so that does make it a pretty darn good deal.

The B&H website says the counterweight is only 15lbs (022 Counter Balance Weight - 15 lbs).