Toronto Photography Meetup Group

It's almost free and of course of the DYI variety:
http://vorbarie.paunescu.ca/2010/01/very-cheap-light-stand.html

Well, costing almost $20 (assume American) for parts, it would make more sense to get "200410" from Vistek for $32 which can go 10ft high and is a lot easier to transport.

Personally I've been shopping around for light duty, inexpensive light stands, and this is the best deal I found in the city (so far), especially considering how tall you can make it.

well, as I said, for me it was free. The 20$ figure is a guestimate. If you don't have most of the materials from other projects it might not be worth buying them.

I agree with you on the lightstands from Vistek. As a matter of fact I plan to buy a couple myself.

On the other hand, the mortar filled bucket has a lesser footprint, it is very stable and more versatile.

I have one of the Vistek value stands and it is great for the price. The only thing it lacks is the air-cushioning that you find on models at three times the price.

The Interfit unit from mpex is very compareable to a Vistek stand except it is air cushioned but only 8.5 feet tall. At US$30, I think it is a good deal.

http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,11667.html

have you used it? or it just looks good on spec?

i've used the interfit ones. They're well made. The air cushioning does a good job at preventing the sections from collapsing all at once, which is a nice touch.

Merkle camera on Vic Park north of the 401 has a stack of inexpensive stands (pre owned I think).

No I do not work for them they are just my local store and easier for me to get to is all.

All seem light duty but easy to carry around. (edited for spelling)

Speak to Patrick Ng at Merkle and tell him you are from TPMG and mention Dan or David (Lxdesign) and he might hook you up with a good deal. Good selection and nice folks to deal with...

Any idea on how small it folds up? I've been looking for something pretty portable that fits or can attach to a backpack.

10 Ft. Vistek SLS Light Stand
Min. Height = 975mm
Weight = 1.4kg
http://www.vistek.ca/store/ProPhotoLigh ... -10ft.aspx

6.5 Ft. Manfrotto Nano 5001b
Min. Height = 490mm
Weight = 0.93 kg
http://www.vistek.ca/store/ProPhotoLigh ... Specs.aspx

I own both of the stands above and if I were to travel and only bring one stand and wanted it to be affixed to my backpack then I would go with the Manfrotto Nano or similar stand. I think MPEX makes a similar stand for less $$$.

81 vs. 48 cm closed...I still think I might get one of those larger ones considering the price (!)

You are right - 81cm vs. 48cm - I was looking at the minimum height. I found my Nano at DVShop and it was last years model - they gave it to me for 55-60. You may have similar luck if you look around.

yikes.... reminds me of the deck lights my dad built back in the 80's out of PVC drain pipe.

Thanks guys..

Had to do a shoot, and didn't have a light stand the other day.. and tried this...

The local shop wanted 100$ for a stand... Screw that.

funny.... I have a surplus of stands in my storage. At least 5-6. Maybe I should start selling some of them... but then again, never a bad idea to have too many.

I agree. I picked up three 200412 stands which costs just $3 more and are air cushioned:

http://www.vistek.ca/store/ProPhotoLigh ... n-max.aspx

- Sabesh.



I got three new-model Nanos from Adorama in NYC with UPS 2-day delivery. Worked out cheaper than getting it at Vistek.