CowboyStudio Set of Two 7 feet Photography Light Stands with Cases

Incredible price (got the pair at the present rate of $23.00), and easy to carry around on video shoots with their cases that also have adjustable shoulder straps. I bought these because, after close scrutiny and some guessing, they accommodate my Neewer CN-126 LED Video Lights quite nicely. I see several reviews saying these stands aren't terribly strong for the reviewers' individual needs, and I can't say if they are or aren't, but I can state through personal experience that they are well built, durable and can hold much more than a Neewer LED light. Would I use them to hold a crossbar/scrim? Actually, if it were a paper scrim, yes. The locking extension "clasps" are decent enough and I feel they will hold out for quite awhile (although I've only had these stands for a couple of days, so yes, I'm forecasting here). The 1/4" screw tip on the top is the proper size for a hotshoe female receptacle (thus, the Neewer LED Light screws right on, plus it retains its swivel base for tilting). The nylon carrying cases w/shoulder straps are fairly thick -- like a well-made nylon windbreaker jacket. If I were allowed a wish, it would be to have some accessory pockets w/zippers on the carrying cases. You just can't have enough cubby holes for storing stuff to take on a shoot.As I've said in other reviews, I ordered this product along with other Amazon items using the "FREE Super Saver Shipping" (5-8 day delivery) and got them on [business] day 5 (excluding the weekend) through UPS. Products were boxed quite well; no damage or problems, and it was free shipping!

PrologueI have been in photography for about 4 years now. I am starting my path into professional photography and started building a studio. I started with 3 Vivitar 285HV flashes as my foundation. I then got CowboyStudio's radio triggers two transmitters and 3 recievers, probably what they are best known by. Content with their performance, I started looking into stands and umbrellas. Up till that point I had been using my tripod and an older tripod that had broken to hold my lights and shot without umbrellas. So happy with the triggers I noticed they made stands and umbrellas. I got these stands, Cowboy Studio umbrellas, and CowboyStudio swivel heads all at once.Pros-lightweight aluminum construction-collapsable-extends to 7ft, which is just high enough for the key light-quick release clampsCons-clamps are plastic and will eventually wear out-not very heavy duty-joints come overtightened-no foot grips or spikesConclusionIf you are on a tight budget or need to reduce professional start up costs, these are great. They are light enough to be perfect for mobile setups. However you will probably break them if you try to sandbag the center column, just put them at the end of the feet. Don't expect to put anything heavy on them. My lighting setup is just about maxing them out. They probably wouldn't hold Alienbees or strobes of that nature. The clamps are plastic and they will wear out, it is just a matter of time. And the last thing: the leg joints. I have read and confirmed that they come in the package over-tightened sometimes (not always, apparently). If you encounter legs that won't fold out, don't freak out. Just find the nuts and loosen them a little and they will free up. You will break them if you are trying to force them open. As a result of all of these things, I would recommend these to others, if you are the right buyer. There are much better stands available on the market, but not much better for the price. Also note that Amazon sells the stand combo I have as a single unit. I did not notice that when I bought these and could have saved a little money.

First off these are cheap stands. They make no attempt to be anything more than this and they do this job quite well. I just received mine about 15 minutes ago and my initial reaction is quite good considering the price point. They go up to about 7 feet but could probably be extended slightly further. I don't know if I would use one as a boom with weight on the end just yet, that assessment will come next weekend at a wedding I'm doing where theses will get put to the test to see how they hold up. The joints are all bolts, the pressure fitting plastic, the metal light weight. They do come with carrying cases but I don't really expect them to hold up forever and if they do I'll be pleasantly surprised. They are what they are, inexpensive stands, but that's all they really need to be and if you're careful I'm sure they'll do they're job for a long time. A couple of notes, the joints are all quite stiff but I think they'll wear into smooth operation, also the rubber foots on the bottom of each leg are loose and I fully expect them to fall out so I'm going to take preventative action and use some hot glue to make sure they stay put. I would highly recommend these to anyone and I will update after I've had a chance to put these through some tests in a couple situations to see how they fare.