Review of the best stands and cranes for a photo studio in 2022

Stands and cranes in photo studios play a huge role in taking photos or recording videos. They come in different settings. The criteria for choosing racks and cranes are very diverse, but the main one is the area of ​​​​the photo studio for which they are intended, and its parameters

List of basic studio stands

How to choose the right stand for a photo studio is the main task of any photographer. There are general rules when choosing equipment for a photo studio that you should pay attention to - product characteristics. Detailing each element will help you make the right decision.

In most cases, racks are needed for additional lighting in photo studios. They are also used for other studio equipment.

All rack designs are similar to each other. They consist of two metal pipes, the diameter of one is always less than the diameter of the other. A tensioner with holes for fasteners is installed at the top, in the lower part the pipe is crowned with a platform that serves as a support.

Stand "Tripod"

Simple stand with standard mounting. Designed for lighting installations or video equipment. Most often, the frame of such a holder is made of aluminum and folds easily. In connection with this feature, it weighs little, which makes it easy to take this design for outdoor photography. Such models are considered the most common due to the inexpensive price.

Characteristics

• Rack for photo studios and video studios.

Dimensions: minimum height - 2.16 m; maximum height - 53.5 cm; folded in height - 53.5 cm; leg span circumference - 80 cm. Leg size: length - 47.5 cm; width - 1.6 cm. Section diameter (4 pcs.): 19 mm, 22 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm; tip - 5/8 inch. Screw thread - 3/8 inch; load - up to 1.5 kg; rack weight - 1.06 kg. Material - aluminum alloy.The average cost is 2480 rubles.

• Rack for cameras, photographic lighting and softboxes.

Maximum height - 2 m; folded in height - 75 cm; leg span circumference - 77 cm; leg size: length - 50 cm, width - 1.1 cm; section diameter (3 pcs.): 16 mm, 19 mm, 22 mm; load capacity - up to 2 kg; weight - 1 kg. Metal - aluminum alloy. The average cost is 4000 rubles.

• Black tripod for mounting flashes, light bulbs, reflectors, umbrellas, etc.

Dimensions: minimum height: 80.5 cm; maximum height: 2 m; load capacity: 2.5 kg; Rubber feet provide extra traction on surfaces. The cost is 3350 rubles.

• Black tripod designed for video cameras.

Dimensions: minimum height: 1 m; maximum height: 2.6 m; load capacity: 6 kg; folded length 1 m; weight 2.1 kg. The alloy is aluminium. The cost is 1240 rubles.

• Stand for cameras, softboxes and photographic lighting.

Max height - 2.6 m; min height - 1 m; folded in height - 93 cm; section diameter (3 pcs.): 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm; load capacity up to 10 kg; construction weight 1.6 kg. Material - aluminum. Black color. The average price is 8400 rubles.

• Stand for photographic lighting.

Maximum height - 2 m; minimum height - 80 cm; folded length 70 cm; rack weight - 1 kg. Material - aluminum. Black color. The average cost is 4040 rubles.

• Three-section rack in black.

Maximum height - 2.1 m; minimum height - 79 cm; pipe diameter - 25 mm, 19 mm, 22 mm; fastening ¼ inch; material is aluminium. The cost is 1360 rubles.

• Three-section rack: black.

Maximum height - 2 m; minimum height - 72 cm; rack weight - 1.2 kg; load capacity up to 5 kg; fastening 1/4 inch; material is aluminium. Price - 1360 rubles. The package includes a case with a clip, which allows you to transport the rack without any problems.

Rack for four sections in black: maximum height - 3 m; minimum height - 86 cm; pipe diameter - 25 mm, 22 mm, 19 mm, 16 mm; fastening 1/4 inch; material - aluminum alloy. The cost is 2670 rubles.

Manufacturers

The leading position among suppliers is occupied by Chinese products. In second place are Godox and Grifon. The Grifon company produces inexpensive racks in relation to other companies.

List of top manufacturers of stands for photo studios:

• GreenBean;
• Fasdga (China);
• Godox (Russia);
• Fotulato (China).

Advantages and disadvantages

• Light weight model;
• Universal rack in use;
• Inexpensive;
• Large selection in sizes.

• Insufficiently durable material;
• Small payload.

Stand "Tripod" telescopic with reversible legs

An improved model of a conventional rack. Its peculiarity lies in the reversible "legs".

The telescopic device is an oblong shape that contains two tubular parts: an inner and an outer. Connected parts can move horizontally. The internal element of the rack contains a wedge groove, which is located on top and obliquely converges inside the side walls. The outer part is a wedge element with inclined slot holes. The wedge slot can be adjusted in relation to the longitudinal position of the rack legs and clamped. This allows you to adjust the stability of the rack on any surface.

Such a stand is used in photo studios or video studios. Designed for installation in studios of lighting fixtures or other auxiliary equipment.

Characteristics

Characteristics of a telescopic tripod with reversible legs
Name	Options
Max Height	2.22 m
Minimum Height	50 cm
leg span	from 66 cm to 1.02 m
Maximum load	5 kg
Number of sections	5 pieces
Section diameter	13 mm; 16 mm; 19 mm; 22mm; 25mm
Leg section diameter	16 mm; 19 mm
Fastening	5/8"
Thread	1/4 inch
Rack weight	1.3 kg
Folded stand size	49 cm
Stand material	aluminum magnesium alloy
Price	2790r

Manufacturers

The sole manufacturer is GreenBean. Therefore, competition for such a model from manufacturers has not yet appeared, which allows you to get a good profit from sales.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Light weight;
• Installed on any surface;
• Leg adjustment;
• Low price;
• Durable alloy.

• Structural instability.

Struts with shock absorber

A more robust tripod design is a spring-damped stand.

It is needed to install standard devices in photo studios or video studios. A shock absorber is a special device that dampens vibrations. Most often it is used with springs, but there is equipment with an air shock absorber. In studio stands, it protects equipment from damage that can occur if section clamps come loose.

Characteristics

• Steel rack for 3 sections.

Height: maximum - 2.4 m; minimum - 87 cm; folded - 84 cm.

Legs: span - 77 cm; diameter 19 mm.

Tripod sections: quantity - 3 pcs; diameter in mm - 19, 22, 25; type of fixation - screw clamps.

Spring damper. Adapter: fastener 5/8 inch; screw 1/4 in. Rack weight 1.6 kg.

The load on the rack should not exceed 5 kg. Has a ball head.

Material: sections and legs are made of steel; aluminum alloy clamps; handles and crosspieces are made using polycarbonate.

The average cost is 1550 rubles.

• Studio stand for three sections.

Purpose - installation of studio lighting.

Rack height: maximum - 1.93 m; minimum - 72 cm; folded - 74 cm. Rack weight 0.9 kg. Load - 3 kg.

Spring damper. Stand material is aluminium.

The average price is 1700 rubles.

The stand can be used both at home and in photo studios, as well as taken to outdoor events.

• Rack for 4 sections.

Purpose - installation of studio equipment.

Rack height: maximum - 3.1 m; minimum - 85 cm. Rack weight 1.35 kg. Load - 4 kg.

Spring damper. Black color. Stand material is aluminium.

The average cost is 3230 rubles.

• Studio stand with black spring shock absorber.

Parameters: maximum height - 2.6 m; minimum - 1.2 m; folded - 98 cm. Weight - 2.1 kg. The maximum load is up to 12 kg. Three steps - 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm.

There is a cover for storage of a design.

The average cost is 2360 rubles.

• Rack with air shock absorber.

Purpose - installation of lighting fixtures with a standard mount.

Dimensions: maximum height - 3 m; minimum - 1 m; when folded - 93 cm. Weight - 1.6 kg; load capacity 7 kg.

The rack is made of aluminum, has three sections.

In the middle price segment it costs 2730 rubles.

• Tripod for photography with rubber tips on the legs.

Dimensions: maximum height - 1.43 m; minimum - 36 cm; folded - 32 cm. Weight - 1.15 kg. The maximum load is up to 4 kg.

Five steps. There is a ball head, 360 degree panorama. Thread 1/4 inch. Lateral tilt (in degrees): 64 and 32; frontal - 122, 90, 32.

The average cost is 9300 rubles.

There is a special case for storage.

• Steel stand, tripod, used for mounting lighting and auxiliary studio equipment.

General view: folding design with reinforced clamps, which is needed to increase its load capacity and stability. Widely used for outdoor photo shoots.

The legs of the rack vary the angle of rotation, which allows you to put it almost close to the wall.

When transporting, the tripod occupies a small surface area.

Dimensions: heights - 3.25 m and 1.55 m; folded - 1.33 m; weight - 7.27 kg. Number of sections 3 pcs.; diameter - 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm. Legs: span 84cm; diameter 25 mm; tip size 5/8 inch. The damper is a spring. Max load - 10 kg.

Manufacturers

There is a huge struggle for leadership in the market for the production of this type of rack. Each company comes up with know-how to make their products stand out among the “gray mass”. The following companies became the leaders in the production of studio racks on shock absorbers:

• Falcon Eyes (China);
• Lumifor;
• Grifon;
• GreenBean;
• Lastolite (Italy).

New from Baby Lightweight are the Manfrotto Studio Racks. The stand series combines innovative technological solutions and unique designs that make it possible to combine two tripods into one. This saves space in the studio. Because of this feature, it is also suitable for outdoor shooting.

The Manfrotto series has increased the safety of use: the introduction of a new technology that includes double injection molding. This ensures a secure grip, and when the handles are released, thanks to the warning, the air cushion system protects the equipment from accidental falling.

Purpose - lighting devices, also suitable for most studio monoblocks.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Lightweight;
• Acceptable cost;
• Additional stability control (shock absorber);
• Large selection of models;
• The presence of racks of a good and durable alloy;
• The rack is convenient for transportation;
• Load capacity of various masses.

• Difficulty of choice.

Studio stands on wheels

Standard modified rack. Thanks to the wheels, it moves easily and silently around the site. Most often it has an aluminum frame, and the wheels are made either from plastic or rubberized. There are brakes on the wheels, and one of the legs of the rack extends, which allows you to maintain the balance of the equipment on uneven surfaces.

Characteristics

• Stand on wheels made of steel with 3 black compartments.

Sections - silver anodized aluminum metal. Availability of 2 lifts. The rack load is up to 2.2 kg. There is a retractable leg for stability on uneven surfaces.

Dimensions: max height - 2.72 m; min height - 1.08 m; folded - 1.05 m; weight - 4.5 kg.

The leg section is rectangular. Diameter: legs - 75 cm; columns - 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm.

Mounting dimensions (upper): socket - 17.5 mm; screws (in inches): 1/4 and 3/8.

Price — 14600 r.

• Rack on wheels with 4 sections.

It has a black steel base. Sections - anodized aluminum silver. Availability of 2 lifts. The rack can withstand loads up to 12 kg and is equipped with 1 extra leg for uneven surfaces.

• Studio rack for 3 sections.

It is equipped with wheels, a retractable leg, which can be extended by 75-100 cm. The stand frame is anodized aluminum.

Dimensions of 3-4 section racks: max height – 2.96 m; min height - 1.26 m; folded - 1.26 m; rack weight 7.5 kg; load capacity up to 15 kg.

The cost of the goods is 8000 rubles.

• Rack from stainless steel with the lifting mechanism.

It is equipped with reinforced steel legs, a central column, a chrome-plated steel hoist and a toothed suspension mechanism.

Sections with a diameter: 70 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm. Leg diameter 35 mm.

Two lifts with one turn of the handle, rise to a height of 4.4 cm.

The presence of a special cable allows you to lower all 3 sections at the same time. There is 1 retractable leg.

This design is patented.

Amount — 3600 r.

Manufacturers

There are not many companies that produce racks on wheels. Let's consider only two of them.

There is a young company that has made big changes in the development of not only wheels, but also the material of the rack - this is the manufacturer Manfrotto (Italy).

Kupo remains an old-timer in this direction. Since the technology for the production of racks on wheels is the most common, their prices are much cheaper compared to other companies.

There are other manufacturers who use combined technology to produce these products.

Conclusion

• Easy to move;
• Light weight;
• The presence of a brake on the wheels;
• Existence of an additional retractable leg for stability of a rack.
• Large range of products;
• The technology of creating racks is constantly being modified.

• Use only in photo studios or video studios;
• Small loads;
• High price.

Cranes for photo studios

A distinctive feature of studio cranes from stands is: their installation at any angle and in a different direction; larger tripod span; the ability to illuminate the subject from above.

The best crane manufacturers for photo studios have their own special technologies that distinguish their products from a number of others. Several categories of cranes are provided for consideration, which depend on their supplier.

Crane for Falcon Eyes photography studio

The Chinese company has several types of cranes in its arsenal. All of them are designed for lighting fixtures in photo studios. The maximum height limit for cranes is 3 m. This will allow you to set the necessary light source at an average distance from the object of attention.

The main links of the cranes are made of high quality metal. In the event of a crane failure, lighting equipment will not be damaged by falling from a height.

The crane is mobile in operation due to its size and weight.

As a counterweight, a sandbag is used for the crane. A sand bag is included with the equipment.

Characteristics

• Crane with spring shock absorber.

Main attributes: stand height ranges from 1.12 to 3 m; rod length - from 1.25 to 2.25 m; weight with packaging - 4.5 kg; crane weight - 4 kg. Lifting capacity relative to the height of the crane - from 1.6 kg to 2.4 kg; counterweight (sand bag) - up to 5 kg.

Crane legs: span - 1.06 m; diameter - 25 mm (the diameter of the connected rack coupling is the same).Rack sections (3 pcs.) Diameter: 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm. Rod coupler: 1/4", 3/8" and 5/8".

The cost of the crane is 7000 rubles.

• Crane with 2 crossbar sections.

Dimensions: height 1-1.92 m; crossbar 1.25-2.3 m; counterweight - 4.5 kg; crane - 3.3 kg. Load capacity 1.6-1.7 kg. The weight of the rack with packaging is 7.8 kg. Coupling diameter 25 mm; crossbar coupling 1/4 and 3/8 inches; scupper - 5/8 inches. Legs: diameter 22mm; span 98 cm. Sections - 30 mm and 35 mm.

The cost is 6600 rubles.

• Crane for 3 sections.

Dimensions: height - 1.12-3 m; rod length - 1.25-2.25 m; counterweight - up to 5 kg; crane 4 kg. Load capacity - 1.6-2.4 kg. The diameter of the coupling of the connected rack is 25 mm; crossbar coupling - 1/4, 3/8, 5/8 inches. Crane legs: diameter 22mm; span 1.06 m. Rack sections - 30 mm, 35 mm and 40 mm.

The cost is 7500 rubles.

Crane for Grifon photo studio

The stand-crane is designed for lighting fixtures. The rack mount is like a pendulum. The counterweight is the same as that of the Chinese company - a sand bag.

Powerful faucet, the parts of which are completely made of metal.

Designed for small photo studios. You can use the crane not only for a lighting solution, but also for any other photographic equipment.

The company provides a wide range of its products that are suitable for any room.

Characteristics

• Rack for 2 sections up to 3 m high. Crossbar length - up to 1.7 m. Coupling diameter: 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch. The cost of the crane is 4200 rubles.
• Crane with two sections. Dimensions: rack height - from 1.08 m to 1.86 m; crossbars - 1.21 m and 2.11 m; counterweight - up to 5 kg; crossbar weight - 1.6 kg; crane weight 7.8 kg. Rack diameter - 31 and 35 inches.Coupling connection: 1/4 and 3/8 inches. The cost of the goods is 6220 rubles.
• Crane for 2 sections. Height - 5 m, in the position of the crane - from 1.17 to 2.1 m. Crossbar length - from 1.17 to 3 m. Maximum load - 15 kg. The price of the goods is 8650 rubles.
• Metal crane holder for studio lighting with a telescopic bar on wheels. Parameters: height - from 0.3 to 3.2 m; boom length - from 0.8 to 2 m; load capacity - up to 10 kg; crane weight - 14 kg. The presence of two sections. Often such a crane is used in portrait and subject shooting. The price is 17400 rubles.
• Crane for 2 sections. Specifications: rack height from 1.08 to 1.86 m; crossbar in length - from 1.21 to 2.11 m; crossbar weight - .6 kg; crane weight - 7.8 kg; counterweight - up to 5 kg. Rack diameter - 31 mm and 35 mm; coupling connection 1/4 inch and 3/8. The cost is 7400 rubles.

Crane for Godox Photo Studio

The Godox photo studio crane has one type of stand in its arsenal, but it is very reliable. It is designed for studios and other locations to install lighting equipment above the object of attention.

Production material - anodized aluminum. The crane is adjustable in height, folds compactly. These features make it easy to store and transport.

Characteristics

Characteristics of a crane for a photo studio
Name	Options
Max Height	3.2 m
Minimum Height	1.8 m
The weight	4 kg
Crossbar load	5 kg
Arrow length	2.65 m
Price	5200 r

Crane for FST photo studio

A feature of FST products is the conversion of a standard rack into a crane. The boom of the crane is fastened with a swivel clamp.

The crane crossbar is a telescopic structure, which consists of 2 aluminum tubes coming out of each other. At one end of the pipe there is a threaded plug, a hook is screwed into it, on which a load is hung.

The screw handle is made of plastic, but it is very strong.

Crane coupling - knot for fastening. It adjusts the inclination of the crossbar. The clutch material is durable plastic. Since the crossbar is light, it is convenient to take it on location shooting.

Please note that the stand is not included.

Characteristics

• Inclined crane stand. Bar length from 0.8m to 1.4m. Suitable for rack with pipe diameter 19mm, 20mm, 25mm and 28mm. Load capacity - up to 3 kg. The cost is 1430 rubles.

• Combined stand-crane made of aluminum. Parameters: boom length 2.1 m; load capacity - up to 5 kg; the maximum height is 3.9 m. The working height is from 1.32 to 3 m, the length of the crane is from 1.1-2.1 m, the number of sections is 4. It is designed to install a studio lighting system. The cost of the goods is 4970 rubles.

Crane for photo studios by GreenBean

General view of the rack: foldable steel construction, which is equipped with reinforced clamps. This allows you to increase its carrying capacity. This type of crane is used on location for the installation of lighting fixtures and other studio equipment.

GreenBean does not have a large collection of crane plan racks. But it has established its product in the market as high-quality and easy to use.

Characteristics

Crane characteristics
Name	Options
Number of sections	3 pcs
Material	steel
Arrow length	1.1 m
Max Height	1.55 m
Minimum Height	3.25 m
The weight	10 kg
load capacity	up to 10 kg
leg span	84 cm
Leg diameter	25 mm
Tip diameter	5/8"
Section diameter	25mm, 30mm, 35mm
Spring damper	there is
Price	15 390 rub

Conclusion

The functionality of the racks is the most diverse. The product differs according to the main principles:

• Quality;
• Price;
• Application;
• Manufacturer.

The leaders of a large range of products are Falcon Eyes and Grifon. Their products vary both in price and in the quality of the material from which the cranes for photo studios are made.

Other companies with little or no product offering are responsible for a specific piece of photography equipment.

So, for example, the GreenBean company stands out for its high load capacity (up to 10 kg).

The FST company is famous for the uniqueness of the conversion of the standard rack into a crane.

Manufacturer Godox - a small-sized stand for small photo studios and filming on location.

For the price, you should not choose cranes. Products, as described above, have their exact purpose. Therefore, the choice should be in favor of equipment suitable for the studio.

Criterias of choice

Consideration is given to the choice of products according to the main criteria:

• Choice of firm;
• Price segment of racks;
• Places to buy racks and cranes;
• Product characteristics.

A detailed consideration of each item will answer any question of the buyer.

Manufacturer's choice

Which company is better to buy stands and cranes for a photo studio? There is one universal way to decide on a supplier of equipment - renting racks and cranes for photo studios.

This is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the entire range of products from different manufacturers, make up your own positive and negative characteristics of the product and choose from the list a set of racks and cranes that is convenient for your studio.

Price segment

Budget stands and cranes are suitable for beginner photographers. Since the model is not expensive, its quality is at the same level. And this means that the design in terms of service life will not last long.

New items are always the most expensive, and, in fact, differ in the quality or improvement of one particular element of the rack.

Popular models can be purchased in stores in installments or wait for a discount on the product. There is an easier way: rent a stand or crane for the studio and decide for yourself whether to buy it. It is important to consider that the rental of such models will also differ in price.

Shopping place for racks and cranes

Where is it profitable to buy racks and cranes for the studio?

Buying used goods

The most common option is to buy used goods.

• You can get any desired model;
• Low cost.

• All kinds of damage;
• Short service life.

Purchase through the online store

• Possible purchase of goods at a reduced cost;
• Huge selection;
• Home delivery.

• Damage to goods during transportation;
• Non-compliance of goods;
• Additional shipping costs.

Purchase through the store

• Product warranty;
• Personal check of the goods;
• Possibility of return.

• High cost, especially if the popularity of models is only at the peak of activity.

Product characteristics

The rating of quality racks and cranes is described above. Making a choice from such a list is not easy.First of all, you need to decide on the room for which the rack is intended and compare the parameters of the product and the studio. Then decide on the range of shooting: studio shooting or on location. Then the emphasis of choice falls on the quantitative characteristics of the product. And, the main question: how much does it cost?

What rack or crane is better to buy the buyer has already decided. But, the best option is a combined product: when any rack can be turned into a crane.