Ranking of the best lighting stands for 2022

A lighting stand is needed not only for a photo studio and when shooting a movie, it is used in construction work and at home. To select a rack, you need to know the basic selection criteria so as not to make mistakes when choosing. The article describes the best and most popular models, according to buyers. Tips are presented on how to choose the right device for the price, and which one is better to buy.

Description

A lighting stand (or as professionals also call it: a photo stand, or a studio tripod) is a tripod of different heights on which lamps (umbrellas, reflectors, flags) and other devices necessary in a certain situation are fixed. It is an important element not only for professional photographers, but also used in filming, TV shows, and even in construction and repair work.

Ease of use and greater efficiency is achieved by the correct selection of height and optimal load capacity of the device. It is also important to place it correctly on the site, then the effect of the work will be greatest.

Recommendations for selection (selection criteria)

According to professional photographers, there are several main points that you should pay special attention to when buying. Indeed, in such a type of equipment as tripods for lighting, it is its functionality that is important. If any criterion is not met, the entire work may be disrupted.

Types of criteria (what to look for)

1. Maximum and minimum height. If you choose a model for photography, choose studio stands, over 2 meters high for key light, and under two meters high for fill light. The minimum height is just as important, sometimes it is required that the light be at the bottom and illuminate the object from the bottom up.If you plan to purchase a stand for personal needs, then take it not too high, you can look at it with the function of installation on the table, you can fix it yourself, with your own hands.
2. Depreciation. There are 3 types of depreciation. Air - when the clamps are opened, the stand lowers smoothly, not abruptly, thereby preventing the standing lamp from breaking. Spring - reduces the speed of folding at the very end, less effective. Without depreciation - such models are used if a non-fragile and unbreakable object is fixed on a tripod.
3. Load capacity. Most models can withstand several times the weight stated during operation, but it's not worth the risk. Choose a model depending on the weight of the fixture that will be mounted on a tripod.
4. Sections. The more sections, the more compact the tripod will be when carrying. Most models are made in three sections.
5. stability diameter. Popular models are most often tripods. What makes a tripod stable. The larger this diameter indicator, the more reliable the equipment will stand. But it will also take up more space, this should also be taken into account when buying.
6. Clamps. They are distinguished by 2 types: clips (grab the rack in a circle) and screws (clamp on one side). Metal clips are much more reliable than plastic ones. Plastic wears out faster.
7. Material. Basically, the racks are made of aluminum, this reduces the cost of production. But steel production is stronger and more reliable. It is very important that the racks under the weight of the load do not break or sag during operation.
8. Adapter. The most basic element, it is into it that the equipment is inserted, which will be fixed on the tripod.It is better if the adapter has two positions vertical and horizontal. Then there will be more placement options.
9. The weight. It is of primary importance when carrying a tripod, but for large jobs they are usually transported and not worn by hand. When choosing for personal purposes, weight is still worth considering.

Top Producers

We will analyze in more detail the main manufacturers in order to better understand which company is better to purchase equipment for certain needs.

The most expensive and most reliable are tripods from Manfrotto. The Italian manufacturer uses quality materials and innovative equipment in the production.

Elinchrom, Falcon and Bowens brands are mid-range manufacturers, although their products are in no way inferior in quality to expensive companies.

Budget (inexpensive) racks are mainly represented by Chinese manufacturers such as Mircopro, Arsenal, Photex, Visico.

Safety precautions for use

In general, the category of such products is safe, but you still need to follow the basic rules during installation. Then the product will serve you much longer.

1. Any heavy attachment must be mounted over one of the legs, then, even if the stand falls, the blow will fall on one of the legs and the lamp will fall sideways, which will avoid significant damage.
2. When installing the lamp on a tripod, it is best to wrap the cord around the leg. This will increase the chances of holding the instrument when the tripod shifts or falls.
3. When using halogen lamps, turn them off before moving the tripod.

Rating of quality lighting racks

The rating was divided into three categories, depending on the price range of the equipment. The review, reviews and popularity of models were taken as the basis.According to buyers, they are worthy of attention.

The most inexpensive

Falcon Eyes LS-1020/B

Mainly used for studio and product photography. The clips connecting the sections are made of ABS plastic. Comes with a storage and carrying case. Price: 970 rubles.

• universal landing mount;
• has the lowest possible additional fastening;
• complete set with a cover for storage.

• no shock absorber
• tripod height 1 meter.

Indicators	Description
Height (maximum/minimum) (cm)	102/41
Stability diameter (cm)	46
Load capacity (kg)	2.5
Sections	3
shock absorber	No
Production material	aluminum
Tripod weight (kg)	0.5

FEL-1900ST

Steel tripod. Complete with 1/4″ mini ball head. The adapter cannot be installed horizontally. Handles are made of polycarbonate. Often used for video filming. Price: 1350 rubles.

• spring shock absorber;
• steel structure;
• screw clamps.

• the adapter is not placed horizontally;
• a fairly large mass.

Indicators	Meaning
Length(max/min) (cm)	190/67
Stability diameter (cm)	70
Load capacity (kg)	3
Sections (pcs)	3
shock absorber	spring
Production material	steel
Tripod weight (kg)	1.2

Stand for lighting ST-804

The tripod is made of aluminum, the clips are made of impact-resistant polymer. Has a small weight. Average price: 1170 rubles.

• high maximum height;
• strong fastening clamps.

• no shock absorber
• small load capacity.

Indicators	Meaning
Length (maximum/minimum) (cm)	200/87
Stability diameter (cm)	64
Load capacity (kg)	2
Sections (pcs)	3
The presence of a shock absorber	-
Production material	aluminium, steel
Weight, kg)	0.77

Rack FST L-210

The stand is made of aluminium. Withstands loads up to 2 kg. Average cost: 990 rubles.

• optimal price-quality ratio;
• suitable for studio work at a height of 2 meters.

• aluminium case;
• no shock absorber
• withstands a load of not more than 2 kg.

Characteristics	Indicators
Tripod length (maximum/minimum) (cm)	210/84
Tripod load capacity (kg)	2
Sections (pcs)	3
Material	aluminum
Weight (kg)	1.04

Falcon Eyes ST-083/W-803

The stand has clip-on clips made of durable plastic. Suitable for work not only in the studio, but also on the street. Price: 1040 rubles.

• light;
• height up to 2 meters.

• no shock absorber
• maximum load 2 kg.

Characteristics	Meaning
Length (max/min) (cm)	200/85
Stability diameter (cm)	66
Load capacity (kg)	2
Availability of sections (pcs)	3
Production material	aluminum
Tripod weight (kg)	0.8

Middle price segment

Falcon Eyes FEL-2900ST.0

All structures of this model are made of steel with powder coating, which gives additional protection. It has a stable and reliable spring shock absorber. Free warranty service: 12 months. Price: 2230 rubles.

• durable material;
• with spring shock absorber;
• work at a height of 2.6 meters.

• price.

Indicators	Meaning
Height (Max/Min) (cm)	260/113
Tripod span (cm)	97
Load capacity (kg)	7
Spring damper	there is
Material	steel

Light Stand FEL-1800A/B

Tripod folded length: 72 cm. Leg diameter: 19 mm. Cost: 1900 rubles.

• it is possible to install the adapter horizontally;
• tripod on screw clamps.

• withstands loads up to 3 kg.

Characteristics	Indicators
Height (maximum/minimum) (cm)	180/73
Maximum load (kg)	3
Sections (pcs)	3
The presence of a shock absorber	yes, air type
Tripod weight (kg)	0.95

Visico LS-8005

It has air cushioning. Details are made of aluminium. Price: 1880 rubles.

• assembled length up to 2 meters;
• secure fastening.

• small span of the tripod.

Indicators	Meaning
Height (max/min) (cm)	200/73
Tripod span (cm)	19
Permissible load (kg)	3
Sections	3
Material	aluminum
Tripod weight (kg)	1.12

FANCIER WT-8052 (2200mm)

This tripod does not have a shock absorber. Withstands equipment weighing up to 5 kg. Price: 2590 rubles.

• can work at a height of up to 2.2 meters;
• withstands loads up to 5 kg.

• all parts are made of aluminum;
• loosening of the screw clamp may occur.

Characteristics	Values
Length (maximum/minimum) (cm)	220/48
Maximum load (kg)	5
Sections	4
The presence of a shock absorber	No
Material	aluminum
Weight, kg)	1.7

FALCON EYES L-2900 ST.0

Suitable for most appliances. The spring adapter protects against possible damage in case of loose fasteners. Cost: 2230 rubles.

• spring adapter;
• maximum load 7 kg.

• it is not possible to install the adapter horizontally;
• big mass.

Characteristics	standard
Height (maximum/minimum) (cm)	290/113
Tripod span (cm)	97
Maximum load (kg)	7
Sections (pcs)	3
shock absorber	spring
Stand material	steel
Rack weight (kg)	2.5

FST LS-807

The set includes a case for storage and carrying. Has a standard mount. At the base there is a tripod, it gives greater stability to the device. Price: 2093 rubles.

• withstands loads up to 6 kg;
• has 4 sections;
• the device can be installed from the side and from above.

• device material.

Indicators	Meaning
Height (maximum/minimum) (cm)	260/87
Maximum load (kg)	6
Sections (pcs)	4
Material	aluminum
Rack weight (kg)	1.7

Visico LS-8101

Rack-base type "frog" with a steel crossbar. Suitable for background light. Price: 1700 rubles.

• can be installed both on the floor and on the table;
• withstands loads up to 5 kg;
• has a small weight.

• not suitable for lighting a construction site;
• no shock absorber

Characteristics	Indicators
Height (maximum/minimum) (cm)	62/41
Maximum load (kg)	5
Sections (pcs)	2
The presence of a shock absorber	No
Rack weight (kg)	0.9

Premium class

Visico LS-8008

Made of 4 aluminum sections, it has a bottom brace that ensures the stability of the structure. Cost: 4090 rubles.

• unfolds up to 2.82 meters;
• withstands weight up to 3.5 kg.

• no shock absorber

Indicators	Meaning
Max Height (cm)	282
Minimum height (cm)	83
Maximum load (kg)	3.5
Material	aluminum
Weight, kg)	1.7

Fly Stand 2200

This model can withstand loads up to 7 kg. Equipped with 4 sections, which makes it very convenient to carry it. The tripod implies the presence of an air adapter, which protects it from impact during unplanned folding of the sections. The adapter has one position. Cost: 3140 rubles.

• withstands loads up to 7 kg;
• has 4 sections;
• Comes with a micro ball head.

• adapter cannot be installed horizontally.

Characteristics	Index
Tripod height (maximum/minimum) (cm)	220/72
tripod span (cm)	70
Tripod load capacity (kg)	7
Sections (pcs)	4
The presence of a shock absorber	yes, air type
Production material	aluminum
Weight, kg)	2.03

Falcon Eyes LV-30

The powerful rack is made of steel, can withstand a load of up to 20 kg. Has metal screw clamps. Three step model. Price: 7400 rubles.

• powerful and reliable;
• large tripod span and height up to 3 meters.

• quite a lot of weight.

Indicators	Meaning
Tripod length (maximum/minimum) (cm)	300/118
Tripod span (cm)	130
Maximum load (kg)	20
Sections (pcs)	3
Material	of steel
Weight, kg)	7.2

Visico LS-8007A - 265 cm.

The clamps are made of impact-resistant plastic, which increases the reliability and ease of use of the device. There is a lower stretching that guarantees stability and safety during work. Price: 3380 rubles.

• there is a bottom brace for extra security;
• secure fasteners.

• withstands a small load;
• price.

Characteristics	Indicators
Height (max/min) (cm)	265/90
Maximum load (kg)	4
Sections (pcs)	3
Material	aluminum
Weight (kg)	1.7

Falcon Eyes LV-40 lighting stand

Most often used on the set, and in pavilions when working with television and film projects. Reliable and durable tripod. Price: 6490 rubles.

• withstands heavy loads;
• works at a height of up to 4.5 meters;
• between sections there are shock-absorbing rubber rings.

• big weight;
• portability inconvenience.

Characteristics	Meaning
Length (max/min) (cm)	453/142
Tripod span (cm)	130
Maximum load (kg)	20
Sections (pcs)	4
Weight (kg)	11.2

FALCON EYES L-3050A/B

The model has ball cushioning, which provides additional reliability in the event of a fall. The kit also includes a warranty card and step-by-step instructions for installation and operation. Price: 3180 rubles.

• the adapter is installed horizontally;
• works at heights up to 3 meters.

• small diameter tripod.

Indicators	Meaning
Length (max/min) (cm)	300/107
Diameter (cm)	90
Maximum load capacity (kg)	7
Number of sections (pcs)	4
The presence of a shock absorber	yes, air type
Metal	aluminum
Weight (kg)	1.6

FALCON EYES L-3900ST

Suitable for most appliances. The spring adapter protects against possible damage in case of loose fasteners. Cost: 4050 rubles.

• spring adapter;
• maximum load 7 kg.

• it is not possible to install the adapter horizontally;
• big mass.

Characteristics	standard
Height (maximum/minimum) (cm)	390/12,5
Tripod span (cm)	97
Maximum load (kg)	7
Sections (pcs)	3
shock absorber	spring
Stand material	steel
Rack weight (kg)	2.5

Where could I buy

The issue is resolved in two ways. First: pick up yourself in a specialized store. Second: order online in the online store. The consultant will tell you how to place an order, he will also help you choose the right option and indicate how much this or that product costs.
The article analyzed the type and types of lighting racks, what are the main selection criteria, new products on the market and how to choose the right equipment for the price.