Avenger A2030DCBKIT Steel 40-Inch Detachable Base C-Stand with Grip Kit (Black)

I am a former stage lighting tech, and now many years later am becoming a more and more of a paid photographer. I just got this stand for an event that requires me to put a couple of grand worth of lighting gear on a stand in a room full of young-uns. It was good to see the same c-stand quality that I remember from my stage lighting days, along with some improvements in the grip head and handles.The box arrived severely banged up, with parts of the stand exposed. The stand itself was unharmed however. These things can take a beating!Stand works great for my needs. You can get a lot more flexibility for mounting attachments if you also get the 6" pin that they sell: http://www.amazon.com/Avenger-E650-6-Inch-Collar-Silver/dp/B001AXKY70/ref=pd_sim_p_1That will let you more easily add your umbrella heads and what not.

I returned this stand. I couldn't get it to open and it was very heavy. Customer service wasn't great and I was charged a large restocking fee. I bought an easier stand to use that was very sturdy.

Boy this is one lumbering beast of an Italian-made steel stand and boom. Already using it to hang dresses for a fitting and shoot t'row. Wish it wouldve come with instructions, parts list etc but that's what the webs is for :) make sure and get the 6 inch baby pin with the 5/8s end to hang all yr stuff.However I am docking it one star from perfect. While Prime got it to me in 1.5 days, the shipping box was literally falling apart right on my front porch, delivered by FE. Part of it had been recently taped, very sloppily, and one of the adjustment knobs was literally sticking out, good thing it wasnt damaged. parts rolling to and fro inside. A total mess. I am lucky it made it OK.Ive noticed lately that Amazon Prime shippers are doing a lousy packing job, esp. with heavier items like this monster. It's not rocket science, get it together.

I received A2033 instead of A2030. The stand is nice but not what I was looking for in my first stand. The A2030 has the detachable base for easier transport. I immediately threw away the packing material so I may be out of luck.

Setting up a c stand is a bit of an art. I rarely see anyone except professional grips set them properly.1. The tallest leg always points toward the weight.2. The tallest leg always gets the sandbag.3. The knuckle on the gobo arm must be on the right of the weight or it will loosen and fall.Those are the most important rules. C stands are very versatile but can be dangerous if not set properly. I like these black stands because they are readily identifiable as mine since everyone I know uses silver stands.

I love the build quality and the black finish. Nice that the base detaches.

I gave this stand a 4 out of 5 simply because it can't seem to hold up a lot of weight without a different attachment. Don't get me wrong, great stand, very sturdy, but I attached a profoto 600 & 4x4 octabox and the screw just had nothing to hold onto but a smooth bar. If there were some kind of head/attachment to put on the arm so a strobe could attach more sturdily, it'd be 5 out of 5, any one have any suggestions?

Don;t waste your money on cheap light stands. If you want a sturdy and professional stand, spend the extra money and buy this stand. Its great since it has the boom arm on it. This stand in tough and would take a lot before it fell over. I am a video professional and stand by using professional gear and I want safe stuff to, and this stand really shines! I will be buying a few more of these!