The Best Light Stands in 2024: for Studio and Outdoors

Mordern cameras come with shake-reduction capabilities, which reduce the blur effect in photographs. But you can get yourself a light stand, which gives stability and flexibility when taking shots. You can use it to shed in a large area and is available in several models and designs to fit different styles and budgets.

Let's take a quick look at the top light stands in 2024 for flawless product selection.

8 Best Light Stands for Studio

1. Neewer Aluminum Mini Table Top Backlight Stan

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The Neewer Aluminum Mini Table Top Backlight Stand has come in a lightweight design perfect for little photography equipment, like tabletop lights. This is a good, cost-effective stand for someone who is looking to have a very solid, adjustable base for his or her gear on a flat surface without the need for a full-sized stand.

Specifications

• 20 Inches Maximum height
• 20 Inches Minimum height
• Weighs 0.4 Pounds
• Maximum Load Weight  is up to 2.2 Pounds
• Top mount coverage up to: ¼ Inches

Pros

• This is a budget-friendly option for people who don't need a full-sized stand.
• Easily portable and storable
• It is made of solid aluminum alloy construction material.

Cons

• Limited weight and height capacity for heavier equipment.

Price: $19.94

1.1  Fovitec Aluminum Light Stand

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The Fovitec studio light stand is perfect for a variety of light equipment. It is light in weight and easily compatible with LED panels, strobes, fluorescent, and speed lights.

Specification

• Max height:
• Min height:
• Weight: 3.3lb
• Load Capacity: 6.6 pounds
• Top mount: ⅝ Inches

Pros

• The stand is made using light but robust aluminum material
• Comes with a carrying bag for easier carrying and storage

Cons

• The plastic locking collar material may not be durable

Price: $49.95

1.2 Manfrotto 420B Combi

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The Manfrotto 420B Combi is a lightweight, sturdy, reliable option for most photographers. It features a reversible spigot for various attachments and a wide base for stability. It’s robust construction makes it appropriate for larger and heavier equipment.

Specifications

• 154.33 Inches Maximum height
• 51.97 Inches Minimum height
• Weighs 5.95 Pounds
• Load capacity: 19.84 lbs
• Top mount: ⅜ Inches

Pros

• Sturdy and lightweight construction for easy portability
• Can support heavy lighting equipment
• A reversible spigot allows for the attachment of strobes, flashes, softboxes, umbrellas, etc.

Cons

• It is relatively more expensive compared to other light stands.
• It might be too heavy for certain users.

Price: $232.00

1.3 Impact Air Cushioned Light Stand

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The Impact Air Cushioned Light Stand is the ideal choice for most photographers and filmmakers: safe, solid, and dependable. What's not to love about having technology that ensures the light stand lowers slowly so no drops are made and your delicate equipment is protected?

Specifications

• 96 Inches Maximum height
• 34 Inches Minimum height
• Weighs 2.05 lb
• 8 lb Maximum Load Capacity
• Top mount: ⅝ Stud

Pros

• Fits perfectly in a tripod bag incase one needs to fly to destinations
• The system prevents crashes caused by incorrect use of locks.

Cons

• Reviewers do have some concerns about the plastic parts not being strong and durable enough.

Price: $39.55

1.4 PHOCUS Wall Mount Boom Arm

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PHOCUS Wall Mount Boom Arm light stand is the versatile solution for installing lights and equipment on walls or vertical surfaces. This stand supports photo studio equipment such as strobe or mono lights, making it ideal for vloggers, streamers, and photographers.

Specification

• No Specified Maximum height
• No Specified Minimum height
• Weighs 5.94 pounds
• 6.6 Pounds max load capacity

Pros

• It can rotate up to 180° for creative light-angle management.
• Wall-mountable design to save space and offers more flexibility.

Cons

• Mounting vertical surfaces may not be available in all photography setups
• Users may have a hard time or require more time to set up compared to typical light stands

Price: $68.98

1.5 Amazon Basics Aluminum Light Photography Tripod Stand 

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This light stand is perfect for new photographers who require relatively low-cost but quality equipment that enables them to save on costly equipment investments.

Specification

•  78.7 Inches Maimum height
•  33.6 Inches Minimum height
• Weighs 3.66 pounds
• 7 Pounds Load capacity
• Top mount: ¼ Inches

Pros

• Made using construction for durability
• Affordable for portability and compact storage

Cons

• The base is not solid enough for lights with modifiers

Price: $37.04

1.6 Matthews Century Stand with Sliding Leg

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Matthews 40" allows the use of an adjustable third leg appropriate for uneven terrain and securing rigging in confined spaces. The top leg slides, making it suitable for use on inclined terrain, such as staircases.

Specification

• 126 Inches Maximum height
• 53 Inches Minimum height
• Weighs 1 Pound
• Up to 22 Pounds Load capacity 
• Top mount: ⅝ Stud

Pros

• It can withstand a load of up to 22 pounds
• The gobo heads are serrated for a good bite and to prevent rolling out sideways.
• The slider leg is convenient for use in stairs, curbs, desks, and counters.

Cons

• It is not compact enough for traveling
• It is more expensive than comparable models

Price: $246.00

1.7 Neewer Flexible Arm Mounts

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Lastly, the Neewer Flexible Arm is a detachable extension rod with two balls thats used for overhead photography or lighting. It also fits different devices because it has varieties of threads that can be adjusted accordingly. In addition, the product assures durability with the aviation aluminum alloy.

Specification

• A Maximum height of  22.4 Inches
• A Minimum height of  6.1 Inches
• Weighs 0.6 Pounds
• Load Capacity of up to 6.6 Pounds
• Top mount: ⅓, ⅜, and ⅝ Inches

Pros

• Offers flexibility, adjustability, and simplicity at a relatively low price compared to what is offered in the market.
• Allows for setting angles on lightweight lights and other accessories

Cons

• Does not come with a clamp to clip to your desk

Price: $12.99

5 Best Light Stands for Outdoors

1.8 CONXTRUE Studio Light Stand

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It is a versatile light boom stand with universal and standarized features that allow you to work even without the boom arm. It also comes with an air-cushioned shock for safety to your equipment and fingers. You get counterweight control and increased stability of the lighting setup, with the creation of angles for the best experience in photography. 

Specification

• 158.4 Inches Maximum height
• 74.4 Inches Minimum height 
• Weighs 8.63 pounds
• 9 Pounds Maximum Load capacity
• Top mount of up to ¼ or ⅜ Inches

Pros

• The legs can be folded making it easy to carry around.
• Rotating camera with up 180 degrees  freedom allows one to snap from any angle.

Cons

• You must keep tightening the handle for no movement.

Price: $69.99

1.9 Manfrotto 5001B Nano Light Stand

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Manfrotto 5001B Nano Light Stand is made of sturdy aluminum. This makes it very easy to carry around, especially if you are always traveling. It can support most small lighting equipment, including speed lights, LED lights, and soft boxes since it weighs 3.3 lbs.

Specification

• 74.8 Inches Maximum height
•  19.3 Inches Minimum height
• Weighs 2.2 Pounds
• Load capacity up to 3.31 Pounds

Pros

• It is an economical optionAffordable choice.
• Ideal for ememrgrncy shots and short terms use.

Cons

• It lacks an air-cushioned system
• The stand wobbles easily and is susceptible to torsion.

Price: $66

1.10 Nissin LS-65C Carbon Fibre Light Stand

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Nissin LS-65C is an ultralight, minimalistic stand perfect for travelling. It features a 5-section center column for the easy positioning and three carbon fiber legs that are foldable for strength and rigidity in most shooting conditions.

Specification

• 106 Inches Maximum height
• 24 Inches Minimum height
• Weighs 1.8 Pounds
• Load capacity foup to 6.6 Pounds
•  ⅝ Inches stud Top mount

Pros

• Priced at great value for its premium characteristics.
• Easy Setup of the Dynamics.

Cons

• Too long if you are looking to travel by air

Price: $199

1.11 Neewer Stainless Steel Light Stand 

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The light stand is made from stainless steel, which is durable, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight; perfect for outdoor projects. What's more, you will appreciate it’s locking leg feature for more safety.

Specification

• 79 Inches Maximum height
•  33.9 Inches Minimum height
• Weighs 1.86 pounds
• Load capacity of up to 22 Pounds
• Can mount up to ⅝ Inches

Pros

• Foldable for easier storing and transport
• It is perfect for outdoor shooting activities.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the locking mechanism tends to break after very little use

Price: $58.04

What are the Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Light Stand?

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Choosing of the right light stand will depend on a number of parameters to satisfy your photography needs. Some of the considerations include:

Legs

For a light stand, the legs play great in deciding its stability and flexibility. Tripod legs are versatile and perfect for both flat and uneven surfaces. C-stand legs are ideal for offering stability in-studio situations while spider legs allow for holding more lights or accessories as they are easily adjustable. 

Lastly, monopod legs are great for use in tight spaces. Also, keep in mind that the type of legs you choose will have a great impact on the safety of your in unstable and windy environments.

Head

A light stand head is the mounting point for all your lighting equipment. It determines how versatile and flexible the stand is, as well as the type of lighting equipment you'll be able to use. For instance, a fixed head works with small lighting settings or when a light position does not matter. 

Tilt heads and swivel heads are those with a pivoting point to tilt or adjust lighting apparatus. They are most useful for portrait and product photography. Ball heads have a ball joint adjustable in any direction or angle. They are applied where one needs to make very quick adjustments. Also, when purchasing a light stand, make sure it is compatible with your specific lighting equipment. 

Photo by New Africa on shutterstock

Center Column

The center column is the column in the center on which you can raise or lower the height of your lighting equipment. The center column is supposed to move up or down to adjust the lighting equipment, although some stands lack this feature. If you have heavy equipment, it is best to buy one whose center column does not adjust because it would provide more stability. 

Feet

A light stand’s feet help maintain stability by keeping the stand steady. With a larger diameter of the feet, the stand will be more stable. The best material to use for stand feet is rubber or silicone since they offer rather good grip and traction on most surfaces. 

Metal or plastic feet, on the other hand, will be less stable on some surfaces. Stability also depends on the shape of the feet. Feet with broad, flat bases offer the most support, or you can opt for units with removable feet to switch between different surfaces with ease. 

Conclusion

A light stand is a great tool that photographers and filmmakers use to get the best lighting results. If you are looking for stability, height adjustment, versatility, portability, and, most importantly, safety you need a light stand. Just make sure that it meets your specific needs to achieve great results.