The Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm is a wheeled, single column stand that is perfect for studio use. It features a spring-loaded sliding arm that allows quick height adjustment of your light fixture from almost floor level to nearly the top-most of its 8' chromium steel column.
The 231CS has a leveling leg, which extends and locks, making the load more stable on uneven surfaces such as steps. This product is available with an aluminum column (#231) or with a black anodized aluminum column (#231B).
| Minimum Height | 13.7" (34.8cm) - height of mounted light fixture |
| Maximum Height | 8' (2.4 m) |
| Closed Length | Not Applicable |
| Footprint Diameter | 39.4" (100.1cm) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs (8kg) |
| Maximum Load | 18 lbs (8.2kg) |
| Attachment Size | 5/8" (1.6cm) stud with 1/4"-20 and 3/8" threadings |
| Accepts Wheels | Yes- included |
| Air Cushioned | No |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Bogen Chrome Steel Stand w/ Sliding Arm
This stand is wonderful! It's so much sturdier than the typical light stand. I don't feel like someone can trip easily over the legs compared to a normal light stand. Because of the design...Read complete review
This stand is wonderful! It's so much sturdier than the typical light stand. I don't feel like someone can trip easily over the legs compared to a normal light stand. Because of the design of the legs, they run parallel with the floor and not up in the air. Another aspect of the leg design is, I can move this close to a wall in my small studio. Helps with my space issue. The stand also supports the weight of my equipment better. If I bump it, the whole thing doesn't tip over. I also like how whole unit is easy to move with the assist of wheels. The trigger handle is what sold me. I can bring my light box down to the floor with a squeeze of the trigger, or move it to the top of the stand. I would recommend this stand to anyone who owns a studio.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
High hopes - slightly dashed
Good if your not using anything too heavy, with 5' octo softbox, mount was sliding / rotating wouldn't keep horizontal lock. My setup is well under the max load rating and in my ...Read complete review
Good if your not using anything too heavy, with 5' octo softbox, mount was sliding / rotating wouldn't keep horizontal lock. My setup is well under the max load rating and in my situation I was not able to lock the head / softbox / octo into position it would rotate on pole on its own because i couldn't setup on center / square to subject. Great for everything else.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 19 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-19
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Great except if you put an average 4'x6' softbox... this will overload the brake and the box will slide down unless you put a spring clamp or equivalent to stop the descent. Not impressed.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I love no longer having to work around light stand legs. The low profile is perfect for my small studio. My only complaint is that as usual, Manfrotto hasn't bothered with even basic assembly instructions. Not a major problem with this product. but i recently purchased their heavy boom. A mistake made with that could have serious consequences. Do better Manfrotto.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
This is a well constructed, sturdy product that saves time and effort in the studio. The wide base allows me to use large softboxes without the need for a sandbag. The sliding arm extends about 7 inches from the pole so tilting a large softbox isn't an issue. I bought one of these to see how I like it, and after just a couple weeks of use I plan on purchasing more. I will continue to use C-stands and regular light stands on location, but this will become my default studio light stand.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Good if your not using anything too heavy, with 5' octo softbox, mount was sliding / rotating wouldn't keep horizontal lock. My setup is well under the max load rating and in my situation I was not able to lock the head / softbox / octo into position it would rotate on pole on its own because i couldn't setup on center / square to subject. Great for everything else.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
The best light stand ever! Solid, rolls effortlessly, weighty enough base and pole it supports my jumbo soft box no problem. Just love how it keeps studio looking super organized and streamlined, would never buy a regular stand again and these are super portable too!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
heavy duty great stand quick to adjust and move around
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I have two of these that hold my Wescott T6's and I love these! Great for quickly moving lights around and very sturdy. Makes sessions much more seamless!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I live that I can quickly adjust my lighting during sessions! Makes sessions go more seamlessly.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Perfect Studio light stand. Uses minimal room when folded up.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I use this stand for a 1200 ws Profoto monolight and a large Mola Euro reflector. It performs flawlessly and lets me put the light anywhere floor to ceiling in one motion. I replace all my other studio stands with these.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
This stand is 100% reliable and the tension on the sliding arm can be set based on specific needs. The legs are stout and the breakdown is simple, thought out and well engineered. This stand can be used for lights, gobos, grips and reflectors...
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Excellent piece of gear, a true "Must Have" for a studio, and the more, the merrier! I would recommend going ahead and getting a few of these, and also getting a few extra Manfrotto sliding arms to go with them!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
This is a light stand that has many uses. I can put 7 lights on this stand and have used it in studio work and also to light a runway. This unit moves to wherever I need it and then can lock in place. The sliding arm makes mounting lights, brackets and extension as easy as possible. For what this unit costs, I don't see how more photographers don't have at least two of them.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Simply the best light stand I now own. The legs are wide and create a very stable platform. The height adjustment with the sliding arm is the easiest device I have ever used. If I had another use for all the stands that came with my lights, they would all get replaced with these.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I bought this to get my light lower for shooting kids and newborns, but find i use it for everything in between and I now Hate my reg light stands and am replacing them with more of these stands. They are simply the best! the only con is they are not easily transportable but can be taken apart and moved but they are heavy. best used in a studio space.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I bought two of these stands and will probably buy more in the future to replace all of my light stands. I love this stand! It's so simple to use, and the legs fold up easily for limited storage. I love how I can put my light all the way to the floor to do children photography and raise it up for bigger kids and grown ups! These were exactly what I was looking for and the price is great!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I purchased this light stand because i needed to get my lights lower to the floor than a typical background stand would allow. I liked the idea of the grip handle for ease of use so i purchased this one and I can't say enough good about it!
it's built solid, heavy enough to not be tippy at all. roll's around with ease, handle slides on the pole with ease and is also very sturdy.. exactly what you would expect from manfrotto.
the base when opened is wide to prevent tipping, but the wheel legs fold up with ease and the stand can stand in a corner right up to the wall (with out a light on it of course)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Love having the ability to move my light around quickly. The base is a little on the large side, but is very stable.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
This stand is wonderful! It's so much sturdier than the typical light stand. I don't feel like someone can trip easily over the legs compared to a normal light stand. Because of the design of the legs, they run parallel with the floor and not up in the air. Another aspect of the leg design is, I can move this close to a wall in my small studio. Helps with my space issue. The stand also supports the weight of my equipment better. If I bump it, the whole thing doesn't tip over. I also like how whole unit is easy to move with the assist of wheels. The trigger handle is what sold me. I can bring my light box down to the floor with a squeeze of the trigger, or move it to the top of the stand. I would recommend this stand to anyone who owns a studio.
Displaying reviews 1-19
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Bogen Chrome Steel Stand w/ Sliding Arm
This stand is wonderful! It's so much sturdier than the typical light stand. I don't feel like someone can trip easily over the legs compared to a normal light stand. Because of the design...Read complete review
This stand is wonderful! It's so much sturdier than the typical light stand. I don't feel like someone can trip easily over the legs compared to a normal light stand. Because of the design of the legs, they run parallel with the floor and not up in the air. Another aspect of the leg design is, I can move this close to a wall in my small studio. Helps with my space issue. The stand also supports the weight of my equipment better. If I bump it, the whole thing doesn't tip over. I also like how whole unit is easy to move with the assist of wheels. The trigger handle is what sold me. I can bring my light box down to the floor with a squeeze of the trigger, or move it to the top of the stand. I would recommend this stand to anyone who owns a studio.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
High hopes - slightly dashed
Good if your not using anything too heavy, with 5' octo softbox, mount was sliding / rotating wouldn't keep horizontal lock. My setup is well under the max load rating and in my ...Read complete review
Good if your not using anything too heavy, with 5' octo softbox, mount was sliding / rotating wouldn't keep horizontal lock. My setup is well under the max load rating and in my situation I was not able to lock the head / softbox / octo into position it would rotate on pole on its own because i couldn't setup on center / square to subject. Great for everything else.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 19 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-19
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Great except if you put an average 4'x6' softbox... this will overload the brake and the box will slide down unless you put a spring clamp or equivalent to stop the descent. Not impressed.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I love no longer having to work around light stand legs. The low profile is perfect for my small studio. My only complaint is that as usual, Manfrotto hasn't bothered with even basic assembly instructions. Not a major problem with this product. but i recently purchased their heavy boom. A mistake made with that could have serious consequences. Do better Manfrotto.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
This is a well constructed, sturdy product that saves time and effort in the studio. The wide base allows me to use large softboxes without the need for a sandbag. The sliding arm extends about 7 inches from the pole so tilting a large softbox isn't an issue. I bought one of these to see how I like it, and after just a couple weeks of use I plan on purchasing more. I will continue to use C-stands and regular light stands on location, but this will become my default studio light stand.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Good if your not using anything too heavy, with 5' octo softbox, mount was sliding / rotating wouldn't keep horizontal lock. My setup is well under the max load rating and in my situation I was not able to lock the head / softbox / octo into position it would rotate on pole on its own because i couldn't setup on center / square to subject. Great for everything else.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
The best light stand ever! Solid, rolls effortlessly, weighty enough base and pole it supports my jumbo soft box no problem. Just love how it keeps studio looking super organized and streamlined, would never buy a regular stand again and these are super portable too!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
heavy duty great stand quick to adjust and move around
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I have two of these that hold my Wescott T6's and I love these! Great for quickly moving lights around and very sturdy. Makes sessions much more seamless!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I live that I can quickly adjust my lighting during sessions! Makes sessions go more seamlessly.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Perfect Studio light stand. Uses minimal room when folded up.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I use this stand for a 1200 ws Profoto monolight and a large Mola Euro reflector. It performs flawlessly and lets me put the light anywhere floor to ceiling in one motion. I replace all my other studio stands with these.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
This stand is 100% reliable and the tension on the sliding arm can be set based on specific needs. The legs are stout and the breakdown is simple, thought out and well engineered. This stand can be used for lights, gobos, grips and reflectors...
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Excellent piece of gear, a true "Must Have" for a studio, and the more, the merrier! I would recommend going ahead and getting a few of these, and also getting a few extra Manfrotto sliding arms to go with them!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
This is a light stand that has many uses. I can put 7 lights on this stand and have used it in studio work and also to light a runway. This unit moves to wherever I need it and then can lock in place. The sliding arm makes mounting lights, brackets and extension as easy as possible. For what this unit costs, I don't see how more photographers don't have at least two of them.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Simply the best light stand I now own. The legs are wide and create a very stable platform. The height adjustment with the sliding arm is the easiest device I have ever used. If I had another use for all the stands that came with my lights, they would all get replaced with these.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I bought this to get my light lower for shooting kids and newborns, but find i use it for everything in between and I now Hate my reg light stands and am replacing them with more of these stands. They are simply the best! the only con is they are not easily transportable but can be taken apart and moved but they are heavy. best used in a studio space.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I bought two of these stands and will probably buy more in the future to replace all of my light stands. I love this stand! It's so simple to use, and the legs fold up easily for limited storage. I love how I can put my light all the way to the floor to do children photography and raise it up for bigger kids and grown ups! These were exactly what I was looking for and the price is great!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
I purchased this light stand because i needed to get my lights lower to the floor than a typical background stand would allow. I liked the idea of the grip handle for ease of use so i purchased this one and I can't say enough good about it!
it's built solid, heavy enough to not be tippy at all. roll's around with ease, handle slides on the pole with ease and is also very sturdy.. exactly what you would expect from manfrotto.
the base when opened is wide to prevent tipping, but the wheel legs fold up with ease and the stand can stand in a corner right up to the wall (with out a light on it of course)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
Love having the ability to move my light around quickly. The base is a little on the large side, but is very stable.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 231CS Chrome Steel Column Stand with Sliding Arm - 8' (2.4m):
This stand is wonderful! It's so much sturdier than the typical light stand. I don't feel like someone can trip easily over the legs compared to a normal light stand. Because of the design of the legs, they run parallel with the floor and not up in the air. Another aspect of the leg design is, I can move this close to a wall in my small studio. Helps with my space issue. The stand also supports the weight of my equipment better. If I bump it, the whole thing doesn't tip over. I also like how whole unit is easy to move with the assist of wheels. The trigger handle is what sold me. I can bring my light box down to the floor with a squeeze of the trigger, or move it to the top of the stand. I would recommend this stand to anyone who owns a studio.
Displaying reviews 1-19