Matthews MERF Mini Extendable Reverse Stand

Comments about Matthews MERF Mini Extendable Reverse Stand:

I bought this stand because it is super small when folded down making it easy to travel with. Nothing else I found gets this small and I like the fast locking feature on the legs as well.

Unfortunately the legs are very thin and poorly attached making it very flimsy when it's set up. It's also a little time consuming (as light stands go) to set up as the leg mechanism doesn't slide well when you open it.

Additionally, it's pretty expensive compared to other similar fully extended sized stands.

Not a good value unless you absolutely need a stand that is super small when it's folded down.

Comments about Matthews MERF Mini Extendable Reverse Stand:

I like these stands. They're well made and collapse to a very short 20-inches, making them very easy to carry in a field kit. They hold my 600 and 900 LED panel lights, though I wouldn't trust them with anything heavier.

Comments about Matthews MERF Mini Extendable Reverse Stand:

I've packed this compact light stand for my 2012 WPPI Las Vegas trip after making contacts with some models found from modelmayhem for the photoshoots. This goes well with the 24"x24" softbox - and both fit inside the LowePro X200 roller case.

What's great about it - it is compact, holds up to 9 lbs, and the flip lock lever.

Comments about Matthews MERF Mini Extendable Reverse Stand:

Tiny when folded up.

Massive when stretched out.

Awesome for a portable lighting kit.

I use it with an SB900/umbrella combo, so the fact that it is not a heavy weight stand is not an issue for me.

Comments about Matthews MERF Mini Extendable Reverse Stand:

This stand is as compact as the Manfrotto Nano but is a bit sturdier and easier to extend or collapse. Well worth the extra $10.

Comments about Matthews MERF Mini Extendable Reverse Stand:

The quick release tabs are far quicker and easier (also smooth) than those on the Monfrotto or Dynalite stands which are very similar designs. I own a Dynalite stand like this, which I believe is made by Monfrotto since it's exactly the same only more expensive. I wanted a second and found this one. It's the same size closed, has a fatter middle tube simply because it extends higher, has screws and nuts in legs rather than rivets, and has far superior quick release levers to raise it up and down. Excellent product as are all Matthews gear. I'm getting a second one.

Comments about Matthews MERF Mini Extendable Reverse Stand:

.....the Matthews MERF mini stand is what you would expect from Matthews. In my 16mm film days I used many of their products. Nothing has changed with their quality.
If you are looking to reduce the size and weight of your lighting kit check out this stand. You can make virtually any repair needed to this stand as there are no rivets to drill out. And, the friction clamps give a very firm grip and are much quicker to use.
With newer and lighter battery rigs, I have now reduced my lighting kit to a light weight carry on that would not be possible without these stands.
Go git 'em.