Smith-Victor RS75 7'6" Compact Aluminum Light Stand with 5/8" Top Mount

Comments about Smith-Victor RS75 Black Light Stand:

Its light weight. when you spread the legs out it does stick a little.

Comments about Smith-Victor RS75 Black Light Stand:

General:
using this stand to support 580 EX II (with battery pack) and 430 EX; diffused by either an Ezybox or 43" umbrella

Pros:
• pleasingly light
• well-constructed (powder coating is nice, and fittings are tight but not too tight)
• good looking; no concerns about appearance around clients
• given a modicum of care, one would have to try pretty hard to knock them over (they survived the "rambunctious cat test")
• does extend to the specified height (84" / 7 ft) with about 1" to spare in each section, for greater stability
• could be pressed into service as a handheld monopod in a pinch, so long as sections aren't extended beyond about halfway
• legs stow conveniently and securely inside their own center-column brackets (see "other thoughts")

Cons:
• slightly loose-feeling when fully extended to max height (suggest you get a taller one if you know you'll routinely be setting up at or near 7 feet)
• no vinyl / nylon caps for the feet, except the tiny end-cap (would lead to scratches on a floor) -- see "other thoughts"

Other thoughts:
• really does need feet for the legs to avoid scratches; suggest matching black "softtouch" chair tips, 3/4" / 20mm, #0066944 from your local big-box hardware store.
• if you do put these feet on, be aware that they need a pressure-release hole, or they won't go on all the way
• if you do use these feet, be aware that the stand won't fully stow in its nicely designed center-column brackets

Comments about Smith-Victor RS75 Black Light Stand:

I've been using this light stand indoors with an umbrella, and it works very well. I've noticed that when fully extended it is a bit flimsy, though.

Comments about Smith-Victor RS75 Black Light Stand:

It works but it seems a little unstable with the flash and umbrella mounted.

Comments about Smith-Victor RS75 Black Light Stand:

Reasonable value for light use

Comments about Smith-Victor RS75 Black Light Stand:

I bought one of these stands a year ago and then got another one recently.
They are light, compact and fairly
sturdy. I'm using them inside and,
with weights, in outdoor nature photography. Not the top of the line, but who can afford top of the line anymore

Comments about Smith-Victor RS75 Black Light Stand:

A couple things to get out of the way.
I hardly ever give five stars so this is nearly perfect; I do not use this light stand as a light stand but as a mic stand.

This is incredibly small and light weight but gets plenty tall for my microphone use and I imagine you wouldn't need your lights too much taller either. I like this unit so much, I will probably be buying another one very soon just as a backup and for additional microphone mounts. I like the other brands out there but this one really works great for me and the price is unbeatable. Do yourself a favor and buy one of these American made light stands