Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black)

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

Once assembled, this thing is a tank. It's extremely well-made, solid, and moves easily on wheels. The boom is longer and the stand extends higher than I could ever need.

The OTHER news, as many have noted, is that there are NO instructions whatsoever. Particularly painful is the way the boom assembles. Do not attempt this before thoroughly studying the mechanics behind it. You need to tighten the fit of each piece already connected and LOOSEN the piece you are adding each time. IF you fail to do this, the connector will get hopelessly wedged inside the arm never to be seen again. This ALMOST happened to me, so you have been warned. :)

The wheels attach in a peculiar way. I had to drill out the holes in the legs to remove excess plastic covering the holes and preventing a plastic spacer from fitting there. I have never seen this type of design, but once together, it seems to work well.

I would STRONGLY recommend that once your boom arrives, come back to this page and read the reviews and tips before assembly!

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

I decided to buy this Heavy Duty Boom for my new studio, mainly for a 33in Beauty Dish. It works great, steady on the rollers, easy to move, easy to setup.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

I had a rough time putting this thing together...but once it was assembled it has done everything I need it to. very nice on wheels!

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

I use the 085BS boom to support an overhead light for photographing our products and also for video. Very easy to setup and the wheels make it a dream to move around.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

I purchased this on recommendation of a B&H associate. I wanted something that would be solid for my Elinchrom Ranger RX to be used ourdoors. Most of my work is done without a assistant so I wanted something that was heavy but manageable, that could be anchored if need be. The counter balance is nice and there is a hole at the top of the center post where I can add a ring and provide additional weight to the center to keep the stand even more solid. I have used the stand already around kids aged from 7-13 and never once worried about the stand tipping over and damaging my light or a kid. I thank the associate who recommended this stand, it has met my needs... and then some!

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

This is a solid stand with great features. The boom assembly is straightforward, dis-assembly - not so much. In fact do not rely on taking it apart. The fit is so tight, if not lubricated prior to assembly you may not be able to.Why nearly everything? Mine came without the counterweight clamp. [...]I went to the hardware store and paid $3.40 for an M8 x 1.25mm pitch 25mm long cap screw and Allen key. You might also need to get one.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

I was really happy with the product. [...] Very heavy fer shur, and its somewhat of a pain that i have to set it up each time i want to use it but if you need a boom it isn't to bad. the boom comes in 3 pieces so you have to put them together if you intend to take it on location with you and they are simi cheap feeling. Im afraid to really boom it out there, but like i said, for the price.... its a pretty legit stand

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

[...]overall this boom is great from the pieces that I do have...

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

The product is being used in a home studio. the quality and sturdiness is Top of the line. The pivot clamp is the best i've seen on any product; very well made

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

What's great about this:The stand rolls well and seems very solid and steady - even when moving on carpet. The movable weight is easy to adjust and really makes balancing the weight of different lighting set-ups a breeze (and SAFE!). Manfrotto even included plastic cable clips to help manage your power wires down the length of both the boom and stand.What's NOT so great:No set-up directions. (Really, Manfrotto?) You have to figure a lot of the assembly process out for yourself, with no guidance or tips. Even the wheels gave me trouble until I figured out that there was residual soft plastic in each pre-drilled leg holes that prevented the little metal plates from dropping in and allowing the wheel to mount. Then, the three piece boom (which seems quite light to be labeled "heavy duty") had to be assembled, [...]Conclusion:Despite my assembly issues, I have a fully-functional heavy duty boom/stand which I'm very happy with. I also have another brand heavy-duty boom/stand, but this one wins the contest with the ability to fine-tune the counterweight.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

Wow, talk about sturdy! We own several products from Manfrotto and this is top notch. We needed something alot more sturdier and this fit the bill. It is used to hold a 24x36 softbox with monoblock strobe. This will not fall onto your client and that was one of the things we had to consider the most. The boom and stand are well build products by a great company.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

Tubes on boom were hard to get together [...], but I got them together, This is one heavy duty stand!

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

I own several Manfrotto products and they're all professional grade quality from their design, materials and construction. Well thought out boom tripod on a solid platform. This gives me a huge overhead light in my studio and my concerns that the boom might tip over were unfounded. I haven't even had to use the included counter-weight for balance.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

Studio and location photography, this boom and stand are really heavy. But not so heavy I don't want to take them with me. This is a very solid stand that I'm glad I purchased.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

I am using this stand in my studio for a hair light. It is very sturdy and holds my heavy monolight well. It is not easy to maneuver due to its weight, but I'd rather have that than to have a heavy light fall on my customer's head. The length and reach of the arm is impressive, as well as it's height. I am pleased with this product.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

This is one of the best stands we've purchased. Easy to assemble, easy to adjust, and durable. Highly recommended.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

I love this boom. I am able to put a large soft box&strobe close to ten feet in the air with out worrying if it can handle the weight. It is simple to use and easily managed by one person.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

Commercial Portraits

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

I use this with Profoto lights in our studio. I've attached Profoto 600R monolights without a thought of them falling over. Great robust product for getting your lights where you want them -- high with the stand out of the way.

Comments about Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand (Black):

This is an awesome product and I am sure that I will find ways to use it other than its intended purpose. I purchased this boom and stand because it was heavy duty and I hate buying things twice. Both are heavy duty and will stand up for years to come. Despite the the cost its worth it. I plan on purchasing another one.