Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m)

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

Sturdy, well-built stand [*]. I especially like how the boom arm folds down into the vertical part of the stand to make it very compact for storage and transporation. I also used it as a microphone stand was able securely position a condenser mic at about 8 feet vertical over the subject.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

This is light, easy to transport since it folds up into itself and is great as a single backdrop stand to hold blankets for newborn sessions. I would definitely recommend this stand for that purpose!

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

I use this product to place a back light behind talent so the arm is not seen. I got tired of rigging up crazy (dangerous) setups from ceilings with makeshift equipment so, I bought this.

It's nice to get multiple functions from something when you spend money on it. This is a lightstand by day, a boom by night. Awesome.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

I have never seen such a fantastic idea in a quick setup one piece lighting stand. [...]

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

I bought this boom to use as a fabric stand for newborn sessions. it took me a while to assemble it but it was definitely worth the effort. It worked really well for what I needed to accomplish with it!

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

I use this product in my studio. It has a good price and is very sturdy. Use most of time to hold a hair light, but can use as a normal tripod too. And it is very easy to set up.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

I use this with my Nikon SB600 for hair light. I actually had to read the directions in order to extend the boom arm, but it works like a charm and you can use this both as a regular vertical light stand or with the boom extended (the boom hides within the center post until you decide to extend it to use as a boom arm). Make sure you order a sand bag with this.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

Great quality stand/boom combo. Much better build than most in this size and category. Perfect for small lights and Mic's. Not too big, not too small. For the size, I wish it was a little sturdier at full extension. Most issues with sturdiness and load are easily remedied by using sand bags or counter weight. Very functional design.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

It's perfect for one flash head. You can easily add a counterweight. Great price.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

Exchanged a cheaper boom for this one and couldn't be happier. Excellent build quality and good boom arm length. The one thing I wish it came with was a counter-weight. I'm still figuring out what the best solution might be.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

This boom stand works great for holding up a speedlight/beauty dish combo. weight bags are a must though. My only complaint is that you really have to crank on the knobs to tighten the boom and keep it from moving

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

I use the 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m) by Manfrotto primarily for holding my Lastolite Hot Shoe EZYBOX Softbox - 24x24" (61x61cm). I use it for overhead hairlights, as well as copystand work.

The bonus with the 420NSB is that it can be used as a 12' light stand as well.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

This stand is what it is, it'll hold a small studio light but probably not a heavier setups. It's also a bit on the short end for a boom - under 6' with the boom arm horizontal.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

I'm pretty pleased with this stand as I am with most of Manfrotto products. It's incredibly solid. Having tried a separate boom arm on other stands, this integrated approach is the way to go. If I need a 12' tall light stand, I have that now too.

My biggest complaint is that it doesn't collapse more. I understand it needs to be heavy to be steady but if it could reduce down a bit more, that would be ideal.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

I use this to hold a hairlight for subjects. It keeps the stand out of the shot nicely.

The locking knobs are very easy to tighten, as is the lever to lock the boom at the desired angle.

It has a hole to hook a counterweight to, which you must use if anything is attached while the boom is outstretched.

You won't be able to hold something that's like 7 pounds or more, but that's why this is a lightweight stand. It isn't as sturdy as a C-stand by any means. I didn't need it to hold a lot of weight, so why lug something heavy around with me? If you want that capability, however, this is not the stand for you.

I bought this of stand through a recommendation from the VASST Lighting tutorial DVD, "How to Setup, Light, and Shoot Great-Looking Interviews." The convertible boom stand they mention is discontinued, and this was the closest stand I could find for about the same price.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

Very nice for getting light into portraits that would be difficult otherwise. Also good for some unusual background effects. Very applicable for table-top shots.

Sturdy and well made. Sets up easily and compacts just as quickly. Good solid feel. Price very nominal for equipement of this quality and versatility.

Has a slightly large footprint, which is to be expected given the stability considerations. The orange warning on the swivel could have been black for aesthetic reasons.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

perfect boom

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

I bought this to use with my elinchrom ranger quadra. It is a perfect boom for such a light head. not sure how it would work with something heavier.

I was surprised that the stand is so long. When closed it is almost 45 inches so it needs a long bag to carry it in.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

This is definitely the best light stand that I own. The versatility of the stand is amazing and it seems to be built very solidly.

With a name like Manfrotto and a price like this, it's hard to pass this up.

Comments about Manfrotto 420NSB Convertible Boom Stand - 12.8' (4m):

I saved myself almost a hundred and got this instead of the Avenger A475B Combi-Boom, which I believe is also made by the same company, its just a little more sturdy. The build is strong enough to support my Alien Bee SB 400 for a hair light. Its also light enough to bring to events. I liked how the boom folds inside the stand.

Complaints:
1) Its not 13 feet high!!! It would only be that height if the boom was set vertical (who is going to that). The true height with the boom horizontal is 5 feet 10 inches. What this means is if you put a softbox on it you wouldn't have enough height for a standing subject. You can put the boom arm at a 45 degree angle to give yourself more height, but the arm can get in the frame for group shots. I have shoots with dancers who want to jump up in the air and this doesn't give enough clearance. 8 ft would have more to my liking but its hard to tell looking at the specs what boom stands would meet that requirement.

2) A minor issue that has less to do with this product is its tricky to unfold and fold. You also have to very careful with the boom arm, loosening it to adjust the length also allow the pole to rotate. So if the strobe is set to angle it will turn down unless you grip the pole.

3) While the boom storage inside the stand is nice it makes it longer than a normal stand and more difficult to pack for on location shoots since it won't fit in standard light stand bag.