Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black)

  • Price: $89.95
  • B&H # MA1004BAC
  • Mfr# 1004BAC

Product Highlights

  • Folds Flat, Stacks

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The Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand is a lightweight support with an impressive load capacity. A clever design feature called QSS (Quick Stack System) allows the stand to fold flat, enabling several stands to be clipped together to save space in the studio or on the road.

The Alu Master has a 5/8" (16 mm) "Baby" stud and features air-cushioning to ensure a soft decent of fragile equipment when the locking knob is loosened.

Quick Set Up
Sets up easily in a matter of seconds
Very Stable
Engineered to be stable under recommended loads
Aluminum Locking Collars
Pressure die cast aluminum
Double Braced Leg Base
Extra stability and strength
Minimum Height 48.8" (124 cm)
Maximum Height 12' (3.65 m)
Closed Length 42" (106.6 cm)
Footprint Diameter 41.7" (106 cm)
Weight 6.6 lbs (3 kg)
Maximum Load 19.8 lbs (9 kg)
Attachment Size 5/8" (16 mm)
Accepts Wheels No
Air Cushioned Yes

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black)
 
4.9

(based on 41 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (36)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Durable (36)
  • Attach securely (14)
  • Long-lasting (13)
  • Good color value (6)
  • Good power output (5)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • General purpose (22)
    • Indoors (22)
    • Outdoors (21)
    • Low light (9)
    • Outdoor events / games (8)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Semi-pro photographer (19), Pro photographer (13), Photo enthusiast (7)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (32)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Manfrotto 1004BAC Light Stands Rock!

    A couple of years ago I bought four 13' Manfrotto 3078 light stands to support my Profoto Compact 600R monoblocks. I recently acquired two more Profoto Compact monoblocks - this time the 300R, and...Read complete review

    A couple of years ago I bought four 13' Manfrotto 3078 light stands to support my Profoto Compact 600R monoblocks. I recently acquired two more Profoto Compact monoblocks - this time the 300R, and went to B&H looking for two more 3078 stands because I had such good luck with them. Being a creature of habit, I was disappointed to find that Manfrotto had discontinued the 3078 and replaced it with the 1004BAC. Under duress, I ordered two of the 1004BAC stands for my new Profoto monoblocks and boy was I blown away! They've added air cushoning to them, so the stand doesn't just collapse under the weight of the light when you loosen a collar. Also, they've come up with this amazing "fold flat" design that allows the stands to be stacked on each other, requiring a lot less apace in my light stand bag. Now for the bad news . . . I like my new 1004BAC stands so much that I want to replace my old 3078 stands even though there is nothing wrong with them!

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Air Cushioned, what a joke

    The AC option on this stand isnt very reliable.

    AC is meant to slowly lower your light unit but with this stand it slams down!

    If you care for...Read complete review

    The AC option on this stand isnt very reliable.

    AC is meant to slowly lower your light unit but with this stand it slams down!

    If you care for your flash unit or whatever you shoot with, dont buy this stand.

    Reviewed by 41 customers

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    5.0

    Great Dependable Stand!

    By REC the Recorder

    from Cincinnati, Ohio

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Durable

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Live events

      Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

      I found out about this product on an online audio recording board as a solution to finding a microphone stand tall enough for ORTF orchestral recording. It works great! Finally a solution to this problem! I have only had the stand for a few weeks, but I have used it during two live concerts with some pretty heavy large condensers at the top and it works amazingly. It folds down compactly and is easy to use. I use it in conjunction with the LifeSaver Sand Bag for extra security so it doesn't topple over. I could not be more pleased so far, especially for the price.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Great Stand. Super durable.

      By An Endless Pursuit

      from Fairfax, VA

      About Me Pro Photographer

      See all my reviews

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Durable

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors
        • Low Light

        Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

        I use this with a Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 and a Nikon SB-900 speedlight to provide back lighting at wedding receptions. I wanted a tall and durable stand that I could feel comfortable leaving at the side of a dance floor during receptions. This stand is great. It's lightweight and easy to transport while being built with excellent construction that lets me feel confident it's not going to break if somebody bumps into it.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        One of the Best Stands Available

        By Studio Fuentes

        from New York, NY

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Attach Securely
        • Durable
        • Light weight
        • Sturdy

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors

          Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

          I use this stand with an Einstein E640 and 30x60 softbox (combined weight 12 lbs.) and it is sturdy! Even when I accidentally bumped the stand it did not tip over! Plus the stackable design is great if you have more than one stand and need to get them into a trunk or for storage in small studios.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Light product used for Audio Recording

          By Liquid

          from Vancouver, BC

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                I am involved in recording classical and semi classical music and this light stand allowed us to get microphones up to 12 ft above the performance area. The unit cann hold one mic or two on a spreader bar but is easily trasportable from venue to another. Weight bags are critical as the mics are worth many times what the stand is!

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Quality item

                By Tom

                from Bend, Oregon

                About Me Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                      It feels good, looks good, works good.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand

                      By Chad

                      from Coldwater, MI

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Attach Securely
                      • Durable
                      • Long-Lasting
                      • Powerful

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • General Use
                        • Indoors
                        • Outdoors

                        Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                        Wish these, I got 3 of them, would have been the first stands i ever bought! These are tank tough yet are light. Do yourself a favor and forget those cheap Impact stands and get theses!

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Excellent stand

                        By Cyrus

                        from Eastvale, CA

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Durable
                        • Easy to Use
                        • Great Value

                        Cons

                        • No carrying case

                        Best Uses

                        • General Use
                        • Indoors
                        • Outdoors

                        Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                        very sturdy construction, easy to deploy and store. I'm very happy with this product.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Really Nice Stands

                        By Randy

                        from Alpharetta, Ga.

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Durable

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                            Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                            These stands are very well made, heavy duty. Always happy with Manfrotto equipment. I bought two of these and like how they will connect together for storage. They are long when collapsed(42"),but that was expected being a 12' stand. AC is nice. Will probably order one more.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            sick stand!

                            By Naftoli

                            from ny

                            About Me Pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Durable

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                love the compact stackable design sturdy

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Wow!!!

                                By Rick

                                from Elk Grove, CA

                                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Attach Securely
                                • Durable
                                • Good Color Value
                                • Long-Lasting
                                • Powerful

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • General Use
                                  • Indoors
                                  • Low Light
                                  • Night Time
                                  • Outdoors
                                  • Special Events

                                  Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                  I was blown away when I got these stands...nicely built and sturdy. I first used them on a wedding and the height was a plus. I was able to bounce my flash on the ceiling easily after extending to maximum height.

                                  The stands are steady and I love the way they stack together. It saves space in the bag.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  It's a Manfrotto! Cannot get better than

                                  By iluxa

                                  from Westfield, MA

                                  About Me Pro Photographer

                                  Pros

                                  • Attach Securely
                                  • Durable
                                  • Good Color Value
                                  • Long-Lasting
                                  • Powerful

                                  Cons

                                  • NONE

                                  Best Uses

                                  • General Use
                                  • Indoors
                                  • Low Light
                                  • Outdoors

                                  Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                  Let me tell you, this light-stand is so good that it's even better than my Fluid head Sanford & Davis tripod! (I use it for video)
                                  It's not that heavy, very VERY good built, love the air cushion, slides smoothly. Very precisely designed. I was worrying about it tipping over since I have a big 45" umbrella with a Canon 580 EX II flash but- no problem at all, even in the wind. This thing is worth EVERY BUCK!

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Great stand.

                                  By Dave L.

                                  from Waterford, CT

                                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Durable
                                  • Solid
                                  • Well made

                                  Cons

                                  • NONE

                                  Best Uses

                                  • General Use
                                  • Indoors
                                  • Outdoors
                                  • Studio

                                  Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                  Very solid and well made, just like all of my Manfrotto products. Great for holding heavy lights.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  great stand for pro use

                                  By Naftoli

                                  from ny

                                  About Me Pro Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Durable

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                      Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                      stacks, a little heavy though, does the job,

                                      Share this review

                                       
                                      4.0

                                      Light giants

                                      By El fotografo

                                      from Westchester, NY

                                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Attach Securely
                                      • Durable
                                      • Good Color Value

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                          Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                          Light, easy to carry, sturdy and strong. Great for heavy room lights or just plain height. Great value for the price and I love the stacking feature that take up almost no room in the bag. Three stands fit in the same space as one.

                                          • Was this a gift?:
                                          • Yes

                                          Share this review

                                           
                                          5.0

                                          Excellent Stand

                                          By Sam the Man

                                          from New York, New York

                                          About Me Pro Photographer

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          Pros

                                          • It just does the job

                                          Cons

                                            Best Uses

                                            • Getting a light up high

                                            Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                            Great price. Stand goes very high and does the job. Might be a good idea to be weight on it just to stabilize especially when at its maximum height.

                                            • Was this a gift?:
                                            • No

                                            Share this review

                                             
                                            5.0

                                            Excellent beefy stand

                                            By crhocker

                                            from Nanaimo, BC

                                            About Me Pro Photographer

                                            Verified Buyer

                                            Pros

                                            • Durable

                                            Cons

                                              Best Uses

                                                Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                                [...] I was really happy with how light and sturdy this stand was and of course the fact I can raise it to 12'.

                                                • Was this a gift?:
                                                • No

                                                Share this review

                                                 
                                                5.0

                                                Great Buy

                                                By BT1005

                                                from Lockport Il

                                                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                                Verified Buyer

                                                Pros

                                                • Durable
                                                • Long-Lasting

                                                Cons

                                                  Best Uses

                                                  • General Use
                                                  • Indoors
                                                  • Outdoors

                                                  Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                                  Great stand for the money!!!

                                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                                  • No

                                                  Share this review

                                                   
                                                  5.0

                                                  Brilliant design. Great stand.

                                                  By TT

                                                  from Toronto, ON

                                                  About Me Pro Photographer

                                                  Verified Buyer

                                                  Pros

                                                  • Compact
                                                  • Good design
                                                  • Safe
                                                  • Smooth

                                                  Cons

                                                  • Heavy when bundled

                                                  Best Uses

                                                  • General Use

                                                  Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                                  Picked up this stand to work along with several other 9' models as it designed to have the same size base and 'clicks' together with the others for clean, easy storage.

                                                  It's solid, reliable and good looking (for good measure). The pressurized air system makes for safe raising and lowering which is so critical with a stand that goes this high. I don't have to worry about it slamming down if not tightened right or bearing all the weight when lowering a heavier strobe.

                                                  Worth every penny.

                                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                                  • No

                                                  Share this review

                                                   
                                                  5.0

                                                  Great sturdy stand for the price.

                                                  By Bob

                                                  from Seattle

                                                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                                  Verified Buyer

                                                  Pros

                                                  • Durable
                                                  • Good value
                                                  • Well built quality

                                                  Cons

                                                    Best Uses

                                                    • General Use

                                                    Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                                    This stand is well designed and well made. I especially like the air dampening in the column. These stands should last a long time unless you are extremely abusive to your gear. I plan on buying more. They also stack conveniently.

                                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                                    • No

                                                    Share this review

                                                     
                                                    4.0

                                                    Great Stand - Only 1 problem

                                                    By Brandon

                                                    from Cookeville, TN

                                                    About Me Pro Photographer

                                                    Verified Buyer

                                                    Pros

                                                    • Durable
                                                    • Sturdy

                                                    Cons

                                                    • Check The Allen Screws

                                                    Best Uses

                                                    • General Use
                                                    • Indoors
                                                    • Low Light
                                                    • Night Time
                                                    • On Location
                                                    • Outdoors

                                                    Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):

                                                    I really like this stand. It feels really sturdy and is very easy to take on location. It is a bit on the heavy side but for my needs, this is just what I wanted. I wouldn't see myself hiking this stand to a remote location shoot though.

                                                    I only had one problem with this stand and it was a VERY aggravating one. First day I took this out on a shoot the bottom coupler came right off the stand completely. Apparently the coupler is held on my an allen screw that pushes a small metal piece against the metal tubing.

                                                    That's all fine and dandy but when I'm on a location shoot and my stand falls apart, thats a problem. I didn't have the right size allen wrench to fix the stand on the shoot so I had to tighten it as much as I could with a screwdriver.

                                                    I've learned my lesson and will always have an allen wrench with me when using this stand but honestly I didn't expect the screws to be that loose and to just fall apart on the first use.

                                                    Manfrotto is known for making crazy awesome stands so it really surprised me that they allowed this stand to make it out to a customer and have screws that loose. Luckily, I was holding the stand in another place when this happened. Otherwise my $800 lighting gear would have come crashing down to earth.

                                                    My advice... buy this stand but make sure all the screws are tight before you put anything on it.

                                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                                    • No

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                                                    What's in the Box

                                                    Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black)
                                                    • One Year Manufacturer's Warranty
                                                     
                                                     
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