Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black)
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(based on 52 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (44)
- Long-lasting (17)
- Attach securely (15)
- Good color value (7)
- Good power output (7)
Cons
Best Uses
- General purpose (28)
- Indoors (26)
- Outdoors (24)
- Outdoor events / games (12)
- Low light (10)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (22), Pro photographer (18), Photo enthusiast (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (43)
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 52 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
Good price for good stand. Similar to my Manfrotto Stacker stands. Perhaps not quite as heavy-duty.
I only tested the legs. I bought this to be a light stick so I removed the legs and use it with a monolight and lithium ion inverter.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
Purchased two of these to use with Bowens Gemini Espirit mono blocks - replaced lighter duty stands that are now being used for backgrounds. Very happy with them and don't anticipate a need to replace them - they're that good.
I'm also very happy with the slim design when they are folded and hooked together; makes transport for on-location shooting easier, but they are heavier than the lighter duty stands they replaced (getting used to that).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
yes it's kind of heavy and big, but it's very strong and I trust it to hold any light or softbox. it's well built so you know it's worth the $.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Video Sets
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
These are so much more solid and stable than the lighter weight 8' stands I would not consider anything lighter than this for my studio needs. The extra height lets me set up media backgrounds and use 10' wide x 20+ long backdrops sideways for video shoots.
They clip together much better than the previous models. And, after carrying 4 of these clipped together to and from shoots, you will have no need to go the gym latter. A shoulder bag is highly recommended for transporting these.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Photoflex First Studio Backdrop Pole
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
I give this product a true 5 stars for the following reasons. Don't hesitate to purchase this, you wont be dissapointed.
-Comparably priced to no-name brand light stands, but with the Manfrotto name, quality, and customer support.
-Very solid construction and sturdy.
-The interlocking design is pretty cool and very secure once they're all locked in.
-There's a CNC'd red anodized locking mechanism, which looks nice. Not really important, but cool anyways.
-The air cushioning works perfectly, contrary to the experience that I read in another review.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
Super sturdy, well made. Holds my AB1600 and giant octabox no problem. Would definitely recommend.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
This stand is both strong and light, and the clamps are much better quality than lesser brand's clamps.
The fact that it lays flat is a really nice feature. It makes we want to replace all my stands!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
Solidly constructed yet light weight. Note that if you use it as a mic stand, you'll need a 1/4"-to-5/8" or 3/8"-to-5/8" adapter unless your mic mount has 1/4" or 3/8" threads.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- B&H #AKKM217 AKG 3/8"-to-5/8" thread adapter
Pros
- Attaches Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Portraits
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
The system down to the knobs is well thought out. The air cushion allows me to feel comfortable allowing an assistant to set up and pack my equipment. Stacking is a great improvement from the past versions with the locks built in as opposed to rubber straps. The hight is just the cherry on top with some ceilings that you need the extension
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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 bought two of these stands and I use them to hold up a 12x10 greenscreen as well as lights. These stands are built very durable and will last me a very long time!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Sturdy
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
Folds flat, easy to transport very sturdy, broad foot print. A little finicky to open but negligible for its compactness. I never rely on air cushioning, so I disregard it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto Alu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black):
love the compact stackable design sturdy
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Grip Heads & Booms
-
- Original: $29.95
- Save: $2.99
- Price: $26.96
- GBP 17.21
Attachment Brackets
-
- Original: $24.95
- Save: $2.49
- Price: $22.46
- GBP 14.34
Bags & Cases
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- Original: $89.99
- Save: $30.04
- Price: $59.95
- GBP 38.28
Tutorials
- Price: $32.95
- GBP 21.04
What's in the Box
- One Year Manufacturer's Warranty
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