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

  • Price: $89.95
  • GBP 57.43
  • 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
ManfrottoAlu Master 3 Riser 12' AC Stand (Black)
 
4.8

(based on 52 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (45)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

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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    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Similar to Manfrotto Stackers

    By Scott

    from Dallas-Fort Worth

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    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

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Great Upgrade

          By Caribbean Joe

          from Naples, FL

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          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

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            strong stand

            By cshaffner

            from minneapolis, mn

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            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

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Solid

                  By Rusty

                  from Dallas Fort Worth Texas

                  About Me Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  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

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  JUICED......about a light stand!

                  By Juice Man

                  from San Francisco, CA

                  About Me Casual Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  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

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Awesome

                      By Rebecca

                      from Vancouver BC

                      About Me Pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      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

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Great Stand

                        By Prodigynumber1

                        from Orlando, FL

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        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

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Adapter needed if used as mic stand

                          By rjp

                          from Chicago

                          Verified Reviewer

                          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

                                Share this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                Well thought out

                                By MoFoToLkwd

                                from Lakewood, NJ

                                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                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

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Very Good Buy!

                                  By Jared

                                  from York, PA

                                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                  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 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

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    4.0

                                    Sturdy, Compact

                                    By Ryan A Randall

                                    from Toronto

                                    About Me Pro Photographer

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    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

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    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

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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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