Topic: Lowel Uni-TO Light Stand

[bucsab12]

Hi Everyone

I am looking to buy a small stand to mount my CA-14 mics on. I am looking for a stand that will extend to about 7'-8' and collapse into the smallest size possible.

At first I was thinking of the Manfrotto 5001B Nano stand:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/612771-REG/Manfrotto_5001B_5001B_Nano_Black_Light.html

but after looking for at some other stands, I came across this Lowel Uni-TO Light Stand:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284734-REG/Lowel_UN_55_Uni_TO_Light_Stand_.html

Both of these stands collapse into a very small size (Manfrotto: 19", Lowel: 21.5"), both weigh about the same, have the same footprint and the only real difference is the top height.

While the Manfrotto extends to 6.2', the Lowel extends to 7.9' which is quite a large difference.

It is very tempting to go for the Lowel because of the extra height but I am afraid that it may be flimsy because it has the same specs as the Manfrotto but can go up a lot higher.

I wasn't able to find any information about the Lowel stand on TS so I wanted to know if anyone owns one and if so, what do you think about it?

Thank you very much in advance

[bucsab12]

Anyone?

[flipp]

I wouldn't necessarily call 2' a lot higher (though it will get above everyone) and since the CA-14s are so small I wouldn't worry about the Lowel not being able to support them or being flimsy. Lowel is a fairly well respected manufacturer of photographic accessories. Personally of those two I'd go with the Lowel as the Manfrotto isn't even head height for me. Also try looking around ebay for Amnova or Dynatran stands. Lots of folks here have used them. I don't recall any negative comments about them and they are considerably cheaper (~50%) than either of those you linked to.

[bucsab12]

Thank you flipp for the reply

I looked at some stands like the Amnova and Dynatran that you have mentioned and I also found some Smith-Victor ones that were a lot cheaper than the Manfrotto and Lowel stands. The difference though between the Lowel and the Manfrotto and the less expensive stands is that they are not so small when collapsed. I wanna stay under the radar so I was looking for a stand that is about head high when fully extended and that has a small collapsible size so I will be able to put it inside a bag and only take it out when I am at the venue. I am afraid that if I walk into the venue with a stand in my hand, it will raise some eyebrows.

The Manfrotto and the Lowel are the only stands that I found that have 4 risers, and fold to approximately 20 inches. I also found an APIC stand but it was about $80 which it too expensive for me at this moment.

If you know of a cheaper stand that has the same specs, please tell me because I would love to save some money 

[crazifyngers]

I just pulled out my 5001b to verify this.  this 6' height is with the lets completely out.  i have run this stand many time at 7-7.5 feet with no issues using church or other lightweight mics.  I am not usually anywhere where i need to go much higher than that.  if i am in a venue that i need more height there are probably other tapers that i can get some clamp space from.  good luck.

[bucsab12]

Thanks crazifyngers for letting me know about the 5001b real height. It did seem a bit short because it has about the same specs as the Lowel but runs 2 feet shorter according to B&H.

Most of the concerts I will go to will probably be at venues with seats and not at outdoor festivals so I think 8' will probably be enough for my needs. I am only hoping to find a cheaper stand with the same specs as the Lowel and the Manfotto in order to save some $$$...

[ArchivalAudio]

a long time ago (over 15 years) I got a photoflex light-stand to replace my old heavy steel smith Victor light-stand.
it still going strong even after lendning to a buddy for a few years, and seeing tons (probably well over 100) of Widsepread Panic, Phish Allmans etc. tours.

it a bit taller than what you want it goes up to about 10.5' to 11'

collapsing  to a small size is nice - for that I have a compact dyna lite - bogen style stand which collapses to just under 19" ( i chopped the legs for on stage and FOB) it now goes up to about 6.5' - I got it at B&H


check out the B&H used stuff here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Lightstands-Booms/ci/2925/N/4294246739

you'll find this impact air cushion 8' er for $22.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800698862-USE/Impact_2212ABH_Air_Cushioned_Black_Stand.html

if you want a stand that's 8 feet look for one - or post an ISO in the yardsale.

you may want a stand that is at least 8 or 10 feet so you can get above the talking heads of the crowd.

peace
--Ian

[bucsab12]

Thanks Ian for the link.

The impact stand does seem really nice.

The Dynalite stand also looks like a nice stand but it is more expensive than the Manfrotto and the Lowel.

I'm having trouble deciding between the Lowel and Impact stands.

Both have the same top height but the Lowel is a lot lighter and has a collapsible size that is 5" shorter. The Imapct stand is air cushioned (please tell me what is the difference between an air cushioned stand and one that is not air cushioned?), it seems more robust and it's about $20 cheaper than the Lowel.

So my options are:

Impact - Air cushioned, robust, cheap

Lowel - Small Collapsible size (fits in a bag), light

What option would you choose?

[flipp]

If collapsed size is more important I would go with the Lowel.

I have an Impact (different model - 3 section instead of 4) and it's a nice stand but it only fits in a folding camp chair bag. AIr cushioning slows the section collapsing. If you forget to fully tighten one of the section clamp it allows the section to leisurely drift into the lower section instead of falling at the speed of gravity. Helps prevent catastrophic equipment loss/damage and pinched flesh. A nice feature but not essential.

[bucsab12]

Thanks flipp for making that clear.

I think I will go for the Lowel because of its small size and light weight.

After I will receive it I will post some pictures to let you know what I think about it.

Thank you everyone for you help.

[rastasean]

have you decided how you will mount your mics to the stand?

[bucsab12]

Hi Sean

I went over your pics a couple of days ago. Thanks again for them. They are really helpful and you should put them on the forum (if you are interested) because they provide some great information...

I think I am going to use the Manfrotto rapid adapter to connect the mics to the top of the stand.

I am going to order the following items for my rig:

* Lowel Uni-TO Light Stand - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284734-REG/Lowel_UN_55_Uni_TO_Light_Stand_.html
* Manfrotto 035RL Super Clamp with Standard Stud - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546356-REG/Manfrotto_035RL_035RL_Super_Clamp_with.html
* Manfrotto 014-38 Rapid Adapter - 5/8" Stud to 3/8" Thread - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546490-REG/Manfrotto_014_38_014_38_Rapid_Adapter_.html
* Sound Professionals - Premium T Mount - http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-GNA-3
* AKG 3/8" Female to 5/8" Male Thread Adapter - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/286147-REG/AKG_KM217_3_8_Female_to_5_8_.html
* Matthews Telescopic Baby Stand Extension - 18 - 54" - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/33185-REG/Matthews_429499_Telescopic_Baby_Stand_Extension.html

I am only waiting for the Matthews pole and the AKG adapter to restock in B&H and then I will order everything.

[flipp]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298915-REG/WindTech_M_3_M3_Europeam_to_U_S_Stud_Adapter.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400111-REG/On_Stage_MA_300_MA300_Screw_Adapter.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/232829-REG/K_M_21700_000_01_21700N_Threaded_Adapter.html


all in stock and all cheaper than the AKG adapter

[rastasean]

Hi Sean

I went over your pics a couple of days ago. Thanks again for them. They are really helpful and you should put them on the forum (if you are interested) because they provide some great information...

I think I am going to use the Manfrotto rapid adapter to connect the mics to the top of the stand.

I am going to order the following items for my rig:


I am only waiting for the Matthews pole and the AKG adapter to restock in B&H and then I will order everything.

Oh, great. I'm glad they did!!

I agree with flipp, what he linked you to would work just as well. If I bought the more expensive ones, it was out of ignorance.