Manfrotto 1052BAC Air-Cushioned Compact Black Stand

After buying the three pack of 9 foot stands, MA1005BAC3, I wanted to get the more compact stands as well. The way I see it, light stands are like luggage, you don't need all of your luggage for every trip. Instead, you pick and choose which suitcase is best for the trip. The same goes for light stands -- sometimes you need a tall and extra sturdy one and other times you can use something lighter like these compact stands. Having a choice makes sense.

A well designed stand

I purchased the product based upon the ratings and reviews it received and I was not disappointed. The product is very light weight and easy to set up. In fact the only issue I had with the product was the ease with which the top brass connector turns. I had a flash attached to the top of the stand. The flash was connected to the camera on another tripod and I attempted to separate the two. The cord was a coiled cord and the pull was sufficient to cause the top piece to turn. Perhaps some way to lock down the top piece to prevent it from turning would be in order. Probably better to invest in a wireless system. In any event, it was only a minor annoyance. Great product, light weight, packs up to a easily transportable size.

Almost perfect

I was excited to find stands that were actually made well, light, and stack efficiently for transport. When I received them and opened the box, two of the three stands had a little plastic nub broken off for the spring loaded catch that locks stands together while transport. Because of this I had to return them; this feature is key to me that makes them worth the extra money over a no name cheap stand. Seems to me that manfrotto should of made that little plastic part out of some sort of metal and not plastic. The thickness of where the plastic lip broke was not much so in hind sight it's not surprising it broke since it was under engineered.I don't see this as being adorama's fault since the box appeared to be as manfrotto packed it in a manfrotto box. If the ... MoreI was excited to find stands that were actually made well, light, and stack efficiently for transport. When I received them and opened the box, two of the three stands had a little plastic nub broken off for the spring loaded catch that locks stands together while transport. Because of this I had to return them; this feature is key to me that makes them worth the extra money over a no name cheap stand. Seems to me that manfrotto should of made that little plastic part out of some sort of metal and not plastic. The thickness of where the plastic lip broke was not much so in hind sight it's not surprising it broke since it was under engineered.I don't see this as being adorama's fault since the box appeared to be as manfrotto packed it in a manfrotto box. If the stands are going to break that little tab while in a box that manfrotto ships the stands in, then it's more likely to happen after they are unboxed and I am transporting them in my bags.If manfrotto fixes this under engineered design flaw I would buy them in a heartbeat since the rest of the stand seems first class. Until then they are not worth the premium over cheap stands

Awesome Light Stand. Weak pairing latch

Bought a 3-pack of these to cut down on size in our travel bag as they fold flat and take up a lot less space. The stands are sturdy and supportive, however the pairing latch they use to join the stands together when not in use was very fragile. The first one broke a couple days after purchase with the second one failing a few days after that. B&H was awesome in getting them switched up and we haven't had any problems with the 2 new ones (the 3rd from the original set is still holding strong as well) although its only been a few weeks. Good product overall, just wish they would reinforce the pairing latch.

Great product but poor inter-stand locking part

These stands are pretty good and are a good balance between stability and portability. Its not the most portable in the series and not the most stable, but right in the middle. I have a set of the smaller version which are great for travel but with a leg spread of 70cm are just not as stable. The series above this is too large for travel. The biggest criticism I have though is the locking mechanism which ties the stands together. It simply is useless, lasting no longer than a week with careful use. On the last set of stands I bought the same flimsy plastic lug that holds the stands together during transport broke in no time. If Manfrotto were to machine this same part out of brass or aluminum it would be far better. It is something that I will look at doing myself ... MoreThese stands are pretty good and are a good balance between stability and portability. Its not the most portable in the series and not the most stable, but right in the middle. I have a set of the smaller version which are great for travel but with a leg spread of 70cm are just not as stable. The series above this is too large for travel. The biggest criticism I have though is the locking mechanism which ties the stands together. It simply is useless, lasting no longer than a week with careful use. On the last set of stands I bought the same flimsy plastic lug that holds the stands together during transport broke in no time. If Manfrotto were to machine this same part out of brass or aluminum it would be far better. It is something that I will look at doing myself in the near future.

Love it

initially purchased the Impact Air-Cushioned Heavy Duty Light Stand (9.6') but had to return it almost immediately after the clips broke. It literally began to fall apart with the tubing coming apart. Worst of all, I had used it maybe twice when this happened. The stand generally had a very lightweight, cheap feel to it. I was disappointed but you get what you pay for. Enter the Manfrotto stand and the comparison is night and day. I seriously love the feel (and look) of this stand: it is sturdy, yet light, the knobs are solid and tighten nicely and the air cushioning works great. I've owned this stand for almost a year and a half now. It has been used at many weddings and has seen a lot of travel but I have no complaints at all. It is a very durable light stand ... Moreinitially purchased the Impact Air-Cushioned Heavy Duty Light Stand (9.6') but had to return it almost immediately after the clips broke. It literally began to fall apart with the tubing coming apart. Worst of all, I had used it maybe twice when this happened. The stand generally had a very lightweight, cheap feel to it. I was disappointed but you get what you pay for. Enter the Manfrotto stand and the comparison is night and day. I seriously love the feel (and look) of this stand: it is sturdy, yet light, the knobs are solid and tighten nicely and the air cushioning works great. I've owned this stand for almost a year and a half now. It has been used at many weddings and has seen a lot of travel but I have no complaints at all. It is a very durable light stand without any sacrifice in quality and in fact I just purchased another one. I also have the 12' version for my heavier equipment and I love that stand too. If you are debating which stand to go for, you won't have any regrets with the Manfrotto Alu-Air Cushioned series.

Nice design, poor material choice

I have six stands like these, and three of its larger cousin, the 12' master stand variety. I absolutely love the larger stands, but have been let down by these smaller ones. The vital parts on the smaller stands are made of plastic, and the stacking mechanism of most of my stands have broken after two-three years of use. Also, the joint where you are supposed to tighten the legs have cracked from the pressure when tightening the tightening knob on one of my stands. So while my initial impression was very positive, my conclusion is that these stands will not last. I hope Manfrotto will make an improved version where the important joints are made of metal like on the larger stands, so it will withstand professional use.

Plastic Bits Break, Kill Stand.

Five stars reduced to two. Plastic bits break easily, make stand useless.I've been buying and using Manfrotto lightstands professionally since 1985. I still have those first 7' stands and use them regularly. So when I saw these new fold-flat and stack stands, I jumped and bought three packs of all three sizes.Within 6 months, a fatal design flaw became obvious as the engineered plastic molding that holds the center column and leg braces together began cracking and failing. This piece should have been aluminum. The stress points are very, very thin and they will snap if hit in just the wrong way, rendering the stand useless. Manfrotto doesn't have a repair for it, either.Otherwise, these stands are fantastic. They fold flat and stack together for easy transport ... MoreFive stars reduced to two. Plastic bits break easily, make stand useless.I've been buying and using Manfrotto lightstands professionally since 1985. I still have those first 7' stands and use them regularly. So when I saw these new fold-flat and stack stands, I jumped and bought three packs of all three sizes.Within 6 months, a fatal design flaw became obvious as the engineered plastic molding that holds the center column and leg braces together began cracking and failing. This piece should have been aluminum. The stress points are very, very thin and they will snap if hit in just the wrong way, rendering the stand useless. Manfrotto doesn't have a repair for it, either.Otherwise, these stands are fantastic. They fold flat and stack together for easy transport and storage. Just a great, innovative design that was crippled by really bad material choices. Too bad they have this fatal Achilles Heel.

Versatile, lightweight and space saving light stand

I own six of these Manfrotto #1052BAC. I chose them for the smart design stackable feature. At first, I bought only 3 because I worried about the bottom bracket, made of plastic. Its not as sturdy as the the original stackable #306 (bought in 2003). But after a year using and carrying around the new model I must say Its solid enough, lighter and easier to stack together than the original. I can carry 3, 4 or 6 of them in my car trunk and they rest flat, dont tend to roll or produce rattles when I drive on bad roads. Manfrotto also offer a smaller model #1051BAC with smaller footprint, as well as a bigger, sturdier model (cant recall the #). This later model is sturdy enough for an overhang main light (medium softbox, or 5 foot Photek umbrella with small boom and ... MoreI own six of these Manfrotto #1052BAC. I chose them for the smart design stackable feature. At first, I bought only 3 because I worried about the bottom bracket, made of plastic. Its not as sturdy as the the original stackable #306 (bought in 2003). But after a year using and carrying around the new model I must say Its solid enough, lighter and easier to stack together than the original. I can carry 3, 4 or 6 of them in my car trunk and they rest flat, dont tend to roll or produce rattles when I drive on bad roads. Manfrotto also offer a smaller model #1051BAC with smaller footprint, as well as a bigger, sturdier model (cant recall the #). This later model is sturdy enough for an overhang main light (medium softbox, or 5 foot Photek umbrella with small boom and counterweight). I certainly recommend this product. But choose carefully the size you need though, to make sure you dont sacrifice sturdiness in order to gain portability.

well designed, well made

I would want to weight these down if used in an area where anyone will be walking near them while they are under load. This is not a comment on their quality - anything that is realistically portable will need a sandbag.Operation is smooth and feels like quality. The way these stands link together for ease in transportation is well designed and a big bonus.My only concern is the price. You can buy poorly designed ones for $15... To a certain extent it feels like I'm paying 40% of the price for the Manfrotto badge.