C12 Lightstand

These are a good mix of mobility/easy to use and support, and very innovative, SAVES YOU TIME!These stands are REALLY handy and make working about 30% more effective out in the field (and in the studio). I mean, if you can't figure that out from the description alone, then take my advice, if you find yourself constantly picking up and moving light stands around with the added pain of kneeling down to untighten the legs, and then tighten them back up when you reach your new spot with the stand, then these will be your new best friend.I decided to spend a bit more and get the AIR Cushioned versions, can't really compare them to the regular versions except from when I saw it once at a workshop I attended where the instructor was using the non-air cushioned model. I prefer air cushioned stands to avoid potentially disasters which I think I have (I work fast, I think fast, I talk fast, and I make mistakes fast sometimes).

I love the height of this stand. It is sturdy, very quick to set up and take down. I have not had the chance to use it extensively yet, but it feels much more secure and less likely to tip over than any other portable stand I have used. I wish I had just gotten these earlier instead of wasting money on cheaper stands!One thing to note is that it is heavier than a smaller stand, but that of course is part of what makes it feel much more sturdy as well. It is worth the extra weight for me!One other thing of note: the air cushioned version actually leaks oil (got that all over my hands while setting up for a wedding this past weekend - yuck!!). But this one (the non-air cushioned version) has not leaked oil. Personally, I find air cushioning in light stands more of an annoyance than a help when I am working with light-weight speedlights. It takes longer to set up and take down and time is of the essence when it comes to weddings... Heavier lights just require a little more care... This stand will easily support Alien Bees and other larger lights and modifiers.

I have owned many stands, some have been cheap others expensive. But none could give the flexibility of grab and go. Well that until I found out about the CheetahStand. Ever since a have this my life has certainly been easier. I'm a Wedding Videographer and most of the time I'm operating a glide cam and can only use on hand to move things around. This turned out to work great for my lights now I don' need to worry about pulling in the legs before moving the stand as it just does this on its own.They do make a bit a of noise when you pick them up, but that something I'm not concerned about. They have been going like new and I've had them for a year now. If your doubt is if they will handle it, I believe they certainly will.

I've been a professional full time wedding photographer for four and half years now and have used off camera flash most of that time. The folding legs when you pick a CheetahStand is a dream come true when working with a crowd or really just on the move in general; say shooting a bridal indoors and moving from place to place. I have two 12 foot stands (and need a 3rd) and one 8 foot stand. For receptions the 12 foot stand stands are set-up off to the side of the dance floor and the 8 foot one (since it's so small and compact) stays with me for a good part of the reception. The 12 footers don't need sandbags but the 8 foot one is not stable enough to be set-up and left alone without bagging it but no need to bag it since it stays within arms reach.

I'm coming from a couple of cheap stands that came in a lighting kit I bought on here and I have to say these things are like night and day to those. These are built like tanks. I haven't worried about anything falling over since getting these like I used to with my old stands. I love the auto deploy feature of these stands, saves so much time and hassle moving from area to area. One note, if you do get these prepare for some heavy stands. These things are built like tanks and have the heft to prove it. If you're looking for some really nice stands these are for you.

If you're a wedding photographer who uses off-camera lighting, this will be your new best friend. Once you've experienced automatically collapsing legs you'll want to sell all of your other c-stands. Wanna buy mine? LOL Cheetah stands are amazing. I own both the 8 foot and the 12 foot, and they both have their roles. On big weddings where I'll be photographing a large group for formals, I bring the 12 footer because it can handle my 7" Parabolic shoot-through umbrella. The 7' parabolic would tip-over the 8 footer, even if weighted down with shot / sand bags. On the other hand, the 8 footer is significantly lighter and more portable and much easier to drag around a huge casino or big hotel. I love them both and will get more soon.

Heavy easy to move around but it's a solid so I actually purchase the 8 ft. to move around but these 12 footers are sooo tall and sturdy it's great for dance floor (wedding), planning on purchase 3 more.

It is really great but very expensive when you buy it in Germany. You have to add a shipping and handling fee ($ 88.95) and import-tax in Germany (€ 50,26). So the CheetahStand ($ 119.95) will finally cost about $ 263,–. Although the CheetahStand works really great I don't think, that I will buy me a second one.