The LP605 is not only a recognizable upgrade from the LP604, but also it just may outperform the Manfrotto Nano light stand, which has certainly inspired the designers of the LP605, if not given them a template to follow and enhance. You’ll immediately notice that the LP605, with its solid aluminum legs, is beefier and feels more durable than the Nano. The five-section LP605 includes a 5/8” spigot with 1/4” and 3/8” screws. The legs can be spread across the ground to make it even more stable, or placed at an extreme angle for the highest position.
A very interesting feature of the LumoPro LP605 light stand is the metal spike folded into the lower section of each leg. These are turned and driven into the ground to give the photographer an extremely secure light stand in many outdoor environments. Not only is this a great design enhancement, but also you don’t need sandbags or other counterweights or purchase and transport heavier stands. Despite the metal spikes, there is a limit as to what the lightweight and compact LP605 will reasonably hold. In some third-party tests, the light stand was capable of supporting a speedlight with most modifiers or a small monolight; however, a softbox proved to be too heavy.
For approximately $39.00, the LumoPro LP605 Reflex Light Stand is definitely an excellent choice for first-time buyers of light stands. It is also a worthy addition to any semi-pro or pro’s array of equipment.
Specifications
- Height: 7 feet (213cm); retracted: 19 inches (49cm)
- Weight: 2 2/3 pounds (1.2kgs)
- Width: 3.5 inches (89mm)
- Footprint: 4.6 feet (142cm)
The LumoPro LP621 Miniature Boom Arm
This is a nifty accessory that connects to a light stand to provide a photographer more versatility when using a reflector. The arm consists of three sections, two movable spring clamps, spigots on both ends, and an optional carabiner to hang counterweights. Primary support comes from a perpendicular spigot at the center, which slides into various positions. The spigot can be inserted into an umbrella swivel (included) to attach the arm to a light stand.
Although lights are not intended to be hung from the LumoPro LP621, some advocate that speedlights or other small lighting equipment can be attached to it. It best to use a larger, heavier duty light stand than LumoPro’s LP605, if you plan to hang any size light from the LP621 arm. A counterweight will only cause a lightweight stand, such as the LP605, to bend in the middle, and possibly fall.
Some third-party tests have indicated that this miniature boom arm will work fine with an umbrella or small softbox, but you should carefully establish a firm base and good balance. Even then, it will require some trial-and-error to determine how much the arm can support in different shooting environments. On the upside, the LumoPro LP621 is a great solution to create a delicate hair light instead of using a heavier more costly boom system.
For approximately $45.00, the LumoPro LP621 miniature boom arm could be an essential piece of equipment for the pro who wants greater portability and the enthusiast who wants to improve casual portraits, various types of outdoor photography and macro photography.
Specifications
- Height: 5 1/2 feet (168cm); retracted 2 1/2 feet (76cm)
- Width: 2 3/4 feet (76mm)