Boom stand for Aputure 120d II + Light Dome II?

[Francesco Ragazzi]

Hi everyone,

Noob question. I searched the forum, but couldn't find an answer, so apologies if it's been discussed already. I will light a person working at their desk from above, with an Aputure 120d II + Light Dome II over their head. I thus need a good stand + boom solution. I am based in Europe. What brand/solutions do you recommend?

- Would this be enough: https://vocas.nl/manfrotto-combi-boom-stand-black-with-sandbag-420b.html ?

- Or should I consider a separate stand like this one https://vocas.nl/manfrotto-master-light-stand-1004bac.html + a boom  https://www.fotoflits.com/nl/manfrotto-light-boom-024b.html

I'm open to any other recommendations or advice. Thanks!

Francesco.

[Roly Osborne]

The extent of what you need will depend upon how wide your shot is, obviously. But, as a general point, I'd say you'd probably want something beefier (steel). It might cost a bit more—though not much, in the grand scheme of things—but it will last practically forever. You might be able to get away with a c-stand complete with gobo arm. A step up from this would be a "beefy baby" stand with a steel boom arm. 

As you're based in Europe, you should perhaps be looking at Avenger (sometimes referred to as Manfrotto/Avenger) products. A more budget alternative would be Kupo. I have the following combo that works well from Kupo:
https://dukefotografia.com/en/arm-holders/kupo-brazo-baby-boom-acero-kupo.html
https://dukefotografia.com/en/foot-study/kupo-midi-max-pie-de-studio-kit-135m-kupo.html
https://dukefotografia.com/en/kneecaps/kupo-grip-tag-with-handle-kupo.html
(gotta love those translations into English…). I'm Spanish-based, but there are alternative shops in the Netherlands and Belgium. 
I don't use your specific Aperture combination, but it's good for some fairly weighty lights. Just sandbag the base and counterweight and make sure you don't boom it out too far. And use a safety cable on the light just in case.
Anything more ambitious (or wider) would probably require some kind of overhead rig, but then things get more complex.

Also, There are also these fellas selling cheaper "knock-off" versions who seem to get good reviews but I cannot personally vouch for them: https://cinelight.com/

Of course, depending upon your ceiling, there may be some other way of mounting the light…

Finally, for your viewing pleasure… https://www.youtube.com/user/SeerveldMedia

Edited June 14, 2020 by Roly Osborne

[Francesco Ragazzi]

Thanks a lot Roly, will defintely look into those links!