The best light stand helps you optimize your photography lighting. Whether you shoot in a studio or on location, a high-quality light stand supports your gear. It helps you position perfect lighting for any style of photography.
The NEEWER Spring-Loaded Photography Light Stand is our top choice. The spring-loaded design buffers the weight to support heavy lighting units. And it has a wide, adjustable height range. But if that isn’t the light stand you need, keep reading for more options.
What Is the Best Light Stand?
The best light stand is an essential piece of equipment if you need off-camera lighting. By “off-camera,” we mean photography lights not mounted on your camera. They could be off-camera flashguns, spotlights, or strobes. LED light panels are another popular choice.
There are lightweight, portable light stands. These are the best options if you shoot on location outdoors. But you can also get heavy-duty light stands, better suited to the photography studio.
The maximum load capacity is one of the most important specifications for the best light stand. This tells you how much weight the stand can hold safely.
Many off-camera flashes don’t weigh too much. But if you’re using softboxes and reflectors, too, the weight can build up. And you need to know the stand can hold all that gear.
For some photographers, the maximum height is also important. You must know if the stand can hold the lights high enough for overhead lighting. Even if you don’t need them that high, you must know if the stand can support lighting at the height you need.
We’ve also listed weight and build material as other key specs. Light stand weight is important if you’re moving from location to location. And build material indicates quality and strength.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best light stands for photography. We’ve included a wide range of different light stands. You’ll find heavy-duty stands for bulky equipment. There are portable stands for location shooting. And we have mini stands for smaller lighting setups.
We then look at all the lights in more detail in the section after. And we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions in the FAQ section at the end.
- Internal springs for buffering and shock absorbtion
- Weight capacity of 22 lb / 10 kg
- Wide adjustable height range and folds down for storing
- Strong aluminum construction with spread level base
- Base rests on three swivel casters
- Each caster has quick-release lock
- Max capacity of 22 lb / 10 kg with low center of gravity
- 1/4" to 3/8" screw for mounting any lighting unit
- Lightweight carbon fiber construction
- Max height of 7.2 ft / 2.2 m
- 19.6 inch / 50 cm folded height
- Comes with carry case for easy transportation
- 2-piece light stand set
- Max load capacity of 11 lb / 5 kg
- Constructed from strong, lightweight, aluminum alloy
- Each stand comes with carry case
- Dual grip head for multi-angle mounting
- Central column has max load capacity of 44 lb / 22 kg
- Max height of 10.5 ft / 3.2 m
- Stainless steel construction with removable boom arm
- Portable 2-piece mini light stand set
- Convenient sized for tabletop or low-angle lighting
- Maximum load capacity of 4.4 lb / 2 kg
- Strong aluminum construction yet lightweight and portable
- Incredible 13 ft / 3.96 m max working height
- Solid aluminum with 20 lb / 9 kg load capacity
- Main column has 4 telescopic poles with twist locks
- Air cushioned joins protects against impact damage
- Comes with sandbags, clamps, and grip heads
- Maximum weight capacity of 22 lb / 9 kg
- Sturdy turtle base and adjustable legs
- Beautiful stainless steel construction
8 Best Light Stands for Photography
What kind of light stand do you need? Are you looking for a portable light stand for location shooting? Do you need a heavy-duty light stand to hold a heavy load? Or are you after a tall stand for high-elevation lighting?
No matter what kind of light stand you need, we have it in our article. Let’s take a closer look at the best light stands for photography.
1. NEEWER Spring Loaded Photography Light Stand
| Brand |
Brand
NEEWER
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Stand Weight |
Stand Weight
3.2 lb / 1.45 kg
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
34 inches / 87 cm
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
6.6 ft / 2 m
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Internal buffer springs, universal adapter, twist locks
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable light stand
|
The NEEWER Spring Loaded Photography Light Stand is our top recommendation. The build quality is excellent, as we’ve come to expect with NEEWER products. It’s versatile and can be used in a studio or on location. And it has special features like the internal buffer springs.
With the internal springs, the stand and your mounted equipment are protected against impact damage. The stand won’t slip down when you loosen one of the twist locks. That means stand parts won’t clank together and disrupt the rest of the setup. It’s a safety feature that greatly improves user experience.
Its lightweight aluminum construction weighs only 3.2 lb (1.45 kg). It isn’t the absolute lightest on our list. But it is light, considering it has a max load capacity of 22 lb (10 kg). That’s strong enough for panels and flashguns, even with umbrellas and diffusers attached.
You get a wide height range, with a minimum stable height of 2.85 ft (87 cm) and a max of 6.6 ft (2 m). It also folds down, making it easy to pack away and transport. And when folded, it measures only 2.45 ft (74 cm).
The main column is comprised of three telescopic sections. Each can be adjusted and then locked into place using twist locks. You also have a universal adapter at the top for mounting your lighting rig. And the spread level at the tripod’s base gives you better stability.
Most photographers will be happy with the NEEWER Spring Loaded Light Stand. It’s a reliable piece of lighting equipment that offers fantastic value for your money.
2. NEEWER Heavy Duty Light Stand With Casters
| Brand |
Brand
NEEWER
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Stand Weight |
Stand Weight
7 lb / 3.2 kg
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
14.5 inches / 37 cm
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
28 inches / 72 cm
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Three lockable casters (wheels), twist locks
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for a versatile light stand with wheels
|
The NEEWER Heavy Duty Light Stand With Casters gives you excellent mobile lighting in the studio. It gives you a solid base for supporting heavy lighting units. But the swivel casters make it easy to move the light stand around without deconstructing the setup.
The swivel casters are similar to trolley wheels, letting you move the base in any direction. Each wheel has a simple yet highly effective quick-release lock. They stop the base from moving when you don’t want it to. You can lock and unlock the wheels with your feet. So you don’t need to bend down and worry about back strain.
The stand is quite heavy at 7 lb (3.2 kg). That makes it a pain to transport. But it gives you a nice low center of gravity, so your lighting setup won’t topple over. It doesn’t have the biggest height range. But it’s ideal for low-to-mid-level lighting.
With a max load capacity of 22 lb (10 kg), it’s strong and reliable. It can support large lights, spotlights, and strobes, along with extras like diffusers and reflectors. It’s also easy to mount a wide range of lights using the detachable 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch screw.
The Heavy-Duty NEEWER is the best wheeled light stand for studio photography. It’s strong with excellent build quality. It folds away for easy storage. And it won’t cost you an arm and a leg!
3. Besnfoto Portable Light Stand
| Brand |
Brand
Besnfoto
|
| Material |
Material
Carbon fiber
|
| Stand Weight |
Stand Weight
1.2 lb / 535 g
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
33.5 inches / 90 cm
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
7.2 ft / 2.2 m
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
5 lb / 2.2 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Twist locks, 1/4 to 3/8 universal screw, carry case
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers that need a lightweight, portable light stand
|
The Besnfoto Portable Light Stand is the best option for photographers on the move. It’s lightweight, portable, and highly versatile. But it’s also strong, stable, and durable.
Weighing only 1.2 lb (535 g), it’s one of the lightest light stands. And considering the wide height range, it’s reliable and versatile for a travel light stand. The carbon fiber build material is strong while also being lightweight. It isn’t a flimsy piece of kit.
It measures only 19.6 inches (50 cm) when folded down for storage. And thanks to the adjustable legs and extendable poles, you get a wide adjustable height range when mounting lights. The minimum height is 33.5 inches (90 cm). And you can mount lights at 7.2 ft (2.2 m) when fully extended.
Adjusting the height is easy with the twist locks. And the legs can be spread further out if you want a wider base to work on. It also helps if you’re setting it up on uneven ground.
You can mount pretty much any light or accessory thanks to the 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch screw adapter. That includes studio lights, LED panels, and camera or phone mounts. That’s as long as it doesn’t exceed the 5 lb (2.2 kg) weight limit.
If you’re a location photographer jumping from place to place, the Besnfoto Light Stand is a good fit. It’s strong, reliable, and doesn’t weigh a ton. It even comes with a carry case, which is a handy little bonus.
4. EMART Light Stand for Photography (2 Pack)
| Brand |
Brand
EMART
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum Alloy
|
| Stand Weight |
Stand Weight
2.8 lb / 1 kg (each)
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
32.4 inches / 82.3 cm
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
7 ft / 2.1 m
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
11 lb / 5 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Quick-release locks, rubber feet, carry case
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for affordable and reliable light stands
|
The EMART Light Stand for Photography is the best option for photographers on a tight budget. You get a reliable light stand with a handy carry case. And it comes as a two-pack, giving you even better value for your money.
Made with lightweight aluminum alloy, you get a strong yet easy-to-carry light stand. Each stand only weighs 2.8 lb (1 kg). But they can support lights weighing up to 11 lb (5 kg). That’s strong enough for most pro-level lights and accessories.
With a 32.4-inch to 84-inch (82.3 cm to 213 cm) height range, you have excellent flexibility. It’s also easy to readjust the height quickly, thanks to the quick-release flip locks. You can find the perfect height without dismounting and remounting your gear.
Each leg has an extra support joining the central pole. This gives extra stability and distributes the weight evenly, ensuring the legs won’t collapse under a heavy load.
Both EMART Light Stands come with an individual carry case. That makes them easy to store, carry, and transport. It’s a really competitive price for a two-stand set.
5. NEEWER Pro Stainless Steel C Stand With Boom
| Brand |
Brand
NEEWER
|
| Material |
Material
Stainless Steel
|
| Stand Weight |
Stand Weight
20 lb / 9 kg
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
4.7 ft / 1.4 m
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
10.5 ft / 3.2 m
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
44 lb / 20 kg (central column) 17.6 lb / 8 kg (extension arm)
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Dual grip head, twist locks, stable turtle base, rubber feet
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professional studio photographers
|
The NEEWER Pro Stainless Steel With Boom is the best C stand on the market. It is one of the pricier light stands on our list. But it’s worth every penny if you work in a professional photography studio.
Made of solid stainless steel, this C stand is ultra-strong and durable. Weighing 20 lb (9 kg) with all parts included means it isn’t a portable light stand. But it’s one of the strongest C stands out there.
When mounting directly on the central column, it can hold up to 44 lb (20 lb)! That’s strong enough for any lighting setup you can dream up. It isn’t quite as strong if you mount lights on the boom arm. But it can still hold up to 17.6 lb (8 kg).
The dual grip head and boom arm make it unbeatable in the versatility department. The lighting positions are practically limitless. Each grip head has four holes for holding poles. And the heads can rotate 360 degrees, helping you find the perfect lighting angle.
As NEEWER describes it, it has a stable “turtle base.” In practice, the base is three bent legs you can turn independently. The rubber feet also give you extra grip on any surface.
As sturdy as the base is, you must counterbalance the weight when mounting heavy lights on the boom. Studio sandbags are the perfect solution if you don’t have them already.
Height is another strong point for this stand. If you extend the central column to its full length, you have a max mounting height of 10.5 ft (3.2 m). That’s well above head height for most people, giving you fantastic overhead lighting options.
You need a bigger budget for the NEEWER Pro Stainless Steel C Stand With Boom. And experience using photography light stands is also beneficial. But if you’re a professional looking for a high-quality light stand, this is what you need.
6. NEEWER Mini Photography Light Stands
| Brand |
Brand
NEEWER
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum alloy
|
| Stand Weight |
Stand Weight
1.9 lb / 800 g
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
14 inches / 35.6 cm
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
20 inches / 50.8 cm
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
4.4 lb / 2 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
2-piece set, twist locks
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for small light stands
|
The NEEWER Mini Photography Light Stands are handy when you need something small. They are conveniently sized. And they can hold many types of photography lights and accessories. They also come as a pack of two, so you get excellent value.
They have a sturdy mini tripod design with strong yet lightweight aluminum alloy. And despite the diminutive size, they can still shoulder a max load of 4.4 lb (2 kg). The extra leg stabilizers connecting to the central column also help to give you a stable mounting.
As mini light stands, they don’t have the biggest height range. But they still give you a minimum height of 14 inches (35.6 cm) and a maximum height of 20 inches (50.8 cm). That’s enough versatility if you’re working at low angles.
On top, you have a 5/8-inch stud with a 1/4-inch male screw. That means it’s compatible with a wide range of lights and accessories. The central column and legs also have twist locks. They make it easy to adjust the height and leg angle. And they keep the stand in position for long periods.
The NEEWER Mini Light Stands are great for low-angle lighting. But you can also use them on tabletops, whether it’s for product, macro, or food photography.
7. Flashpoint Color Coded Pro Air Cushioned Light Stand
| Brand |
Brand
Flashpoint
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Stand Weight |
Stand Weight
5 lb / 2.4 kg
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
4.7 ft / 1.4 m
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
13 ft / 3.96 m
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
20 lb / 9 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Twist locks, air cushioning
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for an extra-high light stand
|
The Flashpoint Color Coded Pro Air Cushioned Light Stand is the best option if you’re looking for height. It has the highest working height of any stand on this list. It has a big weight capacity. Plus, it’s portable and affordable.
Starting with the height, you can extend the stand up to 156 inches (3.96 cm). That’s 13 feet (almost 4 m), twice the size of the average adult. And that’s the working height limit to mount lights. That gives you incredible high-angle lighting options.
You can also use it at lower levels, the lowest being 4.7 ft (1.4 m). That’s a super-wide height range, making the stand more versatile. You can use it for all types of photography and video lights.
It’s also strong as well as tall. It can safely hold a load of up to 20 lb (9 kg), enough for large lights, reflectors, and other accessories. The strength comes from the aluminum construction and the extra leg supports.
Thanks to the air cushioning feature, the stand and your gear are protected against impact damage. It dampens movement in the joints, preventing hard impacts. It’s a helpful safety measure and improves user experience.
You won’t find many higher stands than the Flashpoint Color Coded Pro Light Stand. The height gives you incredible versatility. But it’s also strong enough for large lights. It’s a must-have for anyone’s light stand arsenal.
8. Vallkay C Stand With Boom Arm Light Stand
| Brand |
Brand
Vallkay
|
| Material |
Material
Stainless Steel
|
| Stand Weight |
Stand Weight
9.9 lb / 4.5 kg
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
5 ft / 1.5 m
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
10.8 ft / 3.3 m
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Three clamps, sandbag, two grip heads, boom arm
|
| Best For |
Best For
Studio photographers in need of a complete light stand set
|
If you need a complete lighting set for your studio, you need the Vallkay Boom Arm Light Stand. It’s a C stand with an adjustable and removable boom arm. And it comes with all the trimmings, including clamps and sandbags.
It looks and feels fantastic, with a pure stainless-steel construction. And it’s strong for a light stand of this kind. It can hold a rig weighing up to 22 lb (10 kg), more than more people need.
The two grip heads let you attach the boom arm for angled lighting. And thanks to the second grip head, you can add another mounting pole. It helps you get the exact lighting angle you need. You can also mount directly on the central column if you prefer.
Thanks to the sturdy turtle base, you have excellent stability when lights are mounted. Of course, you might experience balancing issues when using the boom arm. But thankfully, this set comes with a studio sandbag for counterbalance.
With a 5 ft to 10.8 ft (1.5 m to 3.3 m) range, you have plenty of flexibility. You can light table tops for food or macro photography. And you can achieve perfect overhead lighting for portraits or movie scene lighting.
The Vallkay C Stand will only improve your photography studio setup. It’s the most complete light stand set on our list. And it’ll give a big boost to your studio photography. It’s a worthy investment for a busy studio photographer.
Best Light Stands for Photography FAQs
We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about photography light stands to help you find the best option.
Which Light Stand Is Best for Shooting on Location?
The NEEWER Spring Loaded Photography Light Stand is a great option for location shooting. It’s lightweight yet strong. And it folds down to a convenient size for easy transportation. It’s a top all-rounder, so it’s our number-one choice. And it’s just as comfortable to use on location as in the studio.
But the Besnfoto Portable Light Stand is another top option for shooting on location. It’s a specially designed portable light stand. It’s made of lightweight carbon fiber. It folds away to a convenient size. And it comes with a handy carry case. It’s perfect if you’re running from location to location.
The NEEWER Mini Photography Light Stands are another option if you need something portable. They don’t give you the height range of the other two portable options. But they are small and easy to carry around with you. You can use them for anything from open-air portraits to fashion photography.
Which Light Stand Is Best for Studio Photography?
The best option for photography studios is the NEEWER Pro Stainless Steel C Stand with Boom. This C stand gives you the best mounting versatility of any light stand. The stainless steel frame might be heavy. But the stand can carry a heavier load than most rivals.
The NEEWER Heavy Duty Light Stand with Casters is also a good choice for studio photography. The swivel wheels make moving your lighting rigs around the studio easy. It doesn’t have the biggest height range. But it’s great for low-to-mid-level lighting.
The Vallkay C Stand with Boom Arm Light Stand is a more affordable alternative. It’s a solid stand with an impressive weight capacity. Plus, it comes with counterbalance sandbags and extra clamps. It’s a great light stand kit for the studio.
What Material Is Best for Photography Light Stands?
Aluminum and aluminum alloy are good materials for light stands and tripods for photographers. It’s a strong metal that creates a sturdy frame. And it’s also far more lightweight than stainless steel. Stainless steel is the most reliable material, but its heavy weight is a downside.
You should also look out for carbon fiber stands. It’s another strong material but even more lightweight than aluminum. Sometimes, you don’t get the same weight capacity as an aluminum stand. But carbon fiber is often used for reliable portable stands and tripods.
Never opt for cheap, plastic light stands. It might save you a few pennies with the initial purchase. But it will cost you much more when they break (which they always do). Not only will the stand break, but your lights and other accessories will likely be damaged, too.
What Is the Best Lighting Kit for Photography?
As well as individual light stands, you can also buy complete lighting kits for photography. These might be a set of flashes and reflectors. But other kits include flashes, reflectors, softboxes, and light stands. You can read our full article recommending the best photography light kits.
The overall cost can seem daunting. But they work out cheaper than buying each item individually. So, lighting kits offer great value for your money in the long run. They also give you a step up, filling your studio with all the useful accessories for pro-level lighting.
Conclusion: The Best Light Stand
The best light stand lets you position the perfect lighting for your photography. It could be for powerful portraits. It could be for edible food photography images. Or it could be for glamorous fashion photography on location.
There are many different types of light stands to choose from. And each type has its strengths. We’ve seen great all-around stands and portable options for location shooting. Plus, we’ve included C stands for professional studio photography.
The NEEWER Spring Loaded Photography Light Stand was an easy pick for our top spot. The build quality is excellent. And the spring dampening system is a feature every photographer will appreciate. When you combine its quality, strength, and versatility, you get excellent value for your money.
