Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi All,

OK, i've been making do for now, but it's time i get a boom arm so i can expand my lighting options on shoots.

Does anyone have any recommendations for good boom arms that they have been using that aren't too expensive? The heaviest thing i would put on it would be a large 48" octabox and an AB1600. I'm looking at the usual places like Vistek, etc. but can't really tell so far seeing them online.

Thanks

I picked up a Manfrotto 420B last week but not sure if it will work with an octobox, I guess it depends on the size of the octo (48" doesn't sound too bad). I bought it to use with an AB800 and 22inch beauty dish.

I keep seeing this ad on craigslist for a video jib/boom/crane it's a 12 foot arm for less then $200. Search craigslist photo/video for crane or jib.

thanks, forgot about craigslist! Duh!

i bought this in september. it works great.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/495360-REG/Westcott_6017_Complete_Boom_Arm.html

Jim, that looks great! How's the weight handling so far? Any issues?

I have the 420B as well. What I like about it is that it can used as a regular medium duty light stand or you can use it as a boom. Another bonus is the the counter weight is hung by a hook on a hole so you can add anything you have around, like your camera bag to add more leverage.

I also went the Westcott boom arm like Jim. It's not bad. I put on a 22" speedotron + grid/AB800 and extended it about 5' @ 45degrees from the pivot using the stock counterweight (on the heavy duty AB stand). Anything after that I would put on sandbags

But here's the problem with the style of boom the Westcott is - the cam where the boom arm slips in is heavy and the counterweight is heavy. From an on location/minimalist point of view I'd rather not carry extra weight if I don't have to. My camera bag is always quite heavy so why not use it as the counterweight. Just something to think about.

This looks very similar to the one that Paul C Buff used to sell. I wonder if they were the original manufacturer for it? If it is the same, then I would definitely recommend using it with an air cushioned stand.