What kind of boom stands do you use?

My advice is not to buy any of that cheap, light weight garbage that is designed for photographers. I've been using these Manfrotto 420B boomstands for more than 10 years and they are great. They'll hold just about anything you want to put on them and can also work as a normal light stand. They fold up just like a normal light stand, too. If you saw one in person and experienced how easy to work with and how rock solid they are you'd recognize why they are worth every penny.

The pictures at B&H don't really do them justice. I'm not sure I'd buy them based on the photos, but trust me, they are more versatile than what it appears.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546705-REG/Manfrotto_420B_420B_Combi_Boom_Stand.html
 
Douglas is spot on! most of that junk will fail quickly and without a doubt at the worst time. Manfroto, Avenger or Matthews stands will hold up over time and repeated deployments. Avoid pinch collar type stands the positive brakes like found in the 420 B are much more robust.

I prefer folding stands with a lazy keg to c-stands but I generally roll around with a giant truck. Pelican rifle cases and aluminum make travel possible. If you're hangin' any real weight on those booms stainless is the way to got. More weight and money but you'll have them as long as you have need.

Granddaddy said "buy the right tool once, the wrong tool you'll buy over and over.

Cheers
 
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I use the same stands Douglas recommended for hair lights for sit down interviews. Mine doesn't go up very high though, so its not great for standing subjects.

I also have two of these boom arms that go on C-stands for flying out lights for two camera interviews. You can hang a pretty heavy light off them. They are heavy, but heavy duty too.

Avenger D600 boom arm.

I've been looking for an adapter to turn the light spud at the end by 90 degrees. I guess it doesn't matter as much with LEDs, but it would be nice for a Fresnel or some thing. Does any one have a recommendation?
 
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