The Rebirth Of The “Kwik Stand” Light Stand
Do you guys remember when I did a video clip about a light stand that was perfect for wedding photographers because as soon as you lift it up, the legs collapse inward, so sliding it in/out of a church pew was a total no-brainer, and getting in tight places where you normally wouldn’t think of putting a light stand? (here’s that video clip—if you watch it, it’ll all make total sense). Anyway, it was called the Kwik Stand, and a lot of photographers snapped them up, and fell in love with them.
Sadly, the company that invented them closed last year (unrelated to the success of the Kwik Stand), but the good news is; another Kwik Stand lover has not only licensed the technology, but has improved upon it and is now offering their version of the stand, called a “Cheetahstand.” We just got a couple in the studio in the past few weeks, and they’re awesome. (Here’s the link for more info. They’re $89.95 with free shipping in the continental US).
I’ve only used them for Wedding shoots so far, but if you guys have any other ways these might be used, let me know (there just might be something in for you if you come up with something really practical). Anyway, watch the video (link above), then if you’ve got other ideas for how you might use this stand, let me know by posting a comment here on the blog.
One more thing: NAPP members get $10 off. (Hey, 10 bucks is 10 bucks!)
Thanks Scott! This thing is going to be a life saver!
Thanks Scott, another UPS delivery.
I also fell in love with this type of light stands… very awesome and useful gear !
how would it work outdoors trying to incorporate more off camera lighting but do not have a Brad to bring along to hold my lights and things my thoughts are this would blow over any one have a good working solution? Thansk
Hey is Brad busy Saturday…
Sorry, I’ll be busy scaring little kids Saturday. I’m thinking scary clown costume (http://bit.ly/1L19oM), open the door quickly before they knock, evil laughter, then throwing the candy at them as they run away.
Okay, probably not…
you can try the sitting in chair on porch like scarecrow with pumpkin over your head and bowl of candy in your lap and when they reach in your grab there arm…
I, too, would be interested to know how sturdy these stands are for outdoor use, as well as the ability to withstand being packed and unpacked often (wear & tear). I am establishing my business and do not have an assistant to help with shoot set-ups and such, so being able to work quicker and more effortlessly while working with clients would be of great benefit to me. Thanks for always bringing such great information to the forefront!
I have one and they’re great. They are equivalent to any quality, lightweight stand. (These are not a medium or heavy-duty stand, though I believe a medium duty stand is in the works from Cheetahstands.) They are almost exactly the same weight and size as my other name brand lightstands in the lightweight (8-foot) class. Throw a sandbag or two on it, just like any 8′ stand, and you’re good to go.
The self-deploying legs don’t make it less stable, just easier to pick-up, move, and set back down.
I own 7 or 8 lightstands, but this is the ONE that stays in my car with my tripod, just in case I need a lightstand for an unplanned shoot.
Awesome, Larry, thanks for the feedback!
Wow … lightweight, portable … these lightstands seem perfect for wireless speedlights. Question: I use Nikon SB 600s and 800s. I notice the Cheetahstand website sells an accessory ’side lock cold shoe’. Is this what I need to mount the speedlights, or is there a Nikon part that’s preferred. I’ve been using Justin clamps … and I guess I could use those clamped to the Cheetahstands. Thoughts … ?
David Ziser has a good clamp that will fit and can hold an umbrella and your flash.
I use the kwikstand. I ordered 3 more. didn’t see the discount
We use the stand constantly and it is my most requested equipment to borrow.
As far as unusual uses, I use it to mount a remote radio’d camera in places the churches don’t allow us access to. Pretty slick. The real gem about this stand is your incredible ability to walk through a crowd. I appreciate the quick grab and go, but just grabbing it and walking through a crowd is absolutely the amazing part of this stand. Those of you who have to break down those stands know what I am talking about.
I hope this guy stays in business.
Ed Tang (owner/maker) contacted me and we got the discount resolved. Very proactice customer relations. I hope he can maintain this level of service. It is quite refreshing.
Chris
I have another idea for its use:
How about if you hook up those legs to one of those machines that’s filled with stuffed animals and trinkets.
Then you put in a quarter and move those legs with a joystick.
Then you let go of the joystick, and they drop and close on the trinkets and pull it up and give it you. The action of the legs in that animated gif looks perfect for this use.
…so what do I win for this snazzy idea?
My question is does it CLANG together like the one in the original video? I have great uses for one or two of these, but that noise would get me fired in half a second.
Jim-
I didn’t mind the sound when deploying or lifting, but the rattle while riding around in my car was a bit much for my taste. I’ve padded the one I carry in my trunk so it doesn’t rattle, but it seems you can either have quick, smooth operation with easy deploy and retraction OR quiet. Not both.
Sorry.
Scott,
Cool! Thanks for posting this! I’ve been wondering if there was something like this out there.
Forget weddings. I’m shooting around kids a lot, both still and video, and this would be a fantastic tool! Most of the time I don’t have anyone to help me, so being able to easily get a directional lighting rig in and out and around a cramped classroom, hall, or even gym would be great. And to do it quickly without banging the light stand’s legs into something, or someone, is even better.
If I did have an extra pair of hands with me it would probably work similar to a monopod with a light on the top; only in this case you can sit it down after you get it positioned. Might be a little bottom heavy possibly, but I bet it’s manageable.
I wonder if there is a small, video light that could mount on it? Or maybe an arm for a reflector holder? Might need a larger stand for that.
Cool stuff! Thanks again for the post!
– Eric
Hi Eric:
Thanks for the post, and congratulations!!!! I have an extra Cheetahstand and I’m going to send it to you, for taking the time to share with me how you would use it.
I’ll contact you via email.
Have a great weekend,
-Scott
Scott,
As someone who shoots mostly architecture, these stands are a real plus. I usually use an SB-900 on camera and CLS indoors for interiors. I then use 2 or 3 SB-800s on stands with diffusers either pointed up into the ceilings or with 42″ umbrellas for soft light. Imagine moving through an antique home and into tight spaces with stands that you have to untighten and straighten the legs on to get them through the doors and into tight spaces only to have to tighten them again. The Cheetah stands let me just pick up the stands and move the SB-800s into the next room and even carry two of them side by side easily without banging into the doorways etc.
They make a great accessory for an architectural shooter when working on interiors.
Scott, hope all is well. In addition to all your sites/blogs, etc…I also read Ken Rockwell. He is raving about the new Leica M9…go a take on that???
Blurred
This looks handy for places where rollers won’t work.
Wow! No way! Believe me, I will put it to good use.
Thank you!
I love those stands I cant wait till I get my own. thanks for the info
I got mine at Denny’s. They have a Kwik Stand in stock. It goes on sale now and then. Only draw back, not a wide stance, and with a shoot through umbrella makes it sail worthy.
I love my Kwik Stand! I’ll have to pick up a Cheetah now. Thanks, Scott!
Just received my Cheetah stand here in Hong Kong. So far Im very impressed, great customer service and very cool product. Looking forward to using this weekend on some lifestyle portrait shoots. Going to be using it with sb900 and will also try it out with my ranger quadra.
I am thinking of buying one of these here in Australia but the shipping really kills us why can’t they have something like this available here Grrrr…….
-Dene
The code is for NAPP’s members only.(Thanks to Master Kelby’s video inspire me to make this stand)
It will work if you only order one stand,not combo.or with any other products.
If you want more than one stand or just one stand with some other products on our website,Go ahead place the order.do not put the code in there and drop us a note(with the code) on your order or email us(with the code) after you place the order ,We’ll veriyfy your NAPP membership and refund the discount to your PayPal account on each stand you order before we ship your order.
Sorry about the inconvience.
-Edward
Not necessarily to generate competition for the Kwikstand guys, but I got an email today from Denny Manufacturing re their new “Denny EZ Stand” which looks to be a similar product. They are presently running a special of one for $59.95 or two for $99.95.
I haven’t seen these in person, nor have I seen the Kwikstand, so I have no info on how quality compares, but your readers might be interested in this alternative as well.
I’ve seen and used both the Denny and the Cheetah stand. There’s no comparison. The Cheetah is by far a better design with better build quality.
For anyone considering these stands, take a look at what others are saying:
TMR Design’s review on POTN:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=723990
Video Review of Denny vs Cheetah stand:
http://www.markeric.com/?p=1335
Comparison table between the Denny and Cheetah:
http://www.hs.facebook.com/note.php?…d=193646822344
Article discussing the use of the Denny & Cheetah and how they compare to each other:
http://www.rkd-photo.com/blog/2009/1…for-strobists/
In my above post, apparently the last link at RKD Photo is no longer a working link. Sorry about that.
This is the correct and working link at RKD Photo:
http://www.rkd-photo.com/blog/2009/10/21/things-that-go-bump-during-a-shoot-a-solution-for-strobists/
I ordered a cheetah boom stand and it arrived the other day. All I can say is WOW!!! This is a terrific product.