Smith-Victor Tabletop or Background Light Stand (18')

small, compact, I use it in combination to a AD200 pro for background effects on portraits also in product photography (glass for example) that I wish to light from underneath on an acrylic table.

he stand extends to 21-1/2 inches, not 18 inches. The baseplate is heavy and measures 7 inches square. The screw mounted under the baseplate is countersunk so the plate lies flat on the surface. The base plate mounting screw thread is 1/4-20, and the shaft is long enough to securely engage the extendable pole without any wobble. The baby pin is configured with a 1/4-20 screw thread. The extension moves smoothly within its two sections and the locks hold the extension securely without having to apply too much pressure on the locking mechanism. I have added a flat regular weight plate of 1-1/4 pounds to the rig to hold the stand down more securely. You can further secure the stand with other weight devices, but the weight plates work best because they don't slide off as you move the stand. This configuration is more versatile than a clamp stand because it requires no minimum overhang on the table for the clamping mechanism to grab hold on the edge of the table. And, it can be moved around the surface of the table as needed to cast the right shadows for your shoot. Both the mounting screw on the base plate and the mounting stud on the baby pin were shipped with thread protection. I use wing nuts on all my threaded studs for more permanent protection. My only suggestion would have been to enlarge the base plate mounting screw to 3/16- 16. I have noted that this can also be used as floor stand, but i have not purchased it for that purpose, as i have more sturdy floor stands to hold proper lighting fixtures that are heavier, such as Arri's and other larger LED fixtures. All in all, a very satisfying purchase for holding light weight light fixture , such as on-camera LEDs for shooting smaller objects.

I use it with an Aputure MC on my computer desk near the webcam during video calls. The MC securely threads on top of the post. I attached four thin felt stick-on pads to the metal base of the stand. Now I can slide the light and stand around on the desk without scratching it's surface. It is very stable and just what I needed.

Sturdy, simple and reliable. Using it with Amaran 100x bi-color light for microphotography of flint artifacts and could not be happier.

WORKS VERY WELL. EASY TO USE AN D CONTINUALLY VARIABLE HEIGHT. THE BIG DIFERENCE IS THAT THIS HAS A HEVIER SQUARE SOLID BASE PLATE WHICH CAN'T MLOVED BY AN ACCIDENTAL TOUCH.