Manfrotto MS0490A Nanopole Stand (6.4)

I read all the reviews and watched the videos and, once again, the fanboys have led us astray. This stand is flimsy, wobbly (read: delicate) very difficult to tighten down and cheaply made. And you have to really tighten it down just to stop the segments from sliding out on their own when packed down. My riser states 'Made in China.' and is the same as any other cheap riser, with the exception that the segments come loose until you really tighten knobs. But the knobs are cheap plastic and will likely strip at some point with this required tension. The base is very thin aluminum riveted together, as is the brass-looking stud on top - riveted with a tiny connection. With a speedlight and Westcott 26 Rapid Box it is about all it can handle at riser full height (legs almost 90 degrees to floor) I wouldn't put an AD200/Xplor 200 with S-Type bracket and Bowens modifier on this stand, as that is likely too heavy. YES, you can try a heavier lighting arrangement, per the fanboy suggestions, but it's silly to do so in anything but perfectly calm days and on a level surface. And watching it sway/bounce back and forth is silly. I'm not impressed with this stand, especially given it's price. I'm guessing the Flashpoint version is better suited for location lighting, and the Matthews reverse stand is even better/stronger. This stand is overrated, overpriced (per materials and construction) I like the concept but not the implementation and cannot recommend anyone buy it at this price point.