C-stands facts, misconceptions, & advanced uses

Do we really need another C-Stand video? Let me present my case: There are more uses for a C-Stand than most videos cover. With years of set work, I've seen them used in a variety of unique ways. We'll cover those in this video, along with the basics, and some times when the C-Stand isn't the right stand for the job.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#cstand #tutorial #lightstand
Gear used in this video:
Kupo C-stand (complete) w/ turtle base: www.vistek.ca/store/272579/ku...
Kupo C-stand (complete) w/ sliding leg: www.vistek.ca/store/272578/ku...
Kupo Super Viser (aka cardellini clamp): www.vistek.ca/store/225012/ku...
Kupo Super Clamp: www.vistek.ca/store/224071/ku...
Kupo Long Double Slug (aka Nail Pin) www.vistek.ca/store/270019/ku...
Tenba Tools Heavy Sandbag (travel) www.vistek.ca/store/227487/te...
15lb Sandbag: www.vistek.ca/store/417439/vi...

[@acouragefann]

A 10 minute long video with essentially no unnecessary filler and all subject matter? Subscribed.

[@vistek]

Thank you MC !!

[@CirqueitOfficial]

yeah. this is one of the best youtube channels ever imo

[@GarageGeek]

Best C-Stand video on CZcams!

[@declicked]

exactly.

[@wendyewing5305]

Agree!

[@stevofoo]

BEST C-STAND TUTORIAL!!!!!!

[@vistek]

Thank you Steve! Really appreciate that you took the time to say so!

[@stevofoo]

@@vistek we really appreciate you took the time to make these great video as well!!!
Thank you again!!! Great channel!!! ☺️

[@gervaldofrancisco7794]

I swearrrrr

[@matt-marque]

I'm always struck by the emphasis on safety, order and methodology that is common to actual professionals. This was super informative and well-presented, to the point where I probably learned more in these 10 minutes than I have in the past year.

[@vistek]

Thanks for the amazing comment Matt! I really appreciate it! Knowing that you found it that helpful makes me very happy.

[@Tailslaters]

I skinny up/squash a c-stand to a wall all the time, but haven't seen the corner skinny! I love that this now exists in my brain. Thanks!

[@vistek]

Sweet! Thanks for the great comment!

[@andyoncam1]

One thing to remember when you are turning the C stand up-side-down to spread the feet is to make sure the extension knobs are tight first. Failure to do this when you turn the stand upright again can result in the stand expectantly reaching its full length perhaps striking someone standing nearby or the set/ expensive furniture/ the wall.

[@jacquesmersereau4173]

And watch out putting a scratch or dent into the floor when setting the stand tip on ot it - not a good look for the homeowner.

[@orthoooo]

your toe nails will thank you as well

[@lobisw]

It says a lot about the quality of this video that I came for one small bit of info that was helpfully right at the start, and the clear, no filler style of it made me watch until the very end. Great work.

[@vistek]

Thank you Lobi! Warms my heart!

[@OrenArieli]

Good video. I'd only add a few things and they involve the amazingly useful split tennis balls. If you're inverting the c-stand to spread the legs, I suggest keeping that tennis ball on the tip, so you don't accidentally crack a tile (seen it done), or scratch a wood floor (seen that too). Also, I keep a bunch of split tennis balls handy when I'm shooting in someone's home or corporate offices. Place one on each foot so as not to scratch the floors. The color also helps people avoid kicking them when walking around a set. The client will appreciate the gesture, even if the floors have 18 coats of hard-coat polyurethane on them.

[@SomewhatAbnormal]

10 minutes that are worth watching. There are many more videos on C-stands but this is by far the best.

[@vistek]

Really appreciate the great comment, BRS!! 🙏🏼

[@IWTBFOY]

Wow such an awesome video. I been doing production for 8 years and still learned some new stuff in this video.

[@vistek]

Thanks Victor! Super appreciate the great comment! 🙏🏼

[@dchillman]

The most comprehensive C-Stand video out there. Kudos.

[@vistek]

Thank you so much Dave! Really appreciate the wonderful comment. Means a great deal.

[@danaross]

Excellent. I've been on set and working with C-stands on and off for decades, and I learned a lot here. Brilliant! Well done. BTW they are called C-Stands because the originals were Century Stands.

[@MaxMRasmussen]

The video I did not know I needed. Thank you!

[@vistek]

Thanks Max!

[@RyanSandorRichards]

“Why is it called a C-stand? Who cares.” Thank you, goddamnit thank you. One video spent almost 30 seconds going into the history and I was like “Does this guy not like retention?”

[@vistek]

Haha. Thank you!

[@SathanaST]

This video are so jam packed with quality content which are very rare these days. Respect.

[@vistek]

Thank you Sathana! What a wonderful comment! 🙏🏼

[@kissu_io]

The only person that properly explained why exactly the grip head should be on the right. 🎊

[@vistek]

I'm thrilled! Thank you!

[@rich8037]

I got here by chance. I didn't even know what a C-stand is, so I watched a little just to find out. Now I know, and I probably won't ever need to use one. But I just wanted to say that I love, LOVE, the look you have got in this video. Lighting and colour balance to live and die for. Nice one!

[@vistek]

Thank you Richard! Really wonderful comment!

[@stever2074]

Awesome! Thanks especially for the safety tips for setting up and breaking down the stand and accessories.

[@theopats2660]

It was 10 minutes full of useful information and no advertising. Excellent video

[@vistek]

Thank you Theo! Mission accomplished!

[@lindalawson4296]

This has got to be the best stand video I have ever viewed. Thank you!

[@vistek]

Thanks Linda!

[@ThingsStudsBuy]

Great info + tips + clear details + no fluff + no music = new subscriber

[@vistek]

Thank you for your support & kind words!

[@ernie28ernie]

Best video about c-stands I ever watched, with lots of professional tips. Thank You! :)

[@MultiKinglarry]

Wow! This happened to be my first C-stand video… no need for any other … ever!
Thanks

[@vistek]

Thanks Yogi Bear!!

[@VllKlNG]

This is the best C-Stand video I've watched. Thanks for your tips. Subbed!

[@vistek]

Thank you V King! So appreciate the great comment and the support!

[@ivondavid]

thank you very much Mr. Vistek for your excellent info!

[@midwestdocumentarycenterin1680]

The corner application at 7:15 was a new one for me. Thanks for this!

[@vistek]

Thanks for the kind comment!

[@007xyzzy]

The best c-Stand video! Excellent work!

[@vistek]

Thank you Andy!

[@uniworkhorse]

Love the "google it yourself" for tangents that would take up too much of the viewer's time in the main vid. Awesome tips and it's always so cool to learn about grip terminology!

[@GuyBoggan]

BY FAR the best C-stand tutorial I've seen, top job 👏🏼

[@vistek]

Thank you Guy!

[@Gohsp]

Excellent piece - best I've come across on c-stands. Thanks for posting.

[@vistek]

Thank you HSP! Very appreciative of your comment!

[@DavidVelezPhotography]

Thanks, Dale! Definitely a video worth saving and watching more than one time!

[@vistek]

Thanks a bunch, David!

[@ptw_cine]

This is the best c-stand tutorial I have ever see!!

[@vistek]

Thank you Hobber!! Really appreciate the comment.

[@railenmiles]

Very comprehensive! Thank you so much! I was thinking about getting a c-stand but had a lot of questions. This clears things up quite well.

[@vistek]

Thanks for the great comment! Happy to hear it was helpful!

[@michaelmcphee2930]

Impressive vid, on point throughout, effectively presented in about ten minutes.
I'm a retired on site safety advisor that worked in construction and was pleased to see the effort made on promoting safety. Good advice and wise considering the litigious nature of many these days. Excellent.

[@vistek]

Thank you Michael! Safety first! Keep your fingers and eyeballs intact!

[@JonasBecker]

So much valuable information, you wouldn't get without being on countless big sets, holy moly! Thank you so much!

[@vistek]

Thanks for the great comment, Jonas!

[@sabesyed222]

Such a great video with no nonsense and straight up facts! Thanks for making this.

[@vistek]

Thank you Sabe!

[@ChrisLeeX]

Kicking the sandbags off, the attention to details :D

[@orangejjay]

This is easily the best c stand video on CZcams. And thanks to it, I have all I need to know about them (and some glorious tips like ALWAYS. WEAR. GLOVES. and to mount a light to a grip head and not just directly to the end of the arm). ❤

[@vistek]

Thank you so much orangejjay!! So very much appreciated.

[@chrismcgowan6385]

WOW... very educational! Had no idea there was SO MUCH I didn't know about c-stands. Subscribed!!!

[@vistek]

Thanks Chris!

[@theonemodifier]

Much appreciated. I use one with a boom cradle 12 or 18 foot carbon fiber poles for shotgun mic. Much easier on the boom operators back for those long drawn out scenes. I always put the tall leg with the boom, but never knew to put the sand bag on it, in front, always thought it should be on the opposite rear leg as a counterbalance. thanks so much, learn something everyday

[@gdb2db]

Clear, and easy to follow safety instructions. Thank you.

[@vistek]

Thanks Thor2020!

[@autonomous9031]

This video offers true value. Thank you so much this is awesome🙏

[@vistek]

Thank you Autonomous! Really appreciate that you took the time to share this comment.

[@Mike0193Azul]

Very thorough and in depth thank you

[@MaxIsBackInTown]

Incredible video!! Please make more vids like this!! knowing how to use clamps, stands,flags, diffuseres ect like this is invaluable .

[@vistek]

Thank you Daniel! When the time allows, I'd love to do more grip & electric videos.

[@nightsky999]

I had no idea what a c stand was. Thank you.

[@AndrewMurphyFilms]

Dude this is quality So many things I didn't know about c stands! Love the corner one!

[@DaytonaShooter]

I love ç stands. Not sure why, but I do. Thank you for showing those sexy monsters off and allowing them to revel in their glory! Where would the world be without them? They don't get a lot of recognition. You delivered just appreciation.
Long live the C-stand. At least for a century! 🦊🇺🇸

[@mrbardo]

Absolutely superb video with no waffle - just solid advice from someone who clearly knows what they're talking about. Thank you!

[@vistek]

Thank you Jason! Really appreciate it!

[@p.burley4533]

I have a spreader with a boom (purchased for mic), looking to get a C-stand, but not sure…I hoped C’s were less prone to tipping. Anyway, the “who cares” part was hilariously true!

[@DevonLadd]

attention to safety and ergonomy is so underated

[@VideoUpskill]

This was so awesome, so much practical knowledge. Thanks!

[@vistek]

Thank you Video Upskill!

[@magdalenastone724]

Thank you for taking the time and creating those with such detail info. If you don't have one, I would love one about all those pins, baby pins, studs, what is what and for what! Clamps, super clamps etc. This is all new, and adding language difference, even more, confusing when reading just descriptions on the internet shopping sites!

[@vistek]

Thank you Magdelena. Fortunately it's quite simple. There isn't very many options. There are only two ways to mount a light or grip. Baby pins & Junior Receivers. They also go by another name 750 pin or 2k receiver. This number refers to the average light wattage that are typically paired these pins or receivers. However, 2k receivers can take lights as large as 20/18,000 watts, and 750 pins can take anything from 100w to 2k watts. It's obviously an estimation at best. Most lights that you can lift as one person will typically (but not always) fit on a stand with a 750 pin. If it's heavy enough to require a 2nd person, you'll always need a 2k stand. Hope that makes sense to you. As for clamps, it's also just as easy. There are some fun types of clamps out there for sure, like chain vices, duck-bills, etc - honestly, if you're just starting out, you'll likely never need to use these. They're quite esoteric. The only clamps we use on a daily basis are cardellini (aka mathellini) clamps or super clamps. Simple as that. Hope that helps.

[@HDEFMAN1]

This is one fascinating video. I was hooked right from the beginning. The depth of knowledge on display here is impressive.

[@vistek]

Thank you for the great comment!

[@sethko123]

Very nice! THX you and the little hero.

[@Only1Science]

Subscribed! Nothing but straight to the point quality video. 👍🏽

[@andrewenyeart3501]

I'm liking/commenting 49% for the info & production value, 51% for the small, but well-chosen bottle selection. (Former bartender, here.)

[@vistek]

Thanks Andrew! I appreciate the enjoyment in the background details. Most of what I have is hidden, but there is always a good rotation happening on the top. Big fan of aperitifs and digestives particularly.

[@andrewenyeart3501]

@@vistek Awesome! My first bar job was at an amaro-focused spot called Herb & Bitter, so I'm right there with ya. More than half my bottles at home are bittersweet, herbal liqueurs, and I actually named my cat "Cynar". 😅 Do you have any current (or all-time) favorites?

[@vistek]

I do love a good amaro, no question. They're all good, to my taste. I lived in France for a while, so I developed a taste for Pastis and Chartreuse. Those are often on the bar as well.

[@paulbear5664]

super love the safety emphasis

[@vistek]

Thanks for the comment, paulbear5664!

[@Toyrapy]

WOW, straight to the point, and all great points, thank you!

[@vistek]

Thanks Tom Toy!

[@stephenpoonskies]

Fantastic video. I found that I did a couple of the advanced moves intuitively, but also needed to refresh a couple fundamentals in the basics bit! Thanks for the great content!

[@vistek]

Thanks Stephen!

[@sam.oates_]

This is such a great best practice video, Thank you!

[@vistek]

Thank you Sam!

[@gmpixel9336]

So many good advices packed in 10 mn deserve a thumbs up !

[@vistek]

Thank you GM Pixel!!

[@HaydnRushworth-Filmmaker]

Mate! That was just THE. MOST. FANTASTIC tutorial!! Thanks very much :-)

[@ScoTreVan]

Hi Dale, I just purchased my first set of C Stands from Lencarta, this was super helpful, I didn't know what I didn't know, now I do thanks to you. (Subbed)

[@pecadorD]

Fantastic video! Thanks!

[@madsastvad]

Really solid content. So useful. You seriously deserve more exposure. Keep it up!

[@vistek]

Thank you very much Mads! Super kind comment. -D

[@hellotorin]

Fantastic video! I think for the solo filmmakers/videographers who are go-go-go they try to MacGyver or use 'common sense' with C-Stands but just like with any tool it'll benefit you to take the time to learn its strengths and weaknesses and how to properly use it in different scenarios. So much useful info packed into 10 minutes!

[@vistek]

Thanks Torin!

[@BillLivingstone]

Wow really good tutorial for c-stands! I'm definitely putting this in my favourites.

[@vistek]

Wonderful comment! Thank you Bill!

[@lindakuo88]

So so good. So well explained, and demonstrated. Thank you!!

[@vistek]

Thank you Linda!

[@itaylorm]

Wonderful detail in here thank you!

[@vistek]

Thank you Taylor, and you're welcome!

[@EdwardKilner]

Some excellent content here. Never been on a set, fine introduction to very basic good practices.

[@vistek]

Thank you Edward!

[@PhillipBridgesReviews]

Answered so many questions. Thanks

[@chrisnewton8418]

Nicely done Dale! This old dog learned a few new tricks.

[@vistek]

Thanks Chris!

[@melvinraschke3204]

wow, learned so much, amazing channel, thank you!

[@vistek]

Thanks Melvin!!

[@jessestarks3128]

Extremely informative tutorial. I don't own a C-Stand but plan to purchase one. That said you provided good information on when to use a regular stand over a C-Stand.

[@vistek]

Thank you Jesse! I very much appreciate the comment.

[@Paddy_Mac]

Top video Dale! Love the tip for using the stem from a turtle base stand as a boom. Very cool!

[@vistek]

Thanks Paddy!!

[@plutomarket]

Simply cool video! Easy though very informative. Thanks!

[@vistek]

Thanks for the great comment!

[@yeohszehow]

thank you very much for this informative tutorial.
I was about to invest in a C Stand which cost more than all the tripod stand I own in my studio.... which I find actually I have no use for C Stand actually.
All these while I thought a C Stand would be much safer outdoors and to boom heavier lights with modifiers and I was planning to extend the boom the arm further than 40 inches with aditional grip heads... guess now it make sense to me...
Thank you and God Bless You..
May your production be fruitful and successful.
All the best from Malaysia

[@vistek]

THanks Delon! So glad that we produced something that could be helpful for you and your work!

[@JuanCastro-dx1jk]

Great content, simple, well explained, no bullshit, straight to the point, that's how I like it, SUBSCRIBED

[@LeonardoVarasGuerrero]

Very complete and fun video!

[@vistek]

Thanks Leonardo!

[@luissalazar2021]

Great job team, hey you do have a good helper Thanks for sharing

[@vistek]

Thanks Luis. Define "helper" :)

[@Wizdumb97]

You just taught me almost too much information within 10 minutes. Absolutely a great video. Thanks for the knowledge. Amazing video unlike so many that are online. Thank you.

[@vistek]

Thank you Wizdumb! Super appreciate the support & kind words!

[@bebeboom2081]

This is really helpful and well produced.

[@vistek]

Thanks Bebeboom!

[@lulinalulu2744]

Best C-Stand tutorial 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@vistek]

Thank you Lulina! I supper appreciate your wonderful comment.

[@nicolasfieldsoundservices]

Super useful! Thank you very much, my C-stand game just leveled up!

[@vistek]

Thank you NFSS!

[@chriseagland]

Superb video. Thank you.

[@vistek]

Thanks Chris!

[@gurugee2112]

Perfectly to the point. Well done.

[@vistek]

Thank you Guru!!

[@bcl1039]

This was the video i needed! Thanks!🔥🔥🔥

[@vistek]

Thank you!!

[@hedgehogenglish]

Great informative video. Thank you!

[@vistek]

Thank you Simple English!

[@ChrisSilverman]

“Compelled to telling me I’m doing it wrong” 😂

[@cris_photography]

Very nice video - to the point. Thanks mate

[@vistek]

Thanks CP! 🙏

[@joiesong]

Thanks! really helpful.

[@forrestning8305]

Super awesome real world exp.! Thanks for the vid

[@vistek]

Thanks Forrest!

[@PulpFreePress]

Thanks! Well presented!

[@vistek]

Thanks PFP!

[@visualtrigger2469]

Exceptionally well done!

[@vistek]

Thank you Visual Trigger!

[@slideralexa02]

Que chevere video!! Saludos desde Ecuador 🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨

[@teacherofteachers1239]

I just have two C-stands so far and knew I did not have C-stand "game." This is the best vid on this topic I have seen so far. The addition of information on spreader stands corrected my thoughts on those (I was moving toward abandoning them altogether), so that is much appreciated. Excellent presentation, thanks. - Dave

[@vistek]

Thank you Dave! What a fantastic comment!

[@gregthompson8062]

If you want the most versatile stand used on film sets that has c stand capability. It's a 3 riser beefy baby stand with rock mountain leg with added 40" grip arm and head. That will take care of most situations there is. -Greg

[@ottawamountainman]

Love the corner trick. Will use that!

[@vistek]

Thanks OMM! 🙏🏼

[@photo2000]

excellent tut!!

[@CajournoOddity]

Very informative and enjoyable tutorial on C-stands. C-stands are my friends now 😁

[@vistek]

Thank you Cajourno!

[@YaleWall]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@vistek]

Thank you!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

There are a lot of tips here that may seem 'common sense' but I learned a ton... Especially on how to position the legs

[@vistek]

Thank you Matthew!