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sandbag recommendation - how heavy do I need?

haring

Member
I have a Flashpoint Rovelight 600 monolight. I would like to take it to the beach for engagement photos and wedding photos.
The only problem is that it is a little bit top heavy. The battery is in the head unit itself.
I would like to use the light on a manfrotto light stand and a medium size softbox.

I am just wondering what size of sandbag do I need? What is your recommendation? We often shoot engagement sessions ans wedding portrait sessions on the beach. Wind is an issue.
 

seres

New member
I use lead shot in my sandbags, each one about 10kg. That makes a small sandbag into a heavy sandbag.

But if I was placing a medium moonlight, with battery, in a medium softbox, on a beach (windy), I would have an assistant holding that lightstand at all times. Even with multiple sandbags.
 

haring

Member
I use lead shot in my sandbags, each one about 10kg. That makes a small sandbag into a heavy sandbag.

But if I was placing a medium moonlight, with battery, in a medium softbox, on a beach (windy), I would have an assistant holding that lightstand at all times. Even with multiple sandbags.
Thanks so much! Assistant is the best solution, I guess.
 

robmac

Well-known member
We typically use old rubber dry bags, or any old HD bag we or find and fill them with gravel (easier clean up if leaks). Long tube-like bags are nice as you can create a void in middle to allow it to be draped around base of a stand. A Superclamp with a J hook or a Matthellini clamp make great hangers for packs or bags when placed low on the centre column (assuming not C-stand).

The minimum weight needed is hard to tell - depends on the stand weight, modifier, light weight, angle, wind, etc. An assistant is still the best (plus a bag as they'll have to let go sometime). A beach test session with an empty bag(s), your usual mod(s) and a small kids shovel for some trial & error might be an idea.

We use Profoto, including the B1 (akin to the Rove) and one very distinct 'plus' of an alternative pack & head system is the pack can be used as weight often - but we don't shoot weddings where shoot & scoot mandates minimal gear.

We LOVE our B1s, but every video I see where someone is using one (often on an extension arm) with no counterweight while touting how portable the kit is makes me cringe.
 
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